Volunteer in L.A. County

I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.--Lily Tomlin

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -- Booker T. Washington

In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it. -- Marianne Williamson

“It’s better to give than to receive,” is a wise old adage that really applies to the American spirit of Volunteerism. Some of the benefits of volunteering are:

Helping to solve a problem you care deeply about;

Improving your environment;

Learning new skills;

Meeting new people who share your interests;

And getting a warm feeling of knowing you are making a difference!

My first experience with being a volunteer occurred during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and because it was so positive, I continue to volunteer. I served as a Hospitality Volunteer where I was able to mingle with foreign and domestic dignitaries, athletes, and judges. I learned the art of diplomacy, and had an amazing experience while helping people from all over the world.

I love to volunteer because I know I am improving my community and I am able to see the direct result of my efforts. I have been reflecting on the amazing spirit of Volunteerism in America as I remember the responses to need that occurred after the September 11th attacks nine years ago, and Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005). People came together to help each other in a dramatic way that really sped the healing and recovery of the people involved in those events.

A few years ago, I had the honor of helping to restore City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 1,300 acre park, which had always been a place for recreation and relaxation had been horribly damaged by Hurricane Katrina. This was very sad because the people of New Orleans needed their park as a place of respite to escape the daily stress of recovering in the city. It was a great feeling to know I was taking part in returning this beautiful area to a useful place of refuge.

If you have an urge to make a difference, there is good news for you right here in L.A. County! The need for your talent is great - All it takes is a passion, and some time and effort. First, consider what you are concerned about (the homeless, the environment, animals, a cure for a disease, etc.), then inquire about existing organizations who might need your help. There are some amazing online resources that will help to connect you to those organizations such as:


Volunteer Los Angeles http://www.volunteerlosangeles.com/

Volunteer Center of Los Angeles http://www.vcla.net/


L.A. Works http://www.laworks.com/

211 L.A. County http://www.211lacounty.org/disaster/updates/VOLUNTEER%
20OPPORTUNITIES.pdf

American Towns http://www.americantowns.com/ca/losangeles-make-a-difference


You can also do an internet search on a particular non-profit organization or cause. If you can’t find the right organization, think about starting your own!Think about how you would like to contribute and how much time you have to devote to your cause. Make a time commitment that is realistic (one hour a week if you are really busy, full time if you don’t have any other commitments or anything in between); then schedule it. Every kind of skill is needed, and sometimes, the most important “skill” is the ability to just show up and be there! So get going. Before you know it, you will start to make a difference in the quality of life right in your own backyard!