“United We Serve” kicks-off reminding us that we can all give back

Today marks the kick-off to a nationwide summer of service. Through “United We Serve” President Obama is asking us all to volunteer our time and talents to help build stronger communities and make a lasting change in our country. Each and every one of us has been impacted by the generosity of another at some point in our life. It might have been from a food bank that provided our family with something to eat. Or a neighbor helping to make home repairs when we were unable to do them ourselves. Maybe it was a parent helping with homework or a friend who always knew the right thing to say. No matter what, we have all experienced the positive effects of the generosity of others.

Now is our time to give back, to help make our community a stronger, better place for all who live there.

Volunteerism can be intimidating. For some it may be the thought of giving up part of their limited free time. For others it maybe the daunting task of finding a way to get involved. And for many more it may just be the fear of the unknown.

For me, I think it was a little of all three. I always knew I wanted to do my part to help others but I was worried that I didn’t have the time. I didn’t know where to go to find out about opportunities and I was nervous that I didn’t have the necessary skills or experience to be of any real help. I was able to overcome these self-made obstacles as my college graduation approached and I applied for AmeriCorps VISTA service opportunities.

For the past four months I have been serving at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as the Public Relations and Faith Relations Coordinator and I love it. Even though most of my work is not direct service, it feels great to know that I am helping to build the capacity of a great organization and making a lasting difference in my community.

Everyone has the potential to do great things by giving back to others. No matter who you are, there is a service opportunity out there that is right for you. It does take some work to find the right fit and you will have to give up some of your free time.  But the benefits you will receive by helping others will far outweigh any of the hassle. Volunteerism is both addictive and contagious. I can’t imagine the rest of my life without some type of community service in it now that I know how great it feels to give back.

“United We Serve” will run from June 22 to September 11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance, and it is a great way to make the plunge into the world of service. Take this summer to make volunteerism a regular part of your life and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Whether you give back for a few hours a day, one afternoon a week or even one day a month get out there and serve for you and your community. In the words of President Barack Obama, “…America’s new foundation will be built one community at a time – and it starts with you.”

-Nina

 

• More information about “United We Serve” and ways to get involved
• Information about the AmeriCorps programs and available positions
• Useful tips on how to start your own service project
• Have you had a great service experience? Share your story