Okay. So I’m no expert, nor have I done any research…
But, if you ask most people what they would do if they had more time, many of them would say they’d volunteer. And in case you didn’t know, today, MLK Day, is also a Day of Service.
From what I’ve read, volunteering boots happiness. So what better way to begin the Year for Happiness and MLK Day than to think of community service project you’d love to get involved with?
Volunteering to clear brush in a national park in New Zealand.
MLK DAY
Back after college when I did AmeriCorps, we spent Martin Luther King, Jr. Day doing community service projects. We made a mural with local kids, helped prepare a community dinner, and organized volunteers at projects all over Burlington, Vermont.
Unfortunately, I haven’t made a point to volunteer on MLK Day since then, but every year on this day I reflect on the of service, and giving to others.
Over the years, I’ve been involved in many kinds of volunteer projects, and don’t necessarily want to dedicate one day to service. Instead I try to volunteer year-round (though since my move, I haven’t fully committed to a new project).
When I do pick something in the next few months, it’ll be based on what I’ve done before, what I’d love to spend time doing, and will probably be something completely different from my job.
For happiness. For fulfillment. For a connection.
MY FAVORITE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
I’ve made a point to get out and volunteer ever since high school, when I joined the Key Club to get more involved in the community (and, to be honest, thought it wouldn’t hurt for the college search down the road).
Some of the volunteer projects I’ve done over the years include:
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visiting homebound elders
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running programs at a center for adults with disabilities
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clearing trails and brush
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cooking meals at a soup kitchen
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cleaning bathrooms at a yoga center
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organic farming
I want to be clear with all of this. I’m not writing this to make you feel guilty. It’s just that I have made great friends, felt more connected to my community, and truly felt happier from volunteering. It’s good stuff.
GET OUT AND SERVE, FOR HAPPINESS
If you’re looking for a little more satisfaction or fulfillment, or have always wanted to try clearing trails, cooking food at a soup kitchen, or playing with dogs and cats at the animal shelter, it’s not too late.
There are lots of great reasons to volunteer. When you’re trying to choose, think about how you want to spend your time. You can do just about anything, and since you’re not getting paid for it, you ought to pick something that you want to spend time doing.
And most likely, the process of finding the right place to volunteer, and then actually getting out there and doing the community service will make you happier.
GET THE REST OF THE YEAR FOR HAPPINESS SERIES:
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
ha… funny that two of my PAID jobs/internships have essentially been the first two volunteer ideas you list here
i need to find volunteer work that is entirely unrelated to social work-y things, like clearing trails and nature stuff. that i could wrap my head around. but volunteering to directly help those in need… yeah, i need my weekends off from that
social worker syndrome, dun dun dunnnn.
Ha. That is funny. I find volunteering in ways that are totally different from work are the most rewarding. I did a lot of visiting with elders when I was teaching…it seemed to balance out all of my work with kids. I completely understand the need for a break from direct care…oh you social workers.
What a great idea! It’s been a while since I volunteered, but I sure did enjoy it! My step-mother has volunteered at our local hospital for over 15 years…she just loves it! …she’s a pink lady!
Thanks! That’s wonderful about your stepmother. I love hearing all of the different ways people volunteer, especially the people who really find a good fit.
Last year I volunteered to lead a bake sale to raise funds for Central Texas Wildfire victims. I baked a day and a half before hand too (taking Friday off work). I loved it and it was a very rewarding experience. I’m ready for the next one
It’s harder (not saying impossible) to volunteer when you have kids. There are age restrictions at our local food bank, so I can’t bring them along yet. Playing with homeless kitties and dogs is something I would do too, but again the kids could not join me. The elderly might enjoy some spirited youth though!
I can imagine it’s much harder with kids to find just the right opportunity. The bake sale sounds great, and you can get your kids involved.
I bet the elderly would love to have kids visit. Seeing young people can really brighten up their day.
I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to bring them a box of home baked cookies either!
When I was in elementary school we walked a few blocks to the retirement home in December to sing carols. In high school, our youth group did the same thing. We always got rounds of applause, they didn’t want us to leave! I hope that my kids can experience that too, that’s something to work towards.
I love that – they must have loved having you visit. If you ever have the time, I’m sure you, your kids, and the seniors would all be into it (and the cookies, of course).
I agree! I work with a Children’s Home every Monday night. I teach creative writing, and it is one of the highlights of my week. I hope you are doing well. I’m enjoying an unseasonably warm day here in Austin and about to start baking a chocolate cake. Thank you for sharing another inspiring post!
That’s wonderful – I love that you teach creative writing to kids.
Your chocolate cake sounds wonderful – enjoy the warm weather, and the cake! Hope you are well.