Why should I?

"Everyone has the power of greatness. Not for fame, but greatness. Because greatness is determined by service" Martin Luther King Jr.

Why should you take time out of your day, money out of your pocket, or sweat off your brow? Because you can impact the lives of others. You have the opportunity to become a valued member of your community. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you see that your actions can be used to solve problems. Your actions for others can make you a happier person. Your service for your community is valuable experience that will serve you later in life. It will also help you build solid relationships.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. You can fill a need in your community, in your neighbors, or in your own loved ones. Your kindness can make someone smile. If you are passionate about making a change, others will be inspired. Maybe you will touch the lives of a handful of people who will want to help you and support your solution. Their passion will also inspire others until you have an entire community of people on your side working towards a common goal. Things can't change overnight, but the change can start with one person and one idea.

"Humanity's worst problems are solvable. Most solutions are simple. Existing scientific knowledge is sufficient." Roger Payne, Greenpeace Activist

Everything in nature is connected. Everything we do has consequences. Changing the way we live requires that we first understand what the problems are, their causes, and how to solve them. You can have an impact on the world by improving the environment, providing social services, building community, and fostering education. Start by opening your eyes to the challenges that you and the people around you face each day. Read about the problems, talk to people about the problems, and study the problem until you understand it's causes and effects. Then form a plan of action.

Motivating yourself to serve others

Today many people are making an effort to serve others. It may be to fill a need in your life, it may be because you have been helped by others, it might be part of your faith, or a school project. Whatever the reason, your help makes the world a better place. Why is your help needed? Look around your life and your community and you should see something that can be improved, some way in which someone else's life can be made better. Without looking past your home and your loved ones you should see something that can be changed to make your life, your community, or your planet a better place. Find the problems around you and define them. This may involve doing some research in order to find the appropriate solutions. Use the internet, talk to friends and neighbors, or seek out social groups that have the same concerns. Once you start asking questions, you are on the path to finding answers.

Once you have starting to see the things that need to be improved, you may start wondering what you can do? Continue your research so that you can form a plan of action. Consider how much of a commitment you are willing and able to make. How much time can you devote to serving others? Can you give money or other goods? Be creative about the ways in which you give. Also, make a plan for how your service will involve others. This can be as simple as talking, blogging, or writing about your project. It could involve getting others to donate time or other valuable resources. When you seek help from others you are building a community.

After they put their plan into action, many people begin to wonder what difference they will possibly make? Results are not immediate and you may not be overwhelmed with gratitude for your sacrifices, but your service is vital. Record your results and share them through blogs or community networks. Periodically reflect on your results to see if there is anything you would change. Use your results to motivate yourself and others.