So how are those new year’s resolutions going? (My primary resolution was to NOT make any resolutions, so I guess the year has been successful thus far!) Very often, people make resolutions around health and fitness as well as support one’s mental health by engaging in positive activities, making friends, and learning new skills. What if I told you there was a way to do all that, and it would not cost you anything (not even a gym membership!) How? – by VOLUNTEERING!
According to a report on America’s Health Rankings by the United Health Foundation, volunteering is a form of civic participation that improves individual, community, and societal health. Civic participation expands an individual's social network and increases their social capital, which can lead to more employment opportunities (yep, one of the best ways to get a job is to volunteer).
Volunteering is also directly associated with improved health, although the exact reasons are still unclear. Data from multiple studies show an average 22% reduction in mortality among volunteers compared with non-volunteers. Volunteers also have a lower risk of high blood pressure and are less likely to be obese. Regular volunteering also shows mental benefits, including reduced depression and increased life satisfaction and well-being
So now that you are aware of the benefits of volunteering what are you doing next Monday? The Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service (held annually on the third Monday of January) is one of the first opportunities to come together to support our community. In 1993, Congress designated MLK Day as a National Day of Service and charged AmeriCorps with leading service activities to honor King’s legacy. While AmeriCorps members throughout the country will be leading projects, including beautifying public spaces and hosting community celebrations of Dr. King’s life and teachings, you don’t have to be an AmeriCorps member to serve.
In our area, Serve Washington is responsible for advancing national service, volunteerism, and civic engagement. If you are looking for ways to volunteer next Monday or any day, Serve Washington has some ideas that you can safely do on your own or in small groups. Check out their Get Connected Tool, and you can filter service opportunities by location, type of organization, age and ability, and more.
The Leonor R. Fuller Gallery at South Puget Sound Community College is once again hosting the annual Fine Art Postcard Exhibition and Silent Auction from January 3 through February 3. The upcoming 2023 Postcard Exhibition is themed "From the Edge" and here are ways you can participate:
Become a sponsor and be recognized as a supporter of the gallery and arts programming at SPSCC!
Soliciting your ideas
If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!
Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com
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