Community Service - Get Involved
Last week was Community Service Day at Leadership Ann Arbor, with the focus of discovering the different resources in our community as well as what volunteer opportunities are available. Participants of Leadership Ann Arbor heard from and went to visit several local nonprofits including: 826michigan, Boy Scouts of America, Ele’s Place, Food Gatherers, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society of Huron Valley, Neutral Zone, NEW, Ronald McDonald House, The Red Cross, Washtenaw United Way and Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan. Community Service Day was merely a snapshot of the nonprofits in the Ann Arbor area.
We heard from a vast range of local nonprofits, all with different missions, but one commonality – they need our help! Many nonprofits are struggling financially and a small gift is greatly appreciated and can go a long way. Some nonprofits need donations of food or supplies, while others need you to donation your time. It is clear that there are several ways to get involved to make our community a better place.
The first step to getting involved it to find an organization that you want to help. When choosing an organization it is important that the mission of the organization parallels your personal beliefs. If you are not an animal lover then volunteering at the Humane Society may not be a good fit. Try to find an organization that you will enjoy to help. Once you have found an organization, call them to determine how you can get involved. Some nonprofits require volunteers to go through an orientation or training; others will want you to start right away.
As the holiday seasons are quickly approaching, we are reminded to help those who are in need. It is important to remember that these people or organizations are in need all year!
Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber