Ignore your Wii and get involved

I challenge you to get involved this year.

Anne Frank wrote, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Whether you are a student, staff or faculty member, many organizations at IU or causes in this community will both interest you and motivate you to make a difference.

Life is about more than getting good grades or building your resume: It is about figuring out what you are passionate about and getting involved, making an impact and leaving the world a little better than you found it.

The best part is the impact goes both ways: You will be a happier person if you work hard for something you truly care about. With so many organizations at IU and countless opportunities to make a difference in the Bloomington community, the biggest challenge for most of us is determining which causes we would like to devote our limited time to.

According to an Economic News Release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a discouraging 17.7 percent of people in their early 20s volunteered their time in 2007, making them the least likely age group to volunteer. Even more depressing, in the same year, the volunteer rate for teens showed the largest decline among age groups. The rate for females ages 16 to 19 fell from 28.8 to 26.6 percent, for males from 24.1 to 22.5 percent.

Many organizations in our community depend on volunteer support. I know Wii Sports is addicting, but come on, drop the remote and put your skills to good use. Two hours of your time each week can make a huge impact. Interested in volunteering but not sure where to start your search? Try www.volunteermatch.org or www.idealist.org to find local opportunities and organizations that match your interests. You can also search the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network Web site at www.bloomington.in.gov/volunteer.

From mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters to building homes with Habitat for Humanity to gardening and operating the pantry for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Bloomington offers a broad range of exciting and rewarding ways to get involved.
I personally am involved with WildCare Inc. WildCare provides professional care to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Support WildCare by volunteering or attending its upcoming benefit, “A Second Chance,” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Deer Park Manor. For details visit: www.WildCareInc.org/events.html.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the list of student organizations and clubs here at IU. Visit www.iub.edu/student/orgs.shtml. 

You can start making a difference right now. I hope we all discover whatever it is about the world we desire to change, and then we do just that. Take a moment to think about what truly interests and motivates you, something you would like to learn more about this year or dedicate your time to. Get involved and watch the benefits unfold, in the community and in your own life.