Two quick questions: Do you value your time? Now, can you spare an hour? L. Maxwell McKissick sure hopes so. His Milwaukee-based organization, SERVE 60, is looking for eager individuals willing to give their time and talents to others in need, and encouraging individuals to use the extra hour they gain during Daylight Savings this weekend to get started.
“If every American volunteered for at least Daylight Savings Time weekend, it would translate into 300 million hours,†says McKissick, who has high hopes for his initiative. “Of course, if they did it both weekends–fall and spring–now you’re talking 600 million volunteer hours. So even one hour twice a year can have an impact within communities and help change the world.â€
The overall goal of the SERVE 60 program is to increase volunteerism and community service among all Americans, including people of color. “We’d like to engage more African Americans, especially with such a tremendous and critical need [for help] within our communities,†says McKissick. “From volunteering at schools to promoting healthy eating to donating professional services to small businesses, there is a wide area where we can help.â€
Here’s just a sampling from SERVE 60 of the organizations or events where you can volunteer or donate 60 minutes
(or more) of service during Daylight Saving Time Weekend Fall 2010 and after. Don’t see your city listed? Visit Serve 60 website and type in your zip code to find a list of volunteer opportunities within your community. And don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 7, at 2:00 a.m.New York City: Optimum Institute of Economic Empowerment. Founded by author, financial expert and financial literacy advocate Ryan Mack, OIEE needs volunteers to assist with programs that help create and implement economic empowerment initiatives in communities.
Atlanta: Create Your Dream (404-249-9166). This youth development program offers volunteers the chance to mentor students through tutor assistance and book club activities.
Chicago: Children’s Home + Aid (312-455-5222). Volunteers are needed for their Homework Helpers Program on Chicago’s South and West sides.
Los Angeles: Great Chefs of Los Angeles Food & Wine Event presented by The National Kidney Foundation (800-747-5527). Volunteers are needed Saturday, November 6 to help stuff 800+ eco-friendly gift bags for the event.
Detroit: The Guidance Center (734-785-7331). Volunteers are needed Friday, November 5 and after to help winterize the Walter White Community Garden by completing tasks such as mulching, weeding and covering plant beds.
Are you really ready, willing and able to help out?
While you may have good intentions, it’s important to understand the magnitude of being called to serve. Here are 5
1. Why do I want to volunteer?
2. What do I expect to give and gain?
3. What kind of organization or program do I want to help?
4. What skills and experience can I bring to the assignment?
5. What is my availability and how much time will I commit?
Tell us what you think: Would you sacrifice 60 minutes of your day or week to volunteer? What are some organizations in your community that could use a helping hand?
Related Links:
To Honor King’s Legacy, How Will You Serve?