Why Should I Help Out?

Just the other day, I was asked a couple of questions about volunteering by some friends and family members that I thought were important to respond to.  I was specifically asked “Why should I volunteer and how does volunteering impact the community?”

Too much complaining not enough action:

Way too often, I hear people complaining about the state of things in America and the community they live in. We all hear the grumblings about the terrible state of the economy and the number of people without jobs.  Americans that were in the position to donate cash, food, and supplies to homeless shelters and soup kitchens are now those in need.  There have been a record number of home foreclosures and an increase in the number of individuals who are either homeless or rely on some kind of assistance to provide food, clothes and shelter for their family. There are “too many drug addicts roaming the neighborhood, drug dealers on the corner, misguided kids in gangs or in jail etc… The problem is that everyone expects the police, teachers, churches and the government to solve the America’s problems, which is a starting point but it is often not enough. It only takes one man to effect change so start with yourself.

Disproportionate needs in the minority community:

Around the second time I volunteered I began to notice a couple of things. Most of the individuals who were volunteering to feed the homeless, tutor inner city kids or plant trees in Southeast, Washington, DC did not look like me at all. This confused me because most of the impact areas we were reaching out to were in urban areas. These areas are filled with minorities but we were often not the ones giving back.  I love that people of all races are giving back to the community all around them but my hope is that more African American's will began to reach out and make a positive impact on those their own community.

Giving Back Impacts Your World:

Being a part of a couple of service projects in the DC area has really opened up my eyes. I realized how much I have taken for granted and begin to think of different ways volunteering has impacted my community. The newly planted trees, playground and vegetable garden in my neighborhood park were more than likely the result of a dedicated group of volunteers.  The after school tutoring programs for inner city kids and poverty to work programs that prepare those in low income areas for the workplace are often staffed with volunteers.