How often do you volunteer for any kind of community service work? A recent study published by the Corporation for National and Community Service showed that only 26% of Americans volunteer. I heard someone say recently, “If you are privileged enough to be living a good life–blessed with a job, food on your table and a roof over your head–it is your responsibility to give something back and help those who have not been as fortunate as you.” I agree. As Americans, many of us forget how good we have it. Even when our job is less than ideal or the place we’re living isn’t our dream home, we have it way better than the much of the world. We need to remember that maybe we’ve got it pretty good–and for those to whom much has has been given, much is also required.
One easy way to give back right here in our own community is to get involved in Yoga Serves, a volunteer group made up of yogis and yoginis from around Ann Arbor. The beauty of Yoga Serves is that it’s up to you how often you volunteer. There is no real time commitment or obligation. Each month we take part in one or two community service projects–things like serving dinner to the less fortunate at the Delonis Center, salvaging food at the Food Gatherers Warehouse, sorting hats and gloves for low-income kids in our public schools and repairing trails in our local parks. If that month’s project fits with your schedule, sign up and come help out. It’s only a few hours of your time at most. If it doesn’t work with your schedule, check the web site for next month’s project. Just show up when you can and give a few hours of your time.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please join us for our next vegetarian potluck where you can sign up for upcoming projects and share ideas for new projects. We’ll be meeting this time at the Ann Arbor School of Yoga on Sunday, October 27, 2013, 5-7pm. The food is always delicious, and it’s a great way to meet others who share similar interests. If you can’t make the potluck, check the web site page here to see what service projects are coming up and contact us to get involved.
