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Be a Superhero in your Community!
By Larinda Wenzel
Over the years Hollywood has made billions with movies like Superman, Batman, and more recently Spider-Man, The Hulk, X-Men and Unbreakable. These box office superheroes all have one thing in common and it’s not their unique powers…it’s a purpose and the choice to make a difference. You too have a unique power needing to be unleashed, and with Halloween right around the corner there is no better time to put on your superhero hat and make a difference in your community.
There are literally thousands of projects that you can get involved with or implement within your school and community. The hard part is not finding ways to make a difference, it’s choosing which way to do it. I guarantee there is no shortage of ways you can help improve your own communities and it’s entirely up to you to decide where your “powers” will be the most useful, but no matter what you decide I assure you that the rewards will be great.
During his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called upon every American to get involved in strengthening America's communities and sharing America's compassion around the world. He called on each of us to dedicate at least two years over the course of our lives to the service of others. He included all Americans because everyone can do something, and he created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans to answer his call. On their website, you will find information about scholarships, internships, awards, and a variety of programs you can get involved with. Also listed on this site are tips for volunteering wisely, a few of which I have included below.
Research the causes or issues important to you.
Look for a group that works with issues about which you feel strongly. You might already be giving money to one of these organizations, and that could be a good place to begin your volunteer experience. If you can't find such an organization, here's a challenging and intriguing thought: why not start one yourself? You can rally your neighbors to clean up that vacant lot on the corner, patrol the neighborhood, paint an elderly neighbor's house, take turns keeping an eye on the ailing person down the street, or form a group to advocate for a remedy to that dangerous intersection in your neighborhood. There’s literally no end to the creative avenues for volunteering, just as there is no end to the need for volunteers.
Consider the skills you have to offer.
If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for teaching, or just enjoy interacting with people, you may want to look for volunteer work that would incorporate these aspects of your personality. Many positions require a volunteer who has previous familiarity with certain equipment, such as computers, or who possesses certain skills, such as ability in athletics or communications. For one of these positions you might decide to do something comparable to what you do on the job during your workday, or something that you already enjoy as a hobby.
Would you like to learn something new?
Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill or gain exposure to a new situation. Consider seeking a volunteer opportunity where you'll learn something new. For example, volunteering to work on the newsletter for the local animal shelter will improve your writing and editing abilities - skills that may help you in your career. Or, volunteering can simply offer a change from your daily routine. For example, if your full-time job is in an office, you may decide to take on a more active volunteer assignment, such as leading tours at an art museum or helping to build a playground.
Combine your goals.
Look for volunteer opportunities that will also help you achieve your other goals for your life. For example, if you want to lose a few extra pounds, pick an active volunteer opportunity such as cleaning a park or working with kids. Or if you've been meaning to take a cooking class, try volunteering at a food bank that teaches cooking skills.
Don't over-commit your schedule.
Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give fit into your hectic life, so that you don't frustrate your family, exhaust yourself, shortchange the organization you're trying to help, or neglect your responsibilities. Better to start out slowly than to commit yourself to a schedule you can't or don't want to fulfill. Sometimes it’s best to start out small, then work your way up to your best level of service.
Virtual volunteering?
Yes, there is such a thing! If you have computer access and the necessary skills, some organizations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over the computer. This sort of volunteering might be well suited to you if you have limited time, no transportation, or a physical disability that precludes you from getting about freely. Virtual volunteering can also be a way for you to give time if you simply enjoy computers and want to employ your computer skills in your volunteer work.
Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering!
Bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteer service, along with your enthusiastic spirit, which in itself is a priceless gift. What you'll get back will be immeasurable!
Samuel L. Jackson says to Bruce Willis in Unbreakable, “I believe comic book heroes walk the earth and I believe you are one of those individuals”. I’m not sure about the comic book hero part, but I do believe within each and every one of us there is a hero and a cause for us to take on. As leaders in this day and age we have a variety of opportunities to make your mark, leave some sort of legacy, and make a difference. You don’t need superhero powers, and you don’t have to climb up walls, fly away, or have some sort of villain to destroy. All you need is a desire to make a difference, and the superhero powers will emerge from within you.
Spider-Man was once told by his Uncle Ben, “With great power, comes great responsibility!” This applies to each and every one of us as well. You have the power to make a difference and it is your responsibility to use that power effectively!
Larinda Wenzel is a manager for Dixie State College's Information Technology Department and a regular contributor to the LSN. Click here to learn more about Larinda and how to contact her!
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