Success isn’t measured by how much income you earn; instead, it is measured by your impact on other people’s lives. As humans, we want to make an impact, to leave our imprint on the world. And most of us are aware that helping others improve their lives has a good effect on our own – making us better, more grounded, and establishing a stronger sense of purpose in our daily lives.
However, it is easy to get mired down in the rat race and lose sight of the advantages of being engaged within ourselves and our communities. And the majority of us have no idea where to begin. So take a look at the pictures below for where to start and get started making a difference right now.
Become a volunteer
It is a beautiful opportunity to give back to your community by donating your time, energy, and talents to a local group. Whether they are hospitals, food banks, youth groups, elder homes, or animal shelters, local organizations would greatly benefit from your time and efforts. Finding local possibilities is as simple as doing a quick search online. Alternatives include contacting organizations that you might want to volunteer for and asking to be connected with their local team.
Basic Catholic Social Teaching principles teach us that our differences in cultural, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and philosophical backgrounds do not detract from our unity as members of one human family. Whatever their location, we are responsible for our brothers and sisters. In a world that is becoming smaller, loving our neighborhood has global implications.
The pursuit of peace and justice is at the heart of the virtue of solidarity. Working for justice, according to the teachings of Pope Paul VI, is the way to achieve peace. We are called to be peacemakers by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peace must be promoted in a world rife with violence and conflict because of our love for all of our sisters and brothers.
Organize a charitable event to raise funds
Find a subject that you are passionate about and volunteer your time and energy on its behalf. Perhaps you are raising funds for a senior’s program or collecting donated food for a local food bank. You may reach out to the group you want to assist if you’re going to contribute but are stuck for ideas. They will likely have recommendations on hand that you can use or inspire you to come up with something on your own.
Lead to the improvement of a group by contributing to assist them in the planning of their events. For any occasion, whether it’s a live benefit auction or a kid’s fair night, hours of preparation are required to have everything organized and ready to go smoothly. Check out the “No Shave November” fundraiser drive sponsored by the United Way of Norman, Oklahoma. Because of the efforts of supporters, the 2012 fundraising campaign surpassed its $50,000 target.
Become a member of a community gardening group
Apart from beautifying the community, community gardens are also typically a source of fresh fruit and other products for residents in nearby neighborhoods, who are often underserved. In addition, regardless of whether you have a green thumb or are just starting your connection with the land, there is always a lot of work to be done before you can reap the benefits.
Besides producing fruits and veggies, you will develop friendships and a sense of belonging as you go through your project. People in communities all across the country are striving to increase the amount of greenery and playgrounds available for children to enjoy. Find if there are any local recreational initiatives currently underway by contacting the municipal administration. On a Saturday afternoon, offer to give a helping hand.
Volunteering may be challenging to fit into our hectic schedules. It is possible to get significant advantages from volunteering. Individuals in need, charitable organizations, and the community gain volunteer work, but the advantages to you, the volunteer, may be much more significant. Choosing the appropriate match may assist you in making new friends, connecting with the local community, learning new skills, and even advancing your professional career.
In addition, helping others may be beneficial to your own emotional and physical well-being. A feeling of purpose may help you cope with stress and sadness, as well as keep your mind intellectually engaged. However, although the more time indeed spent volunteering, the greater the number of advantages you will reap, volunteering does not have to be an ongoing endeavor that requires an excessive amount of time from your already hectic schedule. Even little acts of kindness may make a difference in people’s lives in need while also improving your health and well-being.
