What about Service?
I’m thinking about service. As I started this blog and made some decisions about the direction I wish for my life to move in, one of the things I really, really want in my life is an opportunity to serve the greater community. I believe that raising my child as a gentle, global citizen and focusing on non-violence in my own life is, indeed, a form of seva (spiritual service). But I long to feel like I’m contributing in connection with others.
And for whatever reason, this is hard to find. Now of course, no, it’s not hard to find places to volunteer time, but I would like to find something that uses my accounting and business background to serve the greater good. And, seeing as I’m in Rome, it would most likely have to be on-line.
Yesterday, I found this interesting organization, Micro Mentor, that connects mentors and folks who are starting up small businesses and may not have the resources to engage professionals. I found them through Volunteer Match, where they had tons of “virtual volunteer” positions! I’ve been trying to find online opportunities for a while, so I was really excited to finally find this great resource! Anyway, I signed up to be a mentor, so we’ll see if anyone contacts me. I really hope I get a mentor match.
I also have some ideas for local volunteering here in Rome. For those of you who have been here, you might remember how dirty Italian cities can be. Especially as you get further south in the country. So, I am hoping to work up the courage to organize a neighborhood clean-up. It would be really interesting if I could pull it off, because our neighborhood includes a lot of Embassies, including Canadian, Iranian, and Romanian. It would truly be an international effort, although my husband insists that other cultures would consider it beneath them to clean up, although many don’t consider it beneath them to throw their trash on the streets or not clean up after their dogs. Anyway. I would really like to see this happen.
So, if you have any other ideas, I’m listening. If you are volunteering in your communities, tell me about it. I would love to hear what everyone is doing…
November 11th, 2007 at 8:51 am
I think it’s a great idea, especially if you “market” it as a way not only to keep your neighborhood clean, but as a way to bring neighbors together. I understand what your husband is saying, that other cultures might look down on it, but I don’t know of a culture that would look down on meeting and working with their neighbors, right? That’s what would get me involved - the chance to meet people outside of my little circle of friends. Keep us posted on this one, I’d love to know how it works out it the end. And remember, you just never know… until you try. You (or I should say your husband) just might be surprised…
When we were on the East Coast, I volunteered at a farm that offered horse riding therapy to children with physical ailments. I often arrived feeling sad at what these children were dealing with but I’d leave so uplifted at how they just were living their lives with dignity. I often think I need to pick that up again here in Texas, it was very rewarding, but I think I use my two little girls as an excuse not to. Bad excuse, I know, I might have to rethink this one!
November 11th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Melissa, see, that’s a great selling point for the clean-up! Connections… and that is right, I won’t know until I try! Thanks for the encouragement!
Also, I read an article about the horse farm in a magazine and it sounded like such a great opportunity. I am also looking for ideas on how to volunteer with my daughter and my husband. I know it must exist!
November 11th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I volunteer teaching yoga classes once a week.
My income comes from my art, but I also have a passion for yoga which I like to share with my community. The yoga teacher I had before did this and I have chosen to follow in his footsteps.
Everyone benefits from this.. even me
Doreen
November 11th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Doreen, I am wanting to find a venue to do that as well! I haven’t quite figured out how/where I’m going to teach here in large part because I’m not fluent in Italian! I bought the Italian Yoga Journal today so I can start wrapping my mind around how to present instruction in Italian!!
I love the work you do with the kids!
November 14th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
MicroMentor, an initiative of Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org), matches low-income small business owners with experienced business professionals, thus providing emerging entrepreneurs with the trusted, timely and relevant expertise that is critical to their economic well-being and success. Thank you for helping us spread the word about this flexible and unique way to use your hard-earned business savvy for the greater good. -Leah
leah@micromentor.org
info@micromentor.org
December 18th, 2007 at 3:47 am
[…] this not the coolest idea? When I was searching around for ways to volunteer my time, I really wanted to find a microfinance organization that could use my business skills. I […]