Still pondering your New Years resolutions? Looking for ideas on how you can help a child in need this in 2008. You care about what is going on in this world and about what is happening to our children, and I know you are always asking yourself, “What can I do?”, and saying to yourself “Can I do more?”.
Therefore I wanted to give you a small list of easy things you can do this year to help a child around the world, or a child right here at home. I do hope this list is more than inspiring and you not only get into the spirit of volunteering for the New Year, but that you find your cause, and your way to help…I know it took me years to find the place where I was not just helpful and got that tingle of a good feeling, but the cause and way to help that I knew was actually making some sort of lasting difference, both within my self and for those who needed it the most. That is not to say that I, nor you couldn't always do a bit more. But finding the cause which begins to resonate with in your every pore is the hardest part, and once you do, it is the most rewarding feeling you will ever find in your life. My cause isn't a cause it's a life long passion, and I will not quit the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery until I leave this earth. I find myself unable to let go, and thus it is now a part of me…a large part of me. I find there is rarely a day that goes by that I do not have a conversation about my cause…every time I go to a bar, or a party I convert, or educate someone, not because I am up on a soapbox, but because I am passionate. When you are truly passionate I think it resonates within the depths of ones soul and people feel that. I know for me personally, I have found that people can see why I have become that way, and thus they see the need to help those enslaved in a world where freedom was supposed to be a given. Thus this is my New Years wish for you; I hope you find that cause, person, etc., that gives you passion, hope, courage and drive and that you never let it go!
This year I vow to do more…I know writing does make a difference, and I don't just write, but I too need to do more…and this year I vow to get more hands on and to make more of a lasting difference. Just like you and I am asking myself what is the best why to give my time, where can I make the biggest impact?
Yesterday I joined a group of women to make jewelry for Paper to Pearls, we will buy the beads directly from them and then sell the necklaces and give the entire proceeds back to Paper to Pearls. This is one way to volunteer and give back, that doesn't even seem like volunteering. For us it was just a group of friends new and old chatting away over coffee on a Saturday afternoon, who happened to be making jewelry that makes a difference and gives back. This is something we all agreed we wanted to continue doing, and we all had fun!
This is just one example, so as you write out your resolutions list here are just a few ideas to get you thinking;
Host dinners to raise awareness for any cause and invite friends to donate a set amount as they enter, and then use the evening to begin discussions and inform your guests about the cause and how they can be more involved.
Gather a group and collect and deliver books and toys, or go paint murals on the wall of a children's hospital or community center.
Become a Foster Parent
Volunteer once a month at a local soup kitchen
Council children and teens of abuse
Volunteer at a shelter for battered women
Become a Big Brother or Sister
Write, talk, share
Volunteer to work on a crisis hot line
Volunteer to work at the local community/children's center or on an after school program
Donate your time, your resources (not just money)…share your skills
Volunteer Overseas
Help build a Habitat for Humanity House
Get your church or community involved and start your own project (my church managed to get a school and church built in Guatemala…just imagine what you can do).
Get your children involved
Search sites such as Idealist , VolunteerMatch, Network for Good, for a volunteer project or program that suits your time and interests.
Please also see the lists I put out for the holidays, The Gifts that Give Hope For the Future, 20 Ideas For Giving Back to Children in Need this Holiday Season, Holiday Wish List for a few more ideas and resources.
