ham radio activities
During the holiday season like the one just past, thoughts turn to offering gifts to customers, friends, and family members. In these difficult times, however, many people are trimming their budgets, and some are omitting certain gift-giving entirely. Non-profit organizations are feeling this pinch, and it’s proving to be a double whammy. Donations are down, but demand for their services is soaring, putting added pressure on them.
Giving, of course, has no set time frames or deadlines. There always are needy among us; it’s just that we tend to think of philanthropy most often during the holiday season. (And are reminded of it by the Salvation Army bell ringers.)
You’d like to give, or give more, but cannot. What can you do instead? Give of your time.
I know the feeling. I wish I could donate more, but it’s just not possible. Instead, as a member of Rotary, JDRF, and more recently United Way, I help out for an hour or so during their various events throughout the year. In addition, I attend monthly meetings of JDRF and United Way, as well as the weekly Rotary meetings.
There are many opportunities right in your neighborhood. Your local United Way office is a good place to start. In addition to funding various programs and agencies, United Way helps unite interested volunteers with social service agencies.
What sort of projects might you be involved in? Usually simpler tasks like setting up tables or manning a booth during a special event, calling donors or volunteers, perhaps stuffing envelopes. If you like to swing a hammer or turn a wrench, join Habitat for Humanity and help build homes. Food pantries always need people to stock shelves and fill boxes. You can literally put food in someone’s hands. How much more rewarding is that?
Not all participation is manual. During the organization’s regular meetings, you have a chance to share your knowledge and expertise. Such input can prove invaluable. In turn, you learn from the information offered by other members of the board or committee.
There’s always a need for mentors, as well. Big Brothers/Big Sisters and literacy groups, among others, can use your help. The Literacy Coalition of Southeastern Wisconsin states that 27% of Milwaukee adults are functionally illiterate. (Milwaukee is not unique. Communities across the land – both large and small – have this challenge.) Do you have a spare hour per week to help an adult learn how to read?
Your time is just as valuable as money any time of the year. Consider volunteering for an organization in your area. You will be giving in ways that are just as rewarding and enriching as you experience by donating money.
As noted above, Tom Fuszard is involved with several non-profit organizations. He enjoys helping people get involved in amateur radio
as well. You may post a comment on that blog site, or contact him via tom@supremecom.biz.
IN BRIEF
There will be a free forum to help small businesses in the community understand how to access contracts funded through the Recovery Act from 2 to 6 p.m., June 24, at Great Basin College, 1541 E. Basin Ave.
