ALEXANDRIA, La — (10/21/2010) — There’s never been a greater need for volunteers, or a better time to begin thinking about giving a few (or more) hours of your time to worthwhile causes. Today, thousands of people are out of work, out of money, and many are on the verge of being out of a place to live.
America is slowly pulling out of the terrible recession we’ve been struggling under for the past few years, and it is only by working together that we will overcome the remaining obstacles standing in our way. Working together, we can rebuild lives, businesses and jobs, and once again become a thriving powerhouse for economic sustainability, success and entrepreneurship that America is known for.
Do you have a few hours to spare? Has your child or children experienced that wonderful feeling of self worth and accomplishment that comes from helping others or working to make our world a better place? Volunteering doesn’t have to be a solo contribution—why not make it a family affair that brings you, your spouse and your family together in ways you never imagined possible?
If you are interested in volunteering on a local, state or national level, here’s an alphabetical list of websites that can help you pick both the place and the organization you may want to work with. The list is, by no way, conclusive, and there are thousands of additional organizations that promote worthwhile causes not listed below.
America’s Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal - This is a website that can help you find volunteer opportunities, by state and type of organization.
American Red Cross - Whenever there’s a need – the American Red Cross is there. This interactive website provides lots of choices for volunteer opportunities.
Corporation for National and Community Service - This organization provides links to programs for Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC.
Global Volunteer Network - This website lists programs and organizations worldwide from which to choose.
Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Here you can enter your zip code to find a local Habitat for Humanity organization.
Serve.gov - This online resource will help you find volunteer opportunities in your community
United Way - United Way is working to advance the common good. Here you can enter your zip code to find local organizations that need your help.
Volunteers of America - Volunteers of America is a ministry of service that includes nearly 16,000 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping more than 2 million people in over 400 communities in 44 states.
In addition to contributing to a worthwhile cause, volunteering is also a way to expand your network of friends and associates. Strong communities, states and nations are built from within—from the efforts of individuals, groups and organizations working toward a unified cause. One person’s efforts can make a difference—will that effort be yours?
Help America emerge from this recession as a strong and self-sufficient nation! When people work together, wonderful things happen and the impossible suddenly transforms into possible. Volunteer today!
A native of Louisiana, Carla Ledbetter now lives in Alexandria, LA, and is also a contributing writer for Out and About Louisiana. Carla currently works as the Director of Web Content for Cenla Advantage Partnership, a nonprofit organization, funded in part by The Rapides Foundation, dedicated to building prosperity in Central Louisiana. The author of three published suspense novels, she is working on her latest book and can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Blogspot and LinkedIn.
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