Volunteering has always been a part of my life. Growing up I watched my mother volunteer and help with community events or just helping a friend in need. Then in middle school and high school we had required quarterly volunteer hours and by the time I began my freshman year of college volunteering was a normal part of my life. Being involved in various organizations and volunteer work has been such an important and meaningful experience for me.

Now it seems more important than ever to take action and do our part to help make this world a better place. I know it can seem daunting to take action as just one person, but there are so many others out their with the same passion and intentions working towards a common goal. Align with those people and who knows what type of difference you could make! It may seem impossible but as Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. So go do, and see what you achieve.

You may be wondering where to even begin… How does one go about volunteering, supporting organizations and taking action? There are so many ways to get involved in an organization or act in support of a specific cause. Truthfully, I don’t think there is any good reason not to be involved in supporting a meaningful cause or organization. You don’t need time, money, or public power to make a difference!

So how can you get involved?

1. Figure out what matters to you: What are you passionate about? Is it people, animals, science, the environment? Do some soul searching and reflecting and decide what is most important to you
2. Do some research: Once you have figured out what it is that matters to you start doing some research on related organizations. Whatever your passion is, there are organizations that have the same hopes and visions that you do. Find a few that you are interested in and learn about them.
3. Take action: Like I said, it doesn’t take time, money, or public power to get involved. Write letters to congress, sign petitions, change the way you live your life, recycle, spread the word, get out and volunteer or start a club/organization a your school. The possibilities are endless, you just have to jump in.
4. Keep going: There will be times when you feel discouraged and hopeless. You may question if you are even making a difference and the answer is yes. Don’t give up and keep moving forward with peace, love, and hope for a brighter and better tomorrow.

Some of my favorite organizations to support:

• National Parks
• I Am That Girl
• Conservation International