Thursday, April 25, 2013

Get Out & Volunteer

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” –Booker T. Washington

Did you know that April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week? So, what is it, exactly?

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week focuses national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership. The week draws the support and endorsement of the president and Congress, governors, mayors and municipal leaders, as well as corporate and community groups across the country.


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Giving of our time and ourselves is one of the most selfless acts in the world, and there’s no feeling quite like it. Our time is precious…I know you might think there's not enough time in the day but I promise, you would be surprised at how much time you do have when you give of yourself to those in need.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” --Elizabeth Andrew

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If you are already a volunteer, I thank you. Thank you for making a difference!

Interested in volunteering but don’t know where to begin? Think of something you are passionate about, then find an area where you can serve by using your passion/talents…from food banks, to churches, to non-profit organizations, to schools, to city events, to service projects outside of the country…the possibilities are endless and the little things DO add up!  As the great Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you CAN do it!”

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How can one person make a difference? Imagine this with me….you are one person, in a dark room, holding one lit candle in your hand. Your one single candle does not put out much light, but it does give off enough light to be seen. What if a group of people joined you, each with a lit candle in their hands? Your light together would shine bright! If that group turned into several groups of people, also with lit candles….the room would be incredibly bright!

That’s what happens when we volunteer and when everyone works together, we change the world!  Even though we are individual people, each of us giving of our time and energy DOES make a difference! We are a bright shining light in a dark world!

I know this video is a little old and totally brings out my inner 16 year old, but I love the lyrics and I think they are really solid and true. Just a simple act of kindness can change the world! Make a wave.


Make a Wave

Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas
They say the beat of a butterfly's wings
Can set off a storm in the world away.
What if they're right and the smallest of things,
Can power the strongest hurricane?
What if it all begins inside?
We hold the key that turns the tide.
Just a pebble in the water, can set the sea in motion…
A simple act of kindness, can stir the widest ocean…
If we show a little love, Heaven knows what we could change
So throw a pebble in the water,
Make a wave, Make a wave.
The single joy to take a stand, 
Reach out your hand to someone in need,
Don't fool yourself and say you can't,
You never know what can grow…from just one seed…
So come with me and seize the day,
This world may never be the same…
Just a pebble in the water, can set the sea in motion…
A simple act of kindness, can stir the widest ocean…
If we show a little love, Heaven knows what we could change
So throw a pebble in the water,
Make a wave, Make a wave.

Have you ever given of yourself or your time to others in need? Please share! I’d love to hear how you are helping to change the world!

22 comments:

  1. Awesome post Karen! I volunteer my time at church as well as for my running group that we started...Sole2Soul Sisters. I love volunteering and helping others!

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    1. That's so awesome, Mindy!! I saw you blog about Sole2Soul Sisters...love that idea! :0)

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  2. sometimes I forget how much fun I have volunteering :) Last week I volunteered at a race.

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    1. I love that! You are right..:volunteering can be fun, too!! :0)

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  3. This is a beautiful post!

    I get to volunteer at a race this weekend! I am excited for sure!

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    1. Awesome!! Sounds like a fun time! Can't wait to hear about it!

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  4. I am a volunteer fire fighter. I love helping people and try to give what little bits I can here and there for orgainzations I feel strongly about.

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  5. I don't know that I'm changing the world but I'm a tutor through a program called Study Connection, which brings elementary students to work sites and employees work with the kids for one hour. We do it on work time in the conference room and mostly focus on homework and reading. I've been a volunteer for seven years (I think), and I've had the same student for the past four years. I've also done the United Way Day of Caring and other projects like that.

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    1. Kimberly, you are making a huge difference! That's so awesome! Imagine if the kid you've been helping grows up to be an influential figure in this world? You would have had a part in that! I love what you are doing! Sounds like an awesome program!! :0)

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  6. awesome post. Volunteers rock! Volunteering rocks too!

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  7. Great post Karen. There are so may great ways to volunteer. I finally volunteered at my first race a few months ago and that as really fun. I also am part of the Assistance League that does wonderful things for needy people in my community.

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    1. Awesome, Pam! I haven't yet volunteered at a race but I do want to. That will be next on my list! :0)

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  8. Most of my volunteering happens with the schools I work at.

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  9. Great post.
    I am in the middle of writing a post about volunteering too :)
    I have just completed 2 years as a mentor for the YMCA, I bake cookies for families at a local non profit, I volunteer at the local food bank also.

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    1. Love it all...great work! Can't wait to read your post! :0)

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  10. Awesome post! My summers are full of great volunteering opportunities. Keep up the awareness!

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    1. That's awesome! Thanks for making a difference! :0)

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  11. Lovely post! I really like the Elizabeth Andrew quote.

    Thanks for reminding us of what's important!

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