Posted: 3/13/2009 6:30:26 PM EDT
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Ok,
Intro: I am 22 and have a lovely wife and daughter. I am tired of the "us and them" mentality that has taken over in my town, and what seems to be like the rest of the U.S.. I am a big believer in focusing in on bettering one's self. On being the person that picks up the coke bottle on the curb rather than just bitching about it. Actually pulling over and helping someone with car problems... etc. Unfortunately, I am seeing less and less people like this, especially in my generation. I am about to be done with training for a new job and go back to my family. I want to start giving back to the community. I have talked with several people in my town, whom which all believe that if we all start moving forward in the right direction we can make a difference. If as little as in our own lives and the people closest to us and around us. Cause: We are looking for some ideas of community involvement. We are all looking to volunteer time and different organizations to get ideas. We have decided that we are gonna try to help young kids with things other to do than watch TV and become statistics with no original ideas other than what's on MTV. So we are going to get involved in the little league sports, outdoor activities, and recreational arts. Things are so horrible in the media and on the news, we want to try and focus on helping people so they can in turn help other people also. If nothing catches on, it will still be a success to us as we just want to do a little more each day. Try to be better everyday. If anything, try to quit having a negative effect on other people. Ideas? So, does anyone have experiences that worked for them with community involvement? Things that people have found to be very beneficial, stuff like that. We have a couple people on board and all have some great ideas. I thought it would be a good idea to get some feedback from the arfcom crew to see if there are any suggestions that will help us be more successful in making a difference for the better in people's lives. Just looking for a first step in the right direction. Thanks. |
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I like Habitat for Humanity (wait for it, I can hear the haters now). It's a good christian organization that encourages work, financial responsibility and home ownership. You get to help a family build a home. Good stuff.
I give to a christian homeless shelter locally and the Elie Wiesel foundation (Madoff screwed them bad). But that's not what you are asking. |
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Habitat for humanity is one of the organizations we are going to volunteer for to get ideas. We like the premise of the idea. In fact, we know a guy that habitat for humanity literally changed his life.
He was 27 with three kids when his wife flaked out and left. He was left alone to provide for them and still be their parent. He was living in an apartment falling behind on bills because of all of this. Half a year later habitat picked his application and he has been able to pick up the pieces and move on. He now has a good job as a carpenter and has time to spend with his children. Wife is still out of the picture, but I don't think he would have been able to pick up the pieces in his life like he did without habitat for humanity. |
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Well here's what I do...
I'm a Ham and FEMA First Responder I belong to the local Sheriffs Possee I am a firearms instructor I am a Hunter Safety Instructor I mentor children and adults I work with the Scouting program I donate Blood I do emergency communications when needed I am a weather spotter for the National Weather Service I freely give of my time to the community all for the asking. Not much, some do more, most do less. |
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Habitat for Humanity is decent (no skills required). I've swung a hammer or three for them in the past.
What about the Jaycee's? While I am not a member I am good friends with several people who are and it seems like a decent organization. Community and charity work that also helps you with networking and skills building. J- |
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I used to do volunteer work for an organization that used donated parts to rebuild computers and give them to people that couldn't afford them otherwise. The outfit I helped placed a lot of computers in homes of folks that were shut-ins or handicapped and/or low income. I sent out a few computers to kids too. If your even a little bit computer literate, there might be a charity in your town that does this kind of work. |
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i am a CERT volunteer and just starting with the American Red Cross on the local disaster action team also. Both work for me as a way to help give back and also be involved with preparedness and mitigation.
The management team at work also volunteers, although we don't do it often enough, with the local food bank. These organizations help people at perhaps the greatest moment/point of need. |
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We've been trying for many, many years to eliminate the "us vs. them" attitude by Government and law enforcement. We've come to the conclusion that many in charge on the side of .gov simply don't want the divide to go away. This has culiminated into the very dire situation we are facing now where we are coming closer and closer to a civil war. I don't know what it will take to make these idiots realize that we're all on the same side, under the same flag. Until .gov stops treating the citizens like the enemy, it's only going to continue to get worse until the powder keg blows up.
Many good people out in the real world have lost all respect for LE and our Government because of the attitudes that are so openly displayed now. I know many, many people that won't help LE at all in any instance because of this problem. Because of this, cops have a harder time doing their job which is hard enough as it is. As one friend said, with the "us vs. them" attitude, it's like a butcher running his knives across a grinder to dull the blade before cutting a choice piece of steak... it just doesn't work. And yes, I'm putting all the blame on LE and .gov. We've approached our elected officials, CLEO's, and appointed DOJ people and have been rebuffed time and time again. They don't want a constructive solution. There are exceptions to this but they are few and far between. Mike |
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Quoted:
We've been trying for many, many years to eliminate the "us vs. them" attitude by Government and law enforcement. We've come to the conclusion that many in charge on the side of .gov simply don't want the divide to go away. This has culiminated into the very dire situation we are facing now where we are coming closer and closer to a civil war. I don't know what it will take to make these idiots realize that we're all on the same side, under the same flag. Until .gov stops treating the citizens like the enemy, it's only going to continue to get worse until the powder keg blows up. Many good people out in the real world have lost all respect for LE and our Government because of the attitudes that are so openly displayed now. I know many, many people that won't help LE at all in any instance because of this problem. Because of this, cops have a harder time doing their job which is hard enough as it is. As one friend said, with the "us vs. them" attitude, it's like a butcher running his knives across a grinder to dull the blade before cutting a choice piece of steak... it just doesn't work. And yes, I'm putting all the blame on LE and .gov. We've approached our elected officials, CLEO's, and appointed DOJ people and have been rebuffed time and time again. They don't want a constructive solution. There are exceptions to this but they are few and far between. Mike Yes, exactly. This is one of the things we have seen especially in my town. I have not approached any LEO about this, but it is a very good idea. I am gonna approach some individual LEOs and possibly try to get ahold of the chief in my town to see what we as a community can do to help and what they are prepared to do to help us organize things like neighborhood watches etc. |
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One suggestion is to check and see if the Paralyzed Veterans of America have a chapter in your general area. The Wounded Warrior Project is definitely another group to look into.
Check with local hospitals/childrens' hospitals to see if they have any worthy volunteer opportunities. Childrens' hospitals will probably welcome volunteer activities such as book drives, stuffed animal drives, group readings, etc. Check with local churches. If they don't have community outreach programs themselves, they can likely point you in the right direction. Hop on Google and see if there are any food banks nearby. Check with local boy/girl scout troops. If they aren't looking for help themselves, they are probably involved in a fair amount of volunteer work and can offer a few ideas. If you are near a military installation, you can always adopt soldiers or marines during holidays as well. Some of our service men are far from home or have no place to go and would be stuck on base during holidays instead of getting a nice Christmas/Thanksgiving/Easter dinner. ...I'll probably come up with more later, it's still early. I find that volunteering is often akin to networking, in that many other opportunities become apparent as you attend volunteer events. You can do something as simple and fun as volunteering at a local 5k run/walk benefiting [insert group here]; speaking with other volunteers at such an event can yield a multitude of other events/organizations that are just waiting for your help. ETA: I can't believe I forgot volunteering at retirement homes. Many individuals who find themselves at such facilities are removed from their families and are in need of a connection with the outside world. Volunteering at a nursing home or hospice can do a great deal to brighten someone's last years on this Earth. |
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Habitat is good, Christmas in April is huge around these parts.
We've been getting more and more involved in 4H and it's a GREAT organization, and also help out with a Junior Rifle clinic every month, to introduce youngsters to rifle shooting and competition. Lots of guys around here are also big into the PVA fishing tournaments, taking handicapped servicemen and women fishing, and we also have a pretty active Wheelin' Sportsmen group. And the good you feel from helping out FAR outweighs the investment of your time and energy. Props for getting involved brother! |
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Take a CERT course, First Aid course, EMT course, volunteer to the American Red Cross, USO, or Salvation Army, get involved with SKYWARN, ham radio., etc... There's tons of stuff to do. 
It is true though...you gotta give something back. I was thinking of taking a first aid course , not sure of whats involved or the cost . If any one has any experience in this please let me know . SW |
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Take a CERT course, First Aid course, EMT course, volunteer to the American Red Cross, USO, or Salvation Army, get involved with SKYWARN, ham radio., etc... There's tons of stuff to do.
It is true though...you gotta give something back. I was thinking of taking a first aid course , not sure of whats involved or the cost . If any one has any experience in this please let me know . SW Go to RedCross. Org, and check out the info there. Down here a first aid course with CPR/AED for kids infants and adults is 60 bux, and takes 6.5 hours. Check what it is for your area. The Red Cross has alot of good courses that anyone can take. |
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Take a CERT course, First Aid course, EMT course, volunteer to the American Red Cross, USO, or Salvation Army, get involved with SKYWARN, ham radio., etc... There's tons of stuff to do.
It is true though...you gotta give something back. I was thinking of taking a first aid course , not sure of whats involved or the cost . If any one has any experience in this please let me know . SW Go to RedCross. Org, and check out the info there. Down here a first aid course with CPR/AED for kids infants and adults is 60 bux, and takes 6.5 hours. Check what it is for your area. The Red Cross has alot of good courses that anyone can take. Thanks Adjuster There is a Red Cross office on the same street I work on , I'll check them out Monday . SW |
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You might want to check out this site. http://www.policevolunteers.org/ You will see examples of various programs that aid municipal law enforcement with community service programs. Perhaps this is what you had in mind?
Regards, Gary |
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Take a CERT course, First Aid course, EMT course, volunteer to the American Red Cross, USO, or Salvation Army, get involved with SKYWARN, ham radio., etc... There's tons of stuff to do.
It is true though...you gotta give something back. I was thinking of taking a first aid course , not sure of whats involved or the cost . If any one has any experience in this please let me know . SW Go to RedCross. Org, and check out the info there. Down here a first aid course with CPR/AED for kids infants and adults is 60 bux, and takes 6.5 hours. Check what it is for your area. The Red Cross has alot of good courses that anyone can take. I signed up for CPR / First Aid course at the local Red Cross for $ 40.00 on Apr. 1 . Thanks Again SW |
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1. Volunteer Fire Dept.
2. Local Public Library- Board of Trustees or Volunteer. 3. Local Church- Sunday School or Governing group. 4. Chamber of Commerce- Board or Volunteer helper for events. 5. Local Sports clubs- from Shooting to Socker, everyone needs help. 6. Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts |