Inspire Action

In high school (which feels like forever ago), I belonged to the National Honor Society. This society is the premier organization that recognizes outstanding high school students. These students are expected to demonstrate excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Service is a large component of the society. I remember participating in multiple community charity drives, including collecting canned food for homeless shelters, volunteering at the local library, and more. At the time, I didn't recognize the value of volunteering for community projects. I was still a naive teenager. It wasn't until I was in college and really grew up that I began to value donating to charities and spending time with others to work toward completing a large project.

You have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger. When you donate a little bit of money or time to an organization, it may not seem like much, but believe me, it is much more helpful than you think.

(photo/Kiplinger.com)

Think about it: Your donation isn't the only one the organization is receiving. Your donation is added with others, and this creates a large chain of donations for the organization. Your small donation becomes a part of something bigger. Your small donation isn't "small." It really does make a difference.

We all have our interests and passions. There's an organization for each passion. If you're interested in health, there are so many foundations that need research money to discover ways to cure diseases. For example, consider donating and (if you live in the area) volunteering at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This research hospital for children with cancer is always in need of volunteers and donations. It might not seem like your contribution is making a difference, but it is when you are a part of a large group of donors who help cure diseases for young children who just want to be home.

(photo/American Cancer Society)

I'm sure you have heard of people who participate in walks or marathons to support a cause close to them. Relay for Life is the primary fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. So many organizers and volunteers come together to sponsor this walk because they believe it's time to take, or perhaps inspire, action against cancer. The goal of these walks is to bring communities together to remember loved ones who have lost their battles to cancer, honor survivors of all cancers, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society make an impact on cancer.

If you feel passionate about a cause, join a race or donate money or time to the organization to help ensure that the work will continue to make a difference on someone.

When I donate to charities, I know how fortunate I am to have clean water to drink, or have a roof over my head. I know I am very blessed that I don't have to search for food. At the same time, I know not everyone has these luxuries. Not everyone has food at home or a place to sleep. As you will learn, when you give food to a local food bank, or write a check to an organization that helps people in need, you will feel thankful for the blessings in your own life. You will know that your small contribution will become a part of something bigger to help someone in need.

(photo/nyarini.com)

Throughout this blog post, I emphasized a phrase: "a part of something bigger." When we're donating time or money to a charity, we think it's something small, but it's the opposite. It's huge. There are people who just need a warm scarf to wrap around their necks during the winter season. If you donate your old winter clothes to a homeless shelter, that will keep someone warm during the chilly nights. Your contribution is small, but it is huge in the eyes of someone in need.

I want to inspire you to instill a desire to share and serve throughout your life. Think about others, as well as yourself about how blessed and fortunate you are. Donate to a new charity or organization that needs your contribution.

But, don't just stop there: Inspire others. Inspire your children to donate to a charity. This will show them you care about others and want to make the world a better place. They will develop a desire to serve throughout their lives, and they will eventually pass this desire down to their own children. Inspire others to take action and be a part of something big.

Inspire action.

-KJL-