Resources
Volunteer Opportunities
Too much of a self-focus creates suffering. We have a primal need to be connected to others and to have meaning and purpose in our lives.
Service/volunteering forces us to consider those outside ourselves, it puts us in the position of less importance — it is humbling and it “pays” more than any paycheck can give. It pays you in meaning and in meaningful relationships and interesting experiences which is what living is all about.
Another benefit is that you will meet other people who are not so self-focused and this is a better place to find strong and life affirming friendships/relationships. Think about what you would feel drawn to…working with animals, helping elders, working in nature, helping children, building houses…and search on the internet for places that you can go give your time to. A good way to do this is to try a different place every week until you find the place you feel really connected to. It may take several attempts at different places -- if a place isn’t a fit, to problem! You learned that thing or group is not your thing/group and you helped them that day – move on until you find a “click.”
Here are a few leads to get you started:
Volunteermatch.org
Idealist.com
HandsOnTheBay.org
worldvolunteerweb.org
Also, search online for:
Volunteer opportunities for families
Volunteer opportunities for teens
Service/volunteering forces us to consider those outside ourselves, it puts us in the position of less importance — it is humbling and it “pays” more than any paycheck can give. It pays you in meaning and in meaningful relationships and interesting experiences which is what living is all about.
Another benefit is that you will meet other people who are not so self-focused and this is a better place to find strong and life affirming friendships/relationships. Think about what you would feel drawn to…working with animals, helping elders, working in nature, helping children, building houses…and search on the internet for places that you can go give your time to. A good way to do this is to try a different place every week until you find the place you feel really connected to. It may take several attempts at different places -- if a place isn’t a fit, to problem! You learned that thing or group is not your thing/group and you helped them that day – move on until you find a “click.”
Here are a few leads to get you started:
Volunteermatch.org
Idealist.com
HandsOnTheBay.org
worldvolunteerweb.org
Also, search online for:
Volunteer opportunities for families
Volunteer opportunities for teens