I am inspired by the coming-together of so many happy people! The energy, excitement and hopefulness is truly contagious!
I also think this new administration's demonstrations of civic responsibility and volunteerism (especially regarding yesterday, MLK day, and declaring it as a "day of service") is amazing. Much has been said about Obama asking for sacrifice; while Bush's legacy was to tell us to go shopping. I think Americans want to share their time, even money, with others who are less fortunate. Volunteering makes us feel good. I think there are so many intrinsic rewards to volunteering...everything from donating your time to answer a hotline, or help build a house...to donating money to a worthwhile cause...to helping a neighbor across the street. I do believe we each have a civic responsibility to help out when we can, whether it is once a day, once a week, or once a month.
I was just thinking about all of the baby boomers, who are at the age of retirement, and am wondering why volunteer numbers have not increased with the increase of individuals at retirement age? Any ideas? These men and women were (and still are!) skilled in so many areas, and could provide their knowledge, skills and experience to teach younger generations through volunteer tutoring, or volunteering to teach a workshop at a local high school. Many others can provide free babysitting through local churches or nanny services; others could deliver meals or organize a neighborhood block party to unite families.
I hope that the new administration is not only being "heard" through the younger generations to share their generosity and make sacrifices, but also in the older generations as well!
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I am inspired by the coming-together of so many happy people! The energy, excitement and hopefulness is truly contagious!
I also think this new administration's demonstrations of civic responsibility and volunteerism (especially regarding yesterday, MLK day, and declaring it as a "day of service") is amazing. Much has been said about Obama asking for sacrifice; while Bush's legacy was to tell us to go shopping. I think Americans want to share their time, even money, with others who are less fortunate. Volunteering makes us feel good. I think there are so many intrinsic rewards to volunteering...everything from donating your time to answer a hotline, or help build a house...to donating money to a worthwhile cause...to helping a neighbor across the street. I do believe we each have a civic responsibility to help out when we can, whether it is once a day, once a week, or once a month.
I was just thinking about all of the baby boomers, who are at the age of retirement, and am wondering why volunteer numbers have not increased with the increase of individuals at retirement age? Any ideas? These men and women were (and still are!) skilled in so many areas, and could provide their knowledge, skills and experience to teach younger generations through volunteer tutoring, or volunteering to teach a workshop at a local high school. Many others can provide free babysitting through local churches or nanny services; others could deliver meals or organize a neighborhood block party to unite families.
I hope that the new administration is not only being "heard" through the younger generations to share their generosity and make sacrifices, but also in the older generations as well!
January 20, 2009 - 1:39pmThis Comment
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