You don't have to travel far
to feed the hungry or take in the stranger. There are lots of ways to make a difference in your own community.
Consider
what you like to do, and what volunteer opportunities you’ve enjoyed in the past and prayerfully ponder how you can make a difference. Then:
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Getting Started
- Reflect on past experiences that you enjoyed.
- Reach out to someone new.
- Find local service opportunities at JustServe.org or 211.org.
- Ask a friend about his or her volunteer efforts.
- Attend local town meetings or city council meetings.
- Consider donating to a trusted organization such as LDS Philanthropies.
- Get more ideas by visiting IWasAStranger.lds.org.
Ask Yourself
- What causes would I enjoy being involved with?
- What needs are there in my community?
- Are there any existing organizations that meet those needs?
- How do these organizations help people?
- Do they facilitate self-reliance among recipients?
- Do they provide long-term solutions?
- Is the organization sustainable?
- What volunteer opportunities are available?
Good Places to Start
- Government agencies
- Schools
- Places of worship
- Interfaith groups
- Low-income health clinics
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Community centers
- Refugee or resettlement agencies
Share Your Experience
- Tell friends and family what you learned.
- Document your experience by taking pictures.
- Write about your experience in your journal or blog.
- Post on social media and tag #JustServe.
- Consider becoming an advocate for those around you by sharing helpful media.
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