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stavesacre
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I've been meaning to post this question for quite a while, but the election going to Obama has made it much more important to me.
One of the things that Obama talked about that really resonated with me was that it was not going to be just by virtue of him being elected that brings about a better Nation. It was something that everyone was going to have to shoulder, meaning (to me) being more responsible as a whole.
I want to know, now that the election is over, what can we do to help strengthen our communities and local area? I don't have alot of money to give, but I do have extra time on my hands. Should I volunteer my time? And if so where would I find that, and what would be the best places to spend that time?
I know this seems sort of like something that belongs in H&A, but I'm curious to see what the rest of you would be willing to do, and how to do it, in order to make a difference. I know there were quite a few people who volunteered for the campaign and canvassing, are you going to continue? Where do you think you will invest your energy?
If this becomes somewhat interesting I'll put up suggested links and such in the OP.
http://www.volunteermatch.org
Going to re-write this OP into something a bit more like what Nerissa suggests below, I think its a great idea.
One of the things that Obama talked about that really resonated with me was that it was not going to be just by virtue of him being elected that brings about a better Nation. It was something that everyone was going to have to shoulder, meaning (to me) being more responsible as a whole.
I want to know, now that the election is over, what can we do to help strengthen our communities and local area? I don't have alot of money to give, but I do have extra time on my hands. Should I volunteer my time? And if so where would I find that, and what would be the best places to spend that time?
I know this seems sort of like something that belongs in H&A, but I'm curious to see what the rest of you would be willing to do, and how to do it, in order to make a difference. I know there were quite a few people who volunteered for the campaign and canvassing, are you going to continue? Where do you think you will invest your energy?
If this becomes somewhat interesting I'll put up suggested links and such in the OP.
http://www.volunteermatch.org
Going to re-write this OP into something a bit more like what Nerissa suggests below, I think its a great idea.
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Schools -- Many schools ask for parents to become involved as a sort of teacher's helper. Sadly, I don't know how many will accept volunteers who are not related to one of the kids in the class, or at least in the school, out of fear of pedophiles, etc.
Big Brothers / Big Sisters -- mentor a kid who needs it
Volunteer at a homeless shelter or a shelter for battered women (not sure how many male volunteers women's shelters accept, but there must be something you can do that doesn't involve direct contact with women who are in a fragile emotional state)
Edit: Also, I suggest making it a challenge. Let's see how many folks we can get to commit to making a difference while the Hopium is still strong.
1. Volunteer charity work, particularly relating to education and disaster relief.
2. Energy conservation.
Hopefully an Obama administration will provide incentive (economic or emotional) for both of the above. I believe his platform espouses college tuition benefits for service.
Our first game is now available for free on Google Play: Frontier: Isle of the Seven Gods
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
Isn't that a part of the way Habitat for Humanity works? Like, if they build you a house, you commit to X hours of work on someone else's house?
Also, that link that Dyna provided needs to be in the OP. I know that I'm certainly going to be exploring it later when I have more time.
I pay $45/month for electricity and I'm going to try and lower that even more if I can. The savings are real.
To actually help the economy....well if you can work harder and earn more money and then spend that money locally you will be helping the economy just as much as by volunteering I would think.
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
If you're in a university town, I suspect you can find a program somewhere that reads textbooks for blind students (either for recording or as a personal assistant).
It's $40 an hour. I would make room.
3rd'd. Seriously what a fantastic idea!
man alive, that sounds like prudent plan.
Wow.
And this is on top of the $4000 tax credit for tuition?
You can buy a van and wait outside elementary schools and make your own after school program.
That is the $4000 tax credit plan. Gotta earn that tuition.
oooh I see
sounds good still
An adult literacy program
A program that works to help homeless families get back on their feet, via providing things like day care (including after-school programs and summer camp) in addition to housing, and amazingly does NOT seem to be rooted in proselytizing a particular religion in the process.
I'll have to take inventory of my time commitment and see if I can manage both, because I feel strongly about both goals.
Absolutely. It is the perfect way to help the middle class move up without leaving the poor behind. I understand the push for a lot of Obama's programs, but i really hope the tuition one is put up sooner rather than later.
I'm working a lot this holiday season, but afterwards I plan to get to get more involved with my community