For this Fun Friday, I thought of two ways to give back to your community and have fun at the same time. The first is to volunteer for a charity that builds homes for the less fortunate. For example, Habitat for Humanity, gathers both volunteers and donations to build affordable new homes for low-income and disaster-stricken families. By volunteering for this worthy cause, you’ll have the ability to make a direct impact on another person or family, learn construction skills for the future, and make some new friends. And Habitat offers volunteer opportunities all across the United States and overseas. The best part is you do not need construction skills to volunteer.
Mentoring a child is another way to give back. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of many charities that establish relationships between caring adults and children/young adults in need. The goal is that by tutoring a child, teaching them a sport or even taking them to the movies, you can make a positive impact on a child’s development and become a positive role model. Through your support and guidance, a child could build a better future for him or herself. And organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters can be found in most major cities. Look for one in your area!
Personally, I have never volunteered to build a house or be a mentor to a child. But I would love to hear from someone who has. If you’ve participated in a similar program, please reply and tell us about your experience.
Justin – A Lumen
P.S. Don't forget that Ignite is sparking change in your community this summer through Ignite-A-Thon. Go to the Blogs section to get more details.