I grew up in an environment of volunteerism, but it has actually been some time since I attended a local project. I always donate clothes that don’t fit anymore and I even spent a month in Tanzania teaching at a local primary school, but I don’t remember the last time I spent a couple of hours in the community I actually live in.
I started my VISTA term at United Way of Pierce County knowing that my role was volunteer engagement and outreach, but those are fairly ethereal and vague concepts for a novice like me. Getting involved from the inside, however, has revived my interest and belief in volunteerism. Why not take an hour or two to help someone? I don’t think my busy schedule of TV will be negatively affected, if I get off my sofa and decide to help my community. On September 10th, United Way of Pierce County launched its newest volunteer initiative, ACT NOW. We partnered with Rebuilding Together South Sound to assemble informational bags about energy efficiency to be distributed in low-income areas around Pierce County.
Because it had been some time since I’d given my own time, I’d forgotten how easy and fun it can be to accomplish a goal with a new group of people. You immediately have something to discuss because you are all trying to help for some reason and you are going through the same experience together. At this event, we applied the assembly line system to creating our brown bags of energy efficiency. For some time I was placed with the great responsibility of placing Rebuilding Together South Sound stickers on compact fluorescent light bulbs. After some scrumptious pizza, I then joined the assembly line again placing pamphlets into bags that were journeying around the table. With the sound of funk music permeating the background, I had a great time and am looking forward to the next ACT NOW project.
Jade Riotto, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, United Way of Pierce County
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Sounds like a very worthwhile endeavor. And for a little inspiration, here are a few brief stories of people who have received a lot back in return for their efforts to help others — http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/voting?moment=gaavj — check them out, and click to vote for any or all of them, as the top vote-getters will wind up being used at aha moment TV commercials next year. A great way to spread the word about the value of doing good for others.
ReplyDeleteThx,
jack@ahamoment.com