My Turn Day and How to Be a Part of It

For most people living in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Kidd Kraddick is a well-known name associated with local radio station, 106.1 Kiss FM. Host of his own morning show, Kidd Kraddick has gained fame in the radio world through nationally aired broadcasts. Kidd Kraddick in the Morning is synonymous with laughter and provides listeners with a great way to wake up in the morning. But, in times where more and more Americans are finding themselves in need of help, this morning show has challenged its listeners to make a change by simply volunteering. Their efforts have turned in a day that they hope spreads like wildfire throughout the country - My Turn Day.

What?

The idea behind My Turn Day is quite simple; Kidd Kraddick and his fellow co-hosts simply ask that you sit down, come up with a way to volunteer, and then on February 10, 2009 make an announcement to the world of your plans to make a difference in someone's life through your volunteer work. So, after you come up with your way to volunteer, on that specific day, you will make your intentions public to everyone you know. Post your plans in your Facebook status, text message everyone in your phone, shoot an email to everyone on your email list, write a note about it on your MySpace, etc. At the end of your announcement, encourage others to volunteer - let it be their turn to make a difference, too.

Why?

As our economy continues on its unpredictable rollercoaster, more and more Americans find themselves in need of help on a daily basis. There has never been a time more appropriate than now to offer what you can in order to help others. Charity and Non-Profit organizations run on the faith that others will come to their assistance in order to keep their organization going; right now, those organizations are in over drive trying to help people.

I am a bit ashamed to admit that I used to volunteer for local organizations quite often, but have not taken the time to do so lately. But, My Turn Day has inspired me to get back out there and make a difference for other people and I hope this day becomes something that inspires millions to offer their time.

Besides, volunteering makes you feel good. There have been so many times that I found myself serving food to people who would normally be unable to provide a meal for themselves; maybe my day before arriving at that soup kitchen to volunteer had not gone as I'd hoped, but standing there and watching how appreciative those people were of a meal, I realized how lucky and blessed I really am.

When I was around eight years old, my church used to take families to volunteer at a Dallas soup kitchen; one morning, I woke up and proclaimed to my mom that I would like to take all of my stuffed animals next Sunday to give to the people at that soup kitchen. We cleaned everything (even my favorite, pink teddy bear), bagged them up, and took them with us the following weekend. Walking through the doors of the soup kitchen, I found myself in tears at the thought of giving up my furry, stuffed friends. But, as I handed a woman that favorite teddy bear of mine, she burst in to tears. She told me that no one had ever given anything to her in her entire life, and that she would cherish him for the rest of her life. I quickly dried my eyes and eagerly passed out the rest of the toys in the bag. She made such a strong impact on my life; I realized the importance of sharing and giving back to others at a young age. And right now with millions of Americans facing the unknown economically, there are more people than ever crying out for someone to give their time and aid to them.

Also, with millions of Americans becoming unemployed and currently searching for work, there are so many individuals out there experiencing some rather difficult times emotionally. If you find yourself in that boat, why not give yourself a break (daily or weekly, whatever you can spare) and offer some time to an organization needing volunteers? Yes, you may be down and out at the moment, but you never know who you are going to meet when you volunteer. You never know who will come in to your life at that moment that will inspire you, or who will make you truly appreciative of the things that you do have.

How?

Many people automatically think volunteer work consists of feeding the needy at shelters and soup kitchens, but if that is not your cup of tea, there are a wide variety of organizations out there that need your help in other ways.

Google "volunteer work in your city" and see what comes up; many local and national organizations will have websites that will list areas that they need help in.

Or, visit www.volunteermatch.org; this website will allow you to enter your zip code or an area of interest and give you pages full of volunteer opportunities. You can also call hospitals and nursing homes in your area; there are usually always opportunities to go read to sick children at the hospital, and many elderly people may need someone to keep them company throughout the week.

I have actually volunteered at a nursing home before; that experience was priceless. The people there were so eager to tell their stories to anyone who would listen. And, while volunteering at the nursing home, I adopted many grandmas and grandpas that remained part of my life for many years.

Some volunteer organizations require that you work a certain amount of hours a week though; so, if you are unable to fulfill those requirements, make sure to find something else that suits your abilities. The best advice that any volunteer can be given is to make sure you brace yourself emotionally if you are going to become directly involved with other people; some stories you will hear at nursing homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals can be emotionally heart wrenching.

Act!

Even if you only have an hour a week to spare, get out there and volunteer. Help make My Turn Day a nationally known event that all Americans eventually take part in. Make yourself a promise to volunteer, and keep that promise. Kidd Kraddick's morning show has given Americans the opportunity to encourage others to volunteer and make a difference in our country; in these tough times, take that opportunity and run with it. Make a difference; inspire the world.