“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” – Author Unknown
I come from a long line of folks in my family who are busy doing something for others. Either a moment of help to a friend or family member or involved projects in their community of commitment and duration. To me it is like going to church every Sunday or something. It’s simply what you do.
I have often shared with folks who ask me about it, that there is so much to do in the world, it is not up to our governments, it is up to us. And because there is so much to do, change your point of view about it. Instead of feeling like you can’t possibly make a difference, or it’s too big, just look at it from the standpoint of you get to choose. Choose whatever you want. Whatever you’re good at and might enjoy. Just offer to lend a hand. You don’t have to run the joint, but you can help. It will be appreciated.
My mother was head of Family Services in the US Air Force as a young wife and mother when we lived in Maine in her “region”. I don’t know how all the details really and she’s not around to ask. I have newspaper clippings somewhere. Back then you couldn’t work as a spouse in the military back then unless you were a teacher or a nurse. So she volunteered. They did all sorts of things that made a military family and surrounding civilian’s lives better.
My grandparents were active their entire lives and at 80+ years old they started an adult literacy chapter in rural Pennsylvania teaching illiterate or semi-illiterate adults how to read. My grandmother went on to become an instructor so she could teach more volunteers how to help others using the Laubach reading program. It’s mission or motto:
“Each one teach one.”
When we left Maryland, and me in a hurry, I handed off those things I did in my community. Mostly I did things many parents do to make their community sing with wonderful things for their children to do. Dave always coached for the Boy’s and Girl’s club for both of our children. I was involved in three diving groups for Montana. And on the more serious side, I was a education advocate along side a NAACP education advocate in our public and sometimes private schools for children. We didn’t get paid for this, we were volunteers who were called upon to represent a child and their family in the overwhelming and complex education system we now have.
While I had mixed feelings about moving on, I have hoped to find something new to get involved in. Nothing too heavy, but something meaningful where my skills can be of use.
Last year a co-worker of Dave’s had bought a table for a fundraising dinner for the local Elk Grove Teen Center. He asked Dave and I to go in his stead, as he couldn’t be there. We enjoyed the evening and I learned of this local non profit group who provide a place for teens to go after school, play pool, use computers, get help with homework, be safe. In the old days it was the HS jocks and the cheerleaders that might hang out there, but today, it is the “at risk” kids. I observed some of the children as they were volunteering for the evening’s events helping to clear tables and such.
In addition to dinner and an auction, they had their “Teen Idol” winners there to sing for us. For nine years they have run a Teen Idol competition with cash prizes open to kids all over California. It too is a fundraiser. They take no government funds, except a little help from the City Council, and try to raise all their money privately.
Anyway, I finally got around to having a meeting with the director. He has big dreams, and a big vision. I like his “think big” attitude. But I know little about ‘teen centers’ and I really just wanted to hang out with the kids – for now. See if I could help them with their homework, do some art, stuff like that. I haven’t done that yet, but I did agree to help out with their Teen Idol competition. I’ve attended meetings and offered ideas and helped with some small needs. As usual, they have too few to do too much. The competition begins tonight and everyone is excited. They have the most entrants ever, 60, with a waiting list! I’m hoping to meet some of the kids from the teen center, get to know them, see if they will accept this gal’s efforts to befriend them. I’m told they are a little guarded when meeting new adults. I understand. But I’m also told, they need some female mentors. That would be me. I would love that. So as this 6 weeks of competition begins… I’m hoping my urge to reach out into whatever community I live, will begin to take form. Hoping to ‘connect’ with some of the center’s teens, see what they are into, if I have anything to offer them.
It feels good to finally be getting settled in in California. It’s had a bit of a rough start, wouldn’t you say? My life, anew…
Indeed!
Thank you Angie. I had several very special mentors that I crossed paths with after my Dad died. It was not an easy time for me. While I had a roof over my head and many things to be grateful for, as a budding teenager life seemed so sad at the time. They made a huge impact, and while at the time I’m sure they didn’t think so, even I didn’t realize their importance fully until sometime later. But they saved me in so many ways. Some are still around and I’m so lucky I have had the opportunity to tell them years later their importance with their gestures of kindness and wisdom. There is little I can think of that is more fulfilling than giving a young person the idea that they are worthwhile and have value.
Hoping you find that certain someone to connect with that needs your loving personality to help them. 🙂 Praying for God to lead you to them.
Thanks for helping others!!!!!!!