Message from Our Community Organizer
Volunteering has a long and proud history in America. Our roots in service extend back to the first pioneers, when colonists had to ban together to overcome the challenges of surviving and adjusting to a new land. Since the formation of our nation, Americans have volunteered to help each other in times of war, tragedy, and need.
The main purpose of volunteering is to help someone else in need. This can be done by volunteering for a Community Based Organization (CBO) such as the Hazelwood Initiative. CBO’s offer a direct connection between volunteers and service opportunities.
The problems faced by Americans today are no less critical than they were a century ago. CBO’s help to mobilize people and resources to deliver creative solutions to community problems such as abandoned housing, beautification, and crime. CBO’s have become the central agents for creating change within their communities because they are leaders in volunteer recruitment and management and models of volunteer outreach and community problem solving.
Many young adults and professionals have discovered that the skills acquired from volunteerism provides them with essential tools for their professional and personal lives. Those rewards include a powerful entry on a resume, a network of people with similar experiences and the satisfaction of knowing they’ve met daunting challenges while serving their fellow human beings.
When a person makes the decision to volunteer in a community, they take on a leadership role. That’s known as a “soft skill” which is also demanded in the job market. Given the increasingly globalized economy, a young graduate’s experience working with diverse cultures and socioeconomic statuses can be invaluable for years to come. Not only can they make useful contacts, they also will gain confidence in meeting and dealing with people who may be different than themselves.
April is National Volunteer Week. The theme for National Volunteer Week, commemorated April 19-25, is “Celebrating People in Action.” The theme captures the meaning behind this signature week – honoring the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities. For example, each Hazelwood Block Club will be participating in small neighborhood clean ups to help beautify the area’s in their own vicinity.
Volunteerism has been and always will be a major asset to the Hazelwood Community. Every event hosted by the Hazelwood Initiative consists of an overwhelming majority of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a member or volunteering,
please call us at (412) 421-7234.
Justin Nwokeji |
