Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash
We build connections through finding people with similar values. As humans, I think it’s safe to say most of us strive to feel connected — relationships with our significant other, friends, family and coworkers are what make life worth living.
It can be easy to get caught in the bubble of relationships we’ve built and forget about expanding those connections to other aspects of our lives.
My bubble, as you may or may not know, was popped recently when I moved to a new city where I knew no one and then ended my engagement, leaving me effectively alone. It became not only fun but necessary to build new relationships, but something was still lacking.
I realized recently what that was: Connection to my community. Feeling like I was more than someone who took up space in this city, but rather contributed to it in some way. There are many ways you can go about bridging this gap, but I was inspired by a story I wrote for a local magazine.
The story was about ways to give back during the holidays, and I found myself interviewing a couple who run a church that each year organizes a gift giving and holiday dinner in an underprivileged apartment complex, ensuring those families a merry Christmas. I also spoke with a man who holds a lifting competition in which competitors have to donate gifts to compete and listened to an 86-year-old woman explain how volunteering helps her stay connected to her community and socialize, while doing something that benefits others.
Inspired by the generosity happening around me, I wanted to dive in myself. But where to start? How did I know which organizations would not only benefit from me, but also allow me to feel like my time was going toward a cause I cared about?
I’m fortunate to live in a city that has a website dedicated to organizations and events people can volunteer for, which made narrowing down the search simpler. If you don’t have one of these though, check your city’s website first for lists of organizations and nonprofits.
If you have areas of interest in mind, a quick google search (your interest, your city) could bring up local organizations who share the same passions you do. Other good ways to get involved are reading bulletin boards at coffee shops and cafes, or asking your friends, coworkers or neighbors if they know places that need help. Word of mouth goes a long way.
With the holidays approaching, volunteering is easier than ever. Young professionals groups in bigger cities often organize toy or clothing drives and visits to local food pantries, either to serve meals or help sort items.
Most local chapters of national groups such as United Way, American Parkinson Disease Association, Boys and Girls Club, Girl and Boy Scouts and many others organize toy and clothing drives this time of year. Senior centers, elementary schools, churches, county organizations and neighborhood associations may hold their own drives and events, such as a potluck-style holiday dinner. Organizations that prepare and serve meals to the homeless also can use extra help this time of year.
It’s as simple as making a phone call or sending an email to say, “I’m interested. What can I help with?”
All it takes is a foot in the door, and most of these events only ask for a few hours of your time. But one event could lead to a regular occurence. Or maybe you’ll meet someone doing something for another organization you’d love to be part of.
Who knows? Saying yes to helping out with that food drive this winter could be the start of a long-term connection in your community.
It’s those connections that make us feel as though we belong, which is the best feeling in the world. But when you make those connections through volunteering, you’re helping someone else feel as though they belong too, and that’s what truly brings communities together.
Author: Katy Macek
Editor(s): Cole Schenck
Please connect with us if you are seeking support or hoping to learn more about being part of a Supportive, Inclusive, Compassionate, and Kind community:
Join The MindReset!
Check out Events for support groups or live events:
- Follow The MindReset Facebook page
- Follow The MindReset Twitter
- Follow The MindReset Instagram
You are always welcome to connect directly with an individual from TMR at contact@themindreset.com or (802) 377-MIND.
