Volunteer and Change the World
January 18, 2008 by madfromstatingtheobvious
From the January 2008 issue of B Magazine: Beauty & Beyond, January Reminders section, page 10, an article on adding volunteering to your list of resolutions for this year:
VOLUNTEERING: WHY IT CHANGES THE WORLD
By Linda Matarasso
Most of you have already made a list of resolutions for 2008. Is volunteering your time on the list? If not, please put it on. As an avid volunteer for over 10 years, I can recommend the experience. It has made a huge difference in my life. I have met many of my best friends while volunteering, as well as celebrities, EO’s, politicians, and many people who make a difference in the world.
Over the years I have had a wide array of volunteer jobs, from a talent wrangler for award shows, a makeup artist for cable TV shows, fashion shows and short films, a driver, ticket taker, bag stuffer, and green room volunteer for film festivals, an assistant at a silent auction for an AIDS charity … the list goes on. Each has been a wonderful experience that has left me with the desire to keep on volunteering.
Don’t stop financially contributing, but also contribute your time by helping to build a house, cook a meal for a homeless person, sort toys or food for an underprivileged child, assist seniors with daily activities, learn about film and television as a production assistant or film festival volunteer, raise awareness about issues and diseases by handing out flyers or making phone calls, and assist in administrative duties for many organized charities.
What a great way to try things that you have never tried before, while giving back to the community. Other reasons to volunteer include:
* Raising awareness for causes or charities
* Helping people in need
* Being part of a community
* Meeting new people
* Learning hands on skills
* Networking for future employment
* Developing long lasting friendships
* Sense of fulfillment
Help build your resume by developing transferrable skills such as comunication, creative, problem solving, leadership, management and technical.
There are many organizations that are seeking volunteers. You can gear your volunteer activities to either career goals, personal interests or to causes you believe in. You can spend a little time and make a difference. Some of the many issues that need your help are:
* Women’s Issues
* Environment
* Arts and Culture
* Substance Abuse
* Children and Youth
* Health
* Human Rights
* Poverty
* Seniors
* International Relief
The list goes on. Volunteer your time in 2008 and help change the World while having a lot of FUN!
