By Madison Blanton, One Step Beyond
Though the Season of Giving is now behind us, giving doesn’t have to be exclusive to just one month.
As we embark on the new year in a time filled with uncertainty, one thing will always ring true: the importance of giving back to the community.
Giving back has the unparalleled power to create a unique sense of purpose, providing you with an opportunity to truly branch out and get to know your community and its citizens while finding future forever friends and chosen family.
The concept of networking in a corporate setting is often regarded as stuffy and ingenuine, giving back makes networking easy. When you come together with individuals who share your common purpose and mission, there is nothing stronger than the bonds you create and the impact that you make.
In addition to creating everlasting relationships with individuals just like you, giving back is not only good for your soul but your body, too. Research shows that volunteerism can positively benefit your mental health by increasing happiness and decreasing anxiety and depression. And it doesn’t stop at your mental health, giving back can even lower your blood pressure, lower your risk of dementia and even increase your lifespan.
Regardless of your age or where you are in life, volunteer settings can help you improve valuable people skills like patience, leadership and adaptability, which can create a more positive quality of life for you.
When you look back, most of the events you enjoy in your community would not occur without the help of generous volunteers donating their time and money to a cause for the good of others.
Volunteers are community superheroes, seeking to unite everyone and bridge the social gaps that separate us from one another.
Have you ever been inspired by the actions of a family, friend, or coworker? Your involvement in giving back can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to give back and create a positive impact too. Volunteering can impact entire workplaces, social circles, family trees and more, presenting itself as an enjoyable activity that can bring you together with the people in your life who matter most.
Some may see giving back as a second job or another stressor in life, but volunteerism can allow you to teach your hobbies to others or discover your next passion.
At One Step Beyond, our programs centered around music, art, fitness, culinary and more not only establish you as a volunteer but a mentor, a changemaker and a resource in the lives of individuals who have intellectual disabilities and seek an enriching and meaningful life — just like you. Volunteering may seem like a daunting task, but it is all about finding the right fit for you and the field that truly speaks to you.
Today, organizations like One Step Beyond need community now more than ever, and we invite you to help.
Donating money isn’t always possible and financial complications can get in the way, but your time is extremely beneficial too. We encourage you to come see our participants in action and tour one of our campuses, or better yet, volunteer!
At OSBI, our mission is to continue living up to our name, answering the needs of over 700 individuals who have intellectual disabilities across our five locations with programs that provide opportunities and growth — we cannot do it without your help.
And it doesn’t stop with our organization, organizations just like us are making a true difference in the lives of those who need it most with their unique missions and the best part is you can be a part of it.
Editor’s note: Madison Blanton is CEO of One Step Beyond, a nonprofit organization that provides educational, vocational, recreation, and performing arts programs for adults who have intellectual disabilities. Visit osbi.org.
