Many of us have asked ourselves how we can get involved in community activities and be useful citizens. With all the definitions of community that we have to consider, it is difficult to prioritize the places that we spend our time. In reality, we belong to dozens of communities simultaneously throughout our lives. I am a part of a community of Indians, a community of fathers, a community of working professionals, a community of volunteers, etc. We can always give excuses like “I don't have time” or “I am busy with my profession” but, the truth of the matter is that it does not take much time each week to contribute to many of our communities if we do it consistently and on a regular basis.
I was once asked by a friend what I was doing this weekend. I replied that I was volunteering for a couple of hours with The Lions Club in my hometown, screening elementary school children for problems with their vision. Like me before I began volunteering, he was unfamiliar with the organization and did not know that The Lions Club is one of the largest organizations involved globally in recycling and providing reading glasses to people who cannot afford prescription eye care. He went on to learn that the same organization sponsors eye clinics for early detection of vision related issues with children in grade schools and helps in seeking early professional help. It is through conversations like these that we spread awareness of opportunities to give our time to, as well as spread the word on worthwhile causes. This is just one example of involvement in the communities that we live in.
Another example that I would like to share with you is getting involved in not only the education of your children but also trying your hand at simple things like getting involved in the PTO (parent teacher organization). By helping the school, teachers or parents in conducting activities for children, raising funds for student outings, and volunteering as chaperons for fieldtrips, we are exposed to a whole new type of community that is not restricted to all that is familiar. All these experiences help not only your child's growth and wellbeing, but we also develop a community spirit and our children will remember how we were involved in their growth, development and upbringing.
There are other ways one can get involved in community projects like environmental issues, earth day etc. If you are interested in town issues, you can join town committees and play an important role in addressing issues that affect your taxes, the school budget, fire and police departments, or safety related committees in towns of your residence. These are just some examples of how one can become part of a community and play an important part in its development.
Any and all of these activities for me are above and beyond my normal involvement with the cultural and social network. Now the question arises as to what does one get out of it? From my perspective, you get the satisfaction of being a productive and useful person to society. Secondly, you live by example and your own children learn from your actions. It influences your own human qualities. While you cannot put any monetary or economic value to it, there is much to be gained in the intrinsic value that helping others gives. All the things that you do add to your experiences, bring out your leadership qualities, highlight your ability to work with and interact with diverse groups of people, and allow you to interact with people of different talents, opinions and experiences.
So what are you waiting for? “Just get out and do it”.