Making an Impact on Your Community and Reaping the Benefits!

According to ancient history books, Confucius observed that, "He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own." Today, Americans of all ages are feeling the need and the desire to become involved in their communities and to make a difference in the lives of others. There are many ways for young and old, students and wage earners, to serve a greater purpose. But how do these acts of human kindness have a positive impact on those less fortunate and also benefit those giving of their time and talents?

National and local service programs offer opportunities for volunteers to help in many ways. Through tutoring and mentoring programs, volunteers work to stamp out illiteracy in our nation and attempt to keep youngsters off the street and out of gangs, making communities safer. Others offer their talents by helping to beautify neighborhoods, restore homes after national disasters, raise money for charities, or teach residents how to protect the environment. Local hospitals also depend on volunteers to help administer to individuals and families in need.

But how does the act of donating our valuable time and skills to others actually benefit us�

After all, it seems that most of us have our hands full just taking care of our own needs�working, raising families, and continuing our education. At first glance, it would seem that the �intangible� benefits of helping others would be our reward. Gaining a sense of pride, fulfillment and accomplishment are all worthy reasons to serve our communities. However, if we look more closely, we can see that there are "tangible" benefits as well.

Whether you seek to donate your services by helping to build affordable housing, by coaching youth sports teams, by cleaning local parks, or by teaching computer classes to the elderly, the benefits gained may surprise you. For those of you who are students, many schools have begun to offer academic credit for volunteer work through service learning, encouraging you to gain practical experience while completing your education. If you�re just starting out in the workforce, you'll learn to connect with your community and experience diverse working environments, trying on different jobs for size and exploring various career options. Sharing your skills with others will help you to gain new ones and will help you to build self-esteem and confidence. You'll also have the opportunity to network with people from all walks of life, many of whom may offer you guidance or help along your own career journey. And, perhaps best of all, this practical work experience will look wonderful on your resume!

Where should you start?

Try searching the Internet for volunteer programs in your local community. And national organizations such as AmeriCorps, Teach for America, Freedom Corps, and Servenet all offer amazing opportunities. Look them up today�help secure the good of others and experience the rewards in your own personal and professional life.

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