In the small town where I grew up, the local businessowners were also the community activists. If something needed to be set right, funds raised, or a park furnished, they were the corps that got things rolling. Entrepreneurial volunteers are still shaking things up. Here are some ways to get involved.
° Need inspiration? Visit CNN online and check out their Heroes videos. Great stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact.
° Want to help out the country? In the US, go to www.serve.gov and get the lowdown on programs that include AmeriCorps, Citizen Corps and Senior Corps. If you want to create your own program, there’s information on how to do that as well.
° Know a teen who wants to make a difference? Tell them about this online resource: Do Something.
° Want to spruce up a national or local treasure? The American Hiking Society sponsors volunteers working in parks in 30 states and the Virgin Islands. Many state park associations also help you connect with projects.
° Not sure how to find the right opportunity? If you live in an urban area,check out the clearinghouse VolunteerMatch. You can search by location or area of interest.
° Find yourself with unexpected spare time? All kinds of projects can use an extra hand, even if it’s only for a day or so. Pick up a hammer and help a Habitat build, stock shelves at your food pantry, etc.
° Want to spread some entrepreneurial spirit? Although Junior Achievement isn’t the hands-on business organization it once was, it could be a way for you to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Go to JA.org to see what’s happening in your part of the world.
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Business author Stephanie Chandler celebrated the Fourth of July with this fine article on 10 Reasons to Love Being an Entrepreneur.
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