Investing In What Lasts

In our Open Doors curriculum, we discuss the value of volunteering as a regular part of your schoolwork. Giving of yourself to help others was something I saw my mother, in particular, model, which I then modeled as I raised my own girls. As we began our homeschooling venture, which eventually turned into the Open Doors curriculum, I included many opportunities that my girls had explored as well as those we did as a family. They regularly involved the older generation.

Those good memories propelled me to become involved this past year with helping a group of ladies in a retirement community with their weekly game nights. It is an easy way to contribute to the well-being of others. A similar effort would make a great entry for your resume building process! Interested? Let's consider, then, how you would go about lining it up. As we do, remember the planning process of "who, what, when, where, why, how and so what?" that we discuss in your Open Doors text.

1. First, think through and prepare a plan of what you would like to do: the type of activity, day and time you would be available, and how long you would commit for (one afternoon a week for a semester, one hour every Saturday morning for a month, etc. ) Remember to start with a small commitment. Then decide whether it's a good fit that you want to continue.

2. Next, contact your local facility Explain that you are a student, that you hope to invest in your community, and that you also want to develop your own personal set of skills.

3. Express your interest in volunteering and ask if they already have a volunteer staff that you may join. (If not, would you want to ask a parent, friend or sibling to partner with you?)

4. Ask about their existing programs or suggest the one you've already thought of.

5. Ask how to obtain any necessary permission and offer to stop in to meet them and to tour the facility.

Remember that your expression of a similar volunteer opportunity could look very different. The facility I'm involved with has a myriad of activities. A piano teacher hosted her students' recital on one of the facility's grand pianos, for example. Others come in to sing or perform concerts, teach classes, give lectures, etc.

What can you do to invest in others, especially those who might be lonely or in need of a friend? This really is one of those times when your investment is returned to you - multifold. And you just might, as I have, find new and special friendships along the way.