Welcome to the “me” society. This is the style of society that we are currently amongst. Thinking about ourselves is at an all time high, and there are only a few that seem to want to think otherwise. We are privileged people with just about everything right at our fingertips. Because of this table we have set, you can imagine how thinking of other people is made difficult, through the society we have constructed. We are even reminded of this through television and entertainment. It seem that everywhere you turn, these days, there are reminders of how we should take care of ourselves first.
Have you ever kept a pet? If you have, which most have had at least medial experience with a pet, then you know the look of the pet when they are hunger and in need of food. What is our immediate reaction? We go flying to the pantry to find food for the pet we love so much. Even if we aren’t a particular fan of that type of animal(say, it’s a friends pet)we still go out of our we to make sure that selfless animal is taken care of.
“There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.” -Walter Reuther
If you notice because the selfless animal gives nothing but love and attention to you, you feel compelled to act upon the animals wishes. Why do you think this is? Could it possibly be because the animal is selfless to begin with? In fact, this is the very core of what contribution is. When we give to a local charity, are we really thinking of other people? Giving money is easy, but actions speak louder and make a larger impact.
The greatest portion of charitable giving, $217.79 billion, was given by individuals or household donors. (American Association of Fundraising Counsel)
Take the Frist Step
The first key to being able to contribute to your community around you is to find something you feel passionate about that needs attention. This will install drive and focus behind your actions. There are many issues and needs out there that need to be addressed, and you must be willing to put in the time and the energy needed to really make a difference you invision. Commit to making the commitment. Become focused as to what your passion is and find that void within your community.
Start Where You Are
The second key for being able to contribute to your community is to start where you are, locally. If you want to create a global impact the movement has to begin at the single greatest place; your own backyard. When you start where you are you are better able to have a positive effect because you know the area a lot better then if you were to start in another community. Here, you can be hands on in the change you are striving for, and you can really come to understand how the situation is at the ground level before you start trying to make a difference at a planetary level. This, in a sense, is a way of serving your dues. You will gain much needed experience and be able to set up a system based on this foundation for a global effort.
Taking action is the third and final key to a successful societal contribution. Make calls, talk to people, go down to locations. One of the best pieces of advice I could every give is to locate opportunities in your local community publications. Very often, papers and online news sites will publish opportunities for individuals to contribute to their local community. This will connect you will people that can place you on the fast track to serving other people with a solid focus.
We have a duty to act like a puppy towards our communities. Be selfless and the world will be less selfless. Just as Woodrow Wilson said, “We are not here merely to make a living. We are here to enrich the world.”