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.
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
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!”
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!
