A community is where we live, work, and play. It’s where we build relationships with our co-workers, with parents from our children’s baseball games, and through attending fundraising events or simply with the neighbor next door. Part of being in a community is helping others that are in need or expanding opportunities for those less fortunate. This is done by volunteering at charitable events and through local programs that teach adults how to read, or give kids the chance to play sports or by raising money for a cause through bike rides, marathon races, or golf tournaments.

Contributing to your community means not only helping others by volunteering your time and talent, but when possible, giving monetarily as well. Non-profit organizations all over the world rely on people just like you and me to contribute our time and money to a cause we believe in. Some people must choose between giving time or money, but any contribution is more than what most do. It takes committed people from all walks of life to volunteer and give donations to help others less fortunate than themselves. Finding a cause you believe in or something you are passionate about is key to successful volunteering. If you do not believe in the cause you are involved with, it quickly begins to feel more like a burden than a pleasure.

With demands of work and home, it can be challenging to find time to volunteer at an organization when you don’t have enough time to get your own things done. However most non-profits are grateful for any help they get even if only a few hours a month. If your time is limited, find a charity that you are passionate about and contact them to see what type of work is available given the amount of time you have to lend. You can volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis or at a particular fundraising event once a year. Giving to the community does not have to be a full time job; the only requirement is having a full heart in which to give back.

Newman, A. (2008). Angela’s Story. Pink Ladders.com
This is my story about how I became involved in the community by volunteering in the Nashville RBI program.

Articles

December 15, 2009– Weathering the Economic Storm

April 27, 2009 – The Key to Motivating Board Members

Nashville RBI

August 20, 2009 – Baselines and Grapevines

June 1, 2009 – 2009 Annual RBI Golf Tournament

January 26, 2009 – Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Benefit

Quotes

I hope you will find these quotes on volunteering inspiring and motivational. If you are not involved in your community but want to help, your commitment to volunteering will be greatly appreciated by charitable organizations in your area. If you are already a volunteer in your community, I personally want to thank you for your time spent in helping a cause that you are most passionate about. Quotes on Volunteering

Our Soldiers

Military personnel, active and retired, live throughout our communities, shop in our stores and attend churches. They are the essence of the word community because no matter where you go throughout the United States and in many foreign lands, our Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, National Guard and Marines are there to help when called upon. When natural disasters occur, they are among the first to arrive to rescue those in need, to provide first aid, to keep peace and to provide their support wherever it may be needed.

We can thank our soldiers for protecting us and for fighting for the freedom we enjoy every day of our lives. If it weren’t for our Veteran’s and active military personnel we may not be able to enjoy these very things that we so many times take for granted. When given the opportunity, I encourage each of you to thank a soldier for his or her sacrifice they make on our behalf, not to mention the sacrifices their families make when they are away.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Some of our military heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their life for our freedom and safety. There are thousands of men and women that have given their all in fighting the War on Terrorism and should never be forgotten. There are several organizations that support our active duty soldiers and families that could use volunteers and contributions. In addition, many websites have been developed that honor our fallen soldiers so their memory can live forever.

A Tribute to William

Our fallen soldier and son, William Newman, died on June 7, 2007 in Balad, Iraq while disarming a roadside bomb as an EOD Technician. He loved serving his country and knew that even though his job was dangerous, he was helping save the lives of soldiers and civilians alike and, for him, that made the risk worthwhile.

Remembering William

EOD Team Member’s Memorial of William

Your Story

If you would like to submit your story on volunteering or community involvement, click here.