Easy Resolutions to Keep the Spirit of Volunteerism Alive

Keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive

If you are like most people, the last month has been filled with gluttonous sweets and overindulgent shopping trips. The start of the New Year is the perfect time to kick that habit and share the wealth. Obviously a great way to give back to the world is to volunteer abroad but while you are home there are still many chances to make a difference.

Since resolutions are easily forgotten and broken, be realistic and figure out what you really want. Little changes like donating canned food regularly and broad ideas like “helping others” are good ways to start. Even though volunteering is one of Time magazine’s “Top 10 Commonly Broken New Year’s Resolutions,” they suggest helping build houses, caring for an animal, distributing food to the hungry, tutoring a student. Here are some ideas to keep the spirit of volunteerism alive in your life in the New Year.

Volunteering could be the resolution that keeps on giving — to yourself and to others.

Donate Your Used Clothes, Furniture, Toys, Electronics, and More

Most of us probably have more things than we need. (I always get clothes for Christmas and then make room in my closet by donating some old things.) Convenient options for donating clothes include the Salvation Army, Goodwill and services that even pick up your clothes and furniture.

In keeping up with the spirit of not wasting, try buying only used clothes, it may sound difficult but many have taken on the challenge of doing so for a whole year. Set up a clothing swap with a group of friends. Maybe there are things that are in fine condition but you never wear them or they don’t fit you. Be resourceful!

Be Part of Your Community

Whether it’s educating yourself on local politics or volunteering at a local school, there are things we can all do to improve the lives of others around us. Taking pride in your hometown is important, even for international travelers. Knowing you have support networks at home and something important to come back to is a great feeling.

Getting involved in your local chapter of organizations like the American Red Cross, Habit for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, animal rescue organizations and homeless shelters are good ways to get in the habit of giving back.

Educate Yourself on a New Cause and Dedicate Time to It

Volunteering with the elderly

No one can be aware of every injustice in the world but things get done because there are passionate people who dedicate all of their time to a cause they believe in. If Jane Goodall hadn’t acted on her love for chimpanzees, she couldn’t have made such an impact on the animal rights community. Similarly, Lynne Patterson, who originally traveled to Bolivia to teach children, never realized she would be able to change the lives of women in Latin America’s poorest countries. She founded Pro Mujer and created opportunities for some one million women by giving them micro-loans to start businesses.

Think about something you really care about and can relate to and find out what volunteers are already doing for the cause. For example, if you’re interested in human rights and women’s issues, there are tons of cool organizations to learn from like the Human Rights Watch, the Office of Women’s Global Issues (WGI) in the U.S. Department of State, the UN’s Women Watch, and more. Once you are an expert, tell your friends, family and co-workers why they should care too.

If you’re not sure where to start, the United Nation’s Millennial Development Goals are perfect to learn about some of the biggest problems around the world.

Planning Your Next Volunteer Abroad Trip

Don’t be afraid to think ahead - the more time and thought you put into a trip, the more responsible and prepared you can be about it. Plan your travel goals for the year. Where do you want to go? What causes do you want to support first-hand? Check out all of the volunteer abroad opportunities on Go Overseas to help get you started.

Planning now will make your volunteer travel dreams a reality and being a conscious, responsible citizen at home will make you a stronger international volunteer.

Photo Credit: Tawng / BigStockPhoto.com and lisafx / BigStockPhoto.com.