As part of an ESD mindset, it’s important both at home and work to always think of ways to give back. If you step back and take a big picture look at neighborhoods, communities, and cities, it becomes apparent the importance of giving back – at multiple levels in many ways.
Giving back is the primary means that programs and institutions are maintained, passed on and succeed – people giving their time and lives to local organizations such as community centers, churches, schools, and civic organizations. Prior to the births of our kids and then again during their early years I was fortunate to be in a position to coach them in both basketball and soccer (neither of which I experienced more than a margin of success). By volunteering to coach, I was able to give back and serve my church, the kids in the program, and even their parents.
Then, when my kids aged out of youth sports, some men at my church started an inner-city youth football league to support at-risk kids and needed some volunteers, I jumped at the chance. My job: water boy. I literally kept the water bottles filled and took them to the kids during timeouts and between quarters. While giving them water, I was able to encourage them and support them (a huge need for some of these boys). I witnessed some amazing things during my time as a volunteer. This program provided structure and leadership in the lives of young boys who were in need of mentoring, guidance, and support. This program helped create trusting, supportive relationships which allowed it to grow into a form of accountability helping many boys understand the importance of making good decisions in life including, at their age, the importance of staying in school.
Giving back at any level in any manner is essential for others and for yourself. I’ve heard self-help podcasts routinely reference giving back as a way to begin healing after a person experiences some kind of personal setback or tragedy. It’s a starting point for the road to recovery (when needed). Giving back also necessarily reminds us of the age-old saying, “That turtle didn’t get on the fence post by itself” and the fact that lots of people are responsible for our own success and achievements (no matter how great or small).
Giving back is essential in the growth and development of any program – community, school, recreation, civic. These organizations make life more enjoyable in lots of ways – engagement, morale, pride, camaraderie, religious affiliations.
The great news for you is that giving back can be done in many different ways and can require little time and effort on our part. From tutoring kids to volunteering at a shelter to coaching youth recreational activities – all it requires is your time. If your attitude at first is skeptical, give it several tries or months and eventually it will resonate with you and you’ll recognize its importance and the impact it will have on you and the people or organization which you’re serving.
One of the ways I suggest people get more involved in our community is through a local organization called cityCURRENT, which is a nonprofit organization made up of companies which hosts speakers, produces podcasts and tv shows, and recognizes community members who have given of themselves to serve a greater purpose. Its podcast is actually called Change Makers. Check it out if you have a chance. Thanks for stopping by!
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