How Can We Get Involved in Community Service?

It seems obvious to all of us that we are a part of the community, but how often do we think about giving back to the community? I believe, every so often we should take the opportunity to get actively involved in community service. It can be in the capacity of a social worker, health care professional or simple volunteer. It does not have to be a big financial commitment; the involvement itself can make a big difference. However, that involvement has to be in a meaningful way. There are certain aspects that need to be covered in order to participate in community service. Purposeless activities result in nothing but wasted energy, time, and resources. Therefore, if you are sincere enough to make a difference in your community, consider it a serious project and prepare accordingly. Let us look at some basic building blocks for such projects :

Step I : You need to have a plan. Properly set goal and vision is necessary for any task at hand. Only then can you discuss the options available to arrange activities. You can talk to people who are actively involved in community to plan activities and take steps accordingly. It does not hurt to get ideas through parent-teacher meetings or town hall meetings. Any big project, for example : community-wide youth development and prevention-planning efforts always require comprehensive involvement by each and every group of the neighborhood.

Step II : Once you have received adequate attention, it is important to define the community; in other words, to know the community to evaluate the needs. You can identify the readiness in handling the pressing issues. You have to anticipate the problems that you may encounter along the process. Maybe you can do a little bit of research on similar neighborhoods.

Step III : Now you should be ready to recruit leaders and other grass root level workers. Make sure you complete the preliminary organization paying attention to the scope of prevention efforts based on the anticipated hurdles.

Step IV : It is easy to offer help but how accepting will the community be? That should be a genuine concern. So, get in touch with the leaders in the community, introduce yourself. When needed, work under an organization to reach out to a broader community.

If you do not have manpower and still have the heart to reach out, just go to the church or visit any orphanage and offer help. After all, the thought is what counts. You can make a difference in your own way.

If you are a student, look for opportunities to participate in the community service programs being offered through the school. During my junior and senior years I regularly participated in community-wide dental screening programs offered by our school and Colgate Dental Van as a joint effort. Since then our school has launched its own community outreach program : the PennSmiles Dental Van .

Recently, I also read on cnn.com about Marathoner Anne Mahlum of Philadelphia, who formed the "Back On My Feet" running club for the homeless people. I found the story extremely inspiring. We can all make a difference and together we can accomplish a lot.