by: Angela Carlson, Project Development Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities

As much as we all enjoy a well-earned vacation or even a sick day so we can sleep in, an overabundance of free time can be panic-inducing for many folks.  While unemployment has hit all-time highs around the world, there is a group of people who are using their unwanted wealth of free time to their advantage as volunteer leaders.  Communities around the world and indeed, throughout history, have benefitted greatly from the unpaid efforts of people who have stepped up to lead groups, projects, and movements.  Jane Addams didn’t set out to get rich quick when she started modern social work in Chicago in the late nineteenth century; Gandhi wasn’t looking for a pension fund when he led the movement against British imperialism in India in the early twentieth century; and Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi isn’t fighting for her right to a 401(k).

                When people put their passions to work with the resources they have the world changes.  People with a passion for service and the resource of time can put those things to work at HandsOn Twin Cities in many ways, one of which is to be a project coordinator for the IMPACT NOW program.  By leading a group of 5-10 volunteers once a week, or even once a month, project coordinators become leaders in their communities and build employability at the same time.  There are many opportunities now to get started, be it through trying a couple of the Impact Now projects as a volunteer, or applying to LEAD A PROJECT right away.  Either way, you are getting off the couch, out of the house, engaging your community, and all the great things that come with that simple act: networking, learning new skills, getting to know your community, doing something good, and being the change.

                Volunteering isn’t an activity for the wealthy, or the educated, or the resource-rich exclusively.  Volunteering, service, and community leadership are the responsibilities of members of every community.  Everyone has the capacity to serve their communities with the talents and resources they have.  Give it a try at HandsOn Twin Cities today!

                Look for information on self-engaged volunteering coming soon!  Questions?  Give us a call or shoot us an email, we’d love to hear from you! OR please check out our monthly PROJECT CALENDAR!