Help Your Community - Volunteer Today!

If I know anything I know this. A life that promotes advocacy for others in your community or around the globe is one which is actively involved. There are thousands of nonprofit organizations that give you the ability to be involved so call one today.

What Makes Us Happy?

I saw a survey the other day that my wife cut from a newspaper 30 years ago. The survey was on what makes us happy and you know what was number one on the list? Volunteering was the run away favorite. Last was making money. Its ironic that those around us mean more then we ever thought when it comes to our happiness.

So why not get out there and help your community and neighbors? It will make you appreciate all your blessings as well as reduce stress in your life. But how do you get started?

7 Ways to Become Involved in Your Community

First list three nonprofit organizations that interest you. You can start with going to http://volunteermatch.org and see what is available.

Google the three organizations and attend one of their events or communicate with their staff about volunteering and access their needs.

Based on the above criteria make a choice and a commitment. Connect with the organizations volunteer's coordinator and let them know your skill's inventory so they can place you were it will do the most good for the organization.

Organize things like vacation, holidays, and weekends around this organization.

Blog, or write about your experiences so others are encouraged by your actions to do more in their communities.

Make a financial pledge and a date it is due every month. Place it on your financial calendar.

Last is to organize your friends to come and join you and make this a time for social interaction.

Don't forget to include and network with other volunteers as you will find a lot of common ground with those you serve along side.

Help Others to have More Fun

There is nothing more rewarding then helping others and having fun.

I went to Costa Rica a few years ago with some other men to help roof and paint buildings for a summer camp for kids. We worked hard all day, at the end of the day we went down to the nice cool creek that ran along the back of the property. We sat on the rocks in the river enjoying a summer beverage while discussing the day's activities and planned for the next day.

We all became better friends and it was very hard to go home at the end of the week but we made plans for the trip again the next year. What a great time and we helped the kids in Costa Rica also.

Help Others Before You Need Help

Even though volunteering is a blast it is always and foremost a means of lending support to others who are like you and I. Sometimes I forget that, except by the grace of God that I could be homeless or wheel chair bound not being able to support myself. Think long and hard about needing help and not being able to find it.

When I remember helping others means helping myself, I instantly turn my head and look for the first person that I can offer a hand. Its a way of life that sticks with you and influences others to get involved.

Come on lets everyone lend someone a hand up today. The world will be better if we do.