Episode 38 - Volunteering Benefits

"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”

Takeaways

• There are so many ways to create positive changes in the world around you right from where you are.  
• We are not here to change the whole world, but impact the world around us positively.
• Maybe start with joining an organization that already exists! You don’t have to create your own. 
• Volunteering is a great way to make an impact. Start small and see what resonates with you.
• Show me who your friends are and I’ll show you who you are.” Surround yourself with people that will lift you up and reflect the change you want to see.  
• Our fears often come from others’ influence and their fears.
• Small actions like a smile to a stranger can change the world!
• Wanting to change the whole world can leave you exhausted and despairing, so we have to focus on ourselves, and what we can do today. Baby steps create transformation. You’ll see the change you desire.
• It’s okay to stumble, fall, or fail as you work on improving yourself.  That is how we learn and grow.
• Today we are seeing woman’s rights and anyone who is a  non-white straight cis-gender male.  
• We can volunteer, use our voices, engage in dialogue, protest, engage in the process of voting, getting into leadership roles, or starting a movement from the grassroots level.  
• The power is with the people, and it all starts with individuals.  That is why corrupt leaders fear the masses.  Their accountability comes from us.  
• Think outside the box.  Volunteer  your skills or talents to an organization that may need them.
• We have to vote; this is what it means to live in a democracy. Even if you think it won’t matter, please VOTE! Those that want to suppress our voices will try to convince us our votes are worthless or “stolen”. 
• When the majority rise and use their voices, the minority doubles down on controlling them, but the majority must push forth!
• You don’t have to burn yourself out in volunteering/changing the world. Do what you can, even once a month.
• Be curious and indirect to help change others with strong differing opinions.
• Change starts with the person you see in the mirror.  Choose to love and forgive that person. Talk kindly to that person and pretty soon what is reflected back to you in that mirror, will also be reflected back in the world around you <3

Resources

• Make Our Garden Grow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DROkQJc_F0
• https://www.statnews.com/2022/06/29/doctor-suspicion-after-miscarriage-glimpse-of-expanding-medical-mistrust/
• Voting - https://act.represent.us/sign/does-your-vote-really-count
• Benefits of Volunteering - https://www.wcsu.edu/community-engagement/benefits-of-volunteering/

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