Resources for Getting Involved in Your New Community

Getting Involved in Your Community

Shows like ABC's Secret Millionaire impress me.  If you haven't seen it, it's a show where self-made millionaires spend a week undercover in some of the country's poorest areas, and in the end reward the community's unsung heroes with a huge check.  While I think it's admirable that the millionaires are so willing to help people who really need (and deserve) help, they're not the folks who impress me the most.   The people serving their communities, regardless of whether they get helped out by a millionaire…those are the people who impress me.  And the selflessness of these people made me think about ways I can get involved in my own community.  I like the idea of serving other people, getting to know people with a similar vision, and taking part in what's going on around me.  And that made me think about you too.  I have a feeling that if you're reading this blog (regularly at least), you're planning a move, or in the process of moving.  So how do you get involved in a community when you're new there?

I did some research and I think you'll find these websites great resources to help you get involved. If you know of other resources for getting involved in your specific community, share them with us!  

Volunteermatch.org: This is a great place to connect with other people who share the same interests as you, and to get involved in your community.  Just enter your location and words describing the volunteer opportunity you're searching for, or skills you have, and get instant results for volunteer opportunities in your area.
 
Getinvolved.gov:  If you're a baby boomer, this is a perfect place for you to find volunteer opportunities in your new community.  This website is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service and is powered by VolunteerMatch.  Simply enter your zip code or state, search by interest, and find volunteer opportunities immediately.

Dosomething.org:  If you are (or have) a teenager looking for ways to make a difference in your community— or in the world for that matter— this is a great place to get started.  The site was started in 1993 by Andrew Shue (of Melrose Place) and Michael Sanchez, with the goal of making community service cool. Check it out.  It's free, and it makes it easy to make a difference in your world.

Citiesofservice.org:  If you're interested in getting involved in solving local problems, check to see if your city is a City of Service.  This is a bi-partisan coalition of the mayors of cities across the nation who work together to help solve problems on a local level. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters:  If the idea of guiding children and helping to instill values and principles in their lives appeals to you,  check out Big Brothers Big Sisters in your area.  While there are several ways you can get involved with BBBS, it's most known for making "meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and children" in communities throughout the country.

Get involved in your community!  You'll be glad you did.