The world can be overwhelming and we can feel powerless in the face of huge problems or obstacles. But simply by volunteering, we can flip that equation and begin to feel empowered.
Doing even one small thing to help can change the way you feel about yourself and the world. I have found this to be incredibly important in my own life. Knowing that I am doing something to improve the world, make a difference, or help in some way gives me a new perspective on the problems of the world.
Volunteering, even in a small way, empowers you. I have been giving of my time in this election cycle to help candidates that I believe in. This has included walking neighborhoods to deliver literature, making calls to voters, or texting voters from my computer. Even just an hour or two does make a difference. It’s easy to feel like we just don’t have time to contribute, but even a small amount of time given is helpful. More importantly, it changes the way you think about yourself and your place in the world!
If you see a homeless person and wish you could help, contact a local agency and see if you can volunteer for a few hours. They will find a way for you to contribute. Gay youth, lonely elderly, environmental issues…any issue that concerns you has people trying to help out, and you can support them in some way. You just have to ask.
When a drum corps comes to your city, drop in and offer an hour of your time. One hour helping in the food truck gives a traveling volunteer the ability to take a shower and relax. Three hours gives them a desperately needed nap. Driving someone to a local store or running a simple errand can dramatically help someone’s day when they are on tour with the corps.
And if you don’t feel comfortable doing something in person, or just don’t have any time to spare, make a donation! Your money can go where you cannot and help where you could not! Any amount sent makes a difference. Write a check for $5, or send money online to an organization which does work you care about. It is none of their business how small the amount may be, but it makes a BIG difference to your own self-concept.
Knowing that you are doing something to help is very empowering. Take any of these steps to help, no matter how small, and your concept of your place in the world will enlarge. You can make a difference! One small drop creates a huge ripple. Do something to help out today.
Tim Hinton
October 23, 2020
