by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
Based on the old adage, “it’s better to give than to receive,” community activism comes from a person’s heart. There are innumerable ways to give back to one’s community by volunteering in various organizations or doing personal acts of kindness. Most people who become involved with community service do it without fanfare or thoughts of receiving accolades. It’s a way of touching one’s spiritual core. Whether it’s one Saturday a month cleaning up litter in the neighborhood or using one’s talents in music, arts, or education to help kids become better citizens, the one constant in the equation is: activism enhances one’s feeling of self-worth.
For the mega-wealthy, like Bill Gates, becoming a philanthropist was the only path that could give him any sense of self-satisfaction. By using his vast fortune to help the impoverished, starving, and HIV-infected African nations, he is fulfilling his spiritual commitment to use the money for the common good. Sure, he has all the trappings of the ultra-rich– his own private jet, a huge mansion in Seattle– anything he could think of or imagine he can buy. But all those material things can’t give him a feeling of self-worth. Only helping others enables Bill Gates to sleep at night.
When people show me random acts of kindness, I’m so astonished by the spirit of giving that I reciprocate by trying to follow the golden rule. Years ago, my old 1960 Volkswagen’s engine blew up on the Sunshine Parkway, leaving parts of the engine strewn all over the roadside. Of course, this was before cell phones or emergency call boxes, so I was stranded. It’s a lonely, depressing feeling. After about an hour of trying to flag someone down, a man in a pickup truck stopped to help, and it so happened he was going to Jacksonville, like me. He attached a rope to my car and towed me all the way to my home in Jacksonville. I offered him money for gas, but he refused. He wouldn’t even give me his address or phone number. A complete stranger helped little old me. Wow! Today, I still think of that guy’s incredibly unselfish act of kindness.
With all the violence and war in the world, it’s hard to focus on the people who give their time and money to help others. When I feel discouraged by the heinous killing in the Middle East, I think of the unsung heroes in our community who joyously help to better humankind by their community activism. Believe me, no matter what is bothering you, helping others will put things in perspective.
When I covered the Opening of Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital, Barbara Bush was the guest of honor. After her entourage toured the hospital, the members of the press were taken on a tour. Seeing the chronically ill children touched me deeply. Some of the kids had terminal cancer or advanced Cystic Fibrosis. I was humbled, and whatever little niggling problem happened to be bothering me that day was nullified by my compassion for those sick kids. The one thing that impressed me the most was that all the kids, no matter how sick they were, were smiling and laughing. It was a peak moment for me. Now, when I complain or grumble about trivial things, I think of those kids, and it’s a jolt of reality.
There are countless ways to get involved with community service. Google “volunteerism” and a plethora of sites come up for organizations like Volunteers of America (voa.org) Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or Volunteers of America North Central Florida Permanent Housing.
First Coast News’ website (firstcoastnews.com) is a great site to get inspiration on their 12 Who Care honorees’ page. I was especially impressed with Harry “Tom” Heery’s story. Although Tom himself is blind, helping other people is his passion. Harry lost his sight years ago, but he refused to let it hold him back. Tom volunteers his time to counsel other people who are losing their sight and to teach them how to cope. Tom is married with two children and is a devoted family man, but he still finds time to help others who are going blind by reassuring them that losing one’s sight is just a minor inconvenience.
Clearly, celebrities like Angelina Jolie have discovered that community or worldwide activism is the only way they can get peace of mind. They take part in all the superficial partying and other foolishness, but one day they wake up, grow up and become responsible adults.
Finally, activism can be flexible enough to involve as much time or money as one can afford to spend. Just helping an elderly neighbor by checking on them every day and making sure they are well is a random act of kindness. It can give a warm feeling of community to anyone, and when one does it, it starts a cascade of kindness that proliferates across the land. The rewards are immeasurable.
by morgan henley freefunk322@aol.com
Ask not what Jacksonville can do for you, but what you can do for Jacksonville. Summertime has rolled around, and what better time to do something for the community? Volunteering is a great way to get out of the house, meet new people, learn new things, and maybe even pick up a few community service hours for school. Many teenagers are required to volunteer in order to receive the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship (it’s 75 hours to receive 100% of your tuition paid for, along with the other requirements). Colleges also love to read gripping admissions essays about volunteering. Some teens have more of a personal agenda in mind, and are just doing it for the great feeling that volunteering gives you. Nonetheless, volunteering is also a great way to spend some of the overabundant time that teens usually have during the summer.
The options of places to lend a helping hand at are plenty, but these are some of the best bets for teens.
If you’ve ever taken a visit to Jacksonville Beach on a Sunday or a major holiday, those lifeguards you see sitting on those gleaming red towers are volunteers. The American Red Cross Life Saving Corps is really just a fancy name for the Jacksonville Beach lifeguards who dedicate every Sunday to keep an eye out on the ocean. They go through a rigorous recruiting program that starts in either February or May. Many high school students around the city join the Corps for the camaraderie and leadership skills it harbors. The volunteer lifeguards have to man their lifeguard towers and watch the water along with taking care of the stands and Lifeguard Station. This volunteering opportunity is only for the toughest, but it proves to be worth it in the end, as many of the volunteers are also paid lifeguards for the normal beach week.
Average Number of Hours Earned at the End of the Summer: 300
This camp was created for mentally handicapped children to be able to have the summer camp experience that many of them couldn’t otherwise. Disabled campers are partnered with a “buddy,” who spends the entire week with them at an overnight camp, helping them have the best camp experience they can. The camp is a program of the Catholic Ministries of the Diocese of St. Augustine and is located right outside of Jacksonville in Switzerland at Marywood. The camp is a great way to learn patience, selflessness, and leadership along with a great excuse to remember what’s important in life, the pursuit of fun. This is great for anyone who likes working with children and fellow teens.
Average Number of Hours Earned at the End of the Summer: 120 per week
For those who love furry creatures, the humane society has got a job for you. The Humane society thrives off its many volunteers who help take care of all the different animals. There are more than just orphaned cats and dogs, but ferrets, rabbits, and birds, too. You must be fifteen and have parental consent to apply, and there’s an orientation before the actual volunteering for training. If you like walking dogs and playing with cats, then this is an ideal opportunity.
Average Number of Hours Earned at the End of the Summer: Varies
The Museum of Science and History offers a great teen volunteer program where high school students (grades 9 – 12) help out in different areas of the museum. The jobs vary from helping out in the planetarium, handling the live animals, museum demonstrations, visitor services, and helping out summer camps. For those who’ve got a knack for science or just really like the MOSH (who doesn’t?), this is an interesting way to rack up some community service hours. Plus, I bet you get to meet Tonka. Applications are due in April, so be prepared next year if this interests you.
Average Number of Hours Earned at the End of the Summer: 75 along with a required 25 additional in the school year
Maybe a nice, cool place is where you’d like to devote your spare time. The Jacksonville Public Library offers many positions in which you can help in almost every aspect of the library. With a location in almost every neighborhood, this is a great opportunity for those with a lack of transportation. The work is quiet, so if you’re hoping for an exciting volunteer job, this might not be right for you. If being around hundreds of books makes your day, then fill out an application at your local library branch today. Kids age 12 – 15 will participate in a different group than those 16 and older.
Average Number of Hours Earned at the End of the Summer: Varies
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