Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! I hope you’re having a happy Monday whether you’re at work or enjoying a day off. Apparently, you’re more likely to be working, I know I am.
A favorite quote of King Jr.’s:
“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”
—from a speech before a group of students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia, October 26, 1967
After reading dozens of Martin Luther King Jr. quotes last night, I started doing some volunteer research. I quickly came across this informative website – below are a couple charts depicting our nation’s volunteering trends for 2018. You can also search by city or state and see just how much your area helps out.
- Fundraise or sell items to raise money then donate it to a charity of your choice – I see young kids doing this all the time for my local animal shelter.
- Collect, prepare, distribute, or serve food – look up a local food bank.
- Collect, make or distribute clothing, crafts, or goods – Kate knits items for her local fire company’s auction and art fair each year.
- Mentor youth – try something like the Boyscouts or Big Brother Big Sister.
- Tutor or teach – look up your local literacy council.
- Engage in general labor, supply transportation for people – offer rides to the older people in your social circles and neighborhood. Take people to go vote!
- Provide professional or management assistance including serving on a board or committee – do you have a specialty? A knack for managing or grant writing?
- Engage in music, performance, or another artistic activity – Education Through Music is always seeking volunteers.
- Coach, referee, or supervise sports teams – teach little wee ones how to kick a ball around.
- Provide general office services – offer your bookkeeping skills to older folks you know or a nonprofit or small business that needs some help.
- Provide counseling, medical care, fire/EMS or protective services – how can you offer help? Extend a hand.
- Volunteer on behalf of nature – host a cleanup or join a club to do some trail maintenance.
Looking to volunteer? I recommend a quick google search or jotting down a list of clubs and local activities you enjoy. Seek out volunteer opportunities with causes and activities that speak to you.