When you think of summer, what are the first words that come to mind – vacations, swimming, book lists, camping, family time? These are certainly some my favorite activities during the hot summer months. When it’s hot out, community service projects don’t make it onto my calendar unless there is nothing left to fill it and even then I often find the need to schedule “home time” after being so busy. For most of us, having more than enough summer activities spills over to our agendas. We run so ragged or play so hard that we may not stop to consider opportunities to give to our community.
As students, it was often required of us to have a certain number of volunteer hours in order to pass a class or complete a project. Often times, keeping track of these hours and continuing to serve in the community was helpful for college, scholarship, and some employment opportunities. The older we got, the busier our lives became. With the exception of the winter holidays, there is very little to remind us of the importance of volunteering.
So why hold space in your calendar to volunteer?
There have been numerous studies performed that indicate the personal and community benefits of volunteering. The Corporation for National & Community Service states that “research has found that when individuals volunteer, they are more likely to live longer.” In addition, participants of these studies report higher levels of personal happiness and lower levels of isolation. Even greater than personal benefits, “states with higher volunteer rates are more likely to have lower mortality rates and less incidence of heart disease.” 1
Make volunteering an event for the office, the family, or a group of friends. Add it to your calendar as an ongoing activity and build it into your routine. For example, before you grab your Friday night pizza, stop at the food bank for 30 minutes and help stock the shelves. Use your lunch break once a week to walk dogs at the local animal shelter.
I like to include the Whole Family
My personality lends itself to working with people in a variety of different settings. For the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering with Ravalli Head Start, Inc., which provides no-cost child care and family support to qualified families. In an effort to involve my three children in volunteer opportunities, I’m often faced with the issue of, “What can the kids do to help?” In June, we were given the perfect opportunity.
The Missoula Early Head Start location applied for and received a grant to install a natural playground for the children in their care. Bright and early on a Friday morning, I packed my 2, 6, and 8 year old up-and-out to dig in the dirt. While my toddler was not able to fully grasp the concept of building a slide, he was able to pat his older siblings dirt piles and even move a wagon between stations for people to fill. All four of us had an opportunity to serve, and while we may not have been the most efficient group of volunteers present, I’d argue we had some of the biggest smiles (and caused a few smiles in return – if you’ve ever seen a toddler try to use a shovel, you can picture it).
Simply taking a moment to look at the needs that exist near us can allow us to feel gratitude for all that we have in our own lives. Taking the next step to reach out, between vacation and summer camps, can begin a change felt throughout our homes, families, businesses, and communities.
Top 5 Sites to Find Volunteering Opportunities Near You
About the Author:
Ashley is a born and raised Bitterrooter who regained her roots after moving back to Montana in 2014. When she isn’t planning her next great adventure with her three children, she can be found outdoors soaking up sun, water, and fresh air. Ashley has learned that life is unpredictable and the best laid plans are ones built with flexibility and passion. Her favorite planning tools are her epic lists that float in and out of drawers and counters, and her detailed agenda in Google Calendar. She has recently discovered the excitement of capturing her life in pictures and documents her foodie, outdoor, kiddie, scenic, and more spontaneous moments on Instagram. You can follow her daily adventures at httpss://www.instagram.com/reachday1/.
