If it’s been a while since you last volunteered, you better get on it. If you can’t remember the last time you volunteered, please slap yourself now. I’ve given myself plenty of slaps not just because I’m a masochist, but because it had been over a year since I formally volunteered. We all have something to offer, you just have to connect your skills with a program that needs them. I recently started volunteering with an organization called Washington C.A.S.H. that equips low-income entrepreneurs with the right knowledge to get their small business going or improve it if it’s already up and running. I jumped on board with the program that runs in Spanish and am loving it.
Whenever I meet people with very little resources and time, who are immigrant but still going strong and continuing to dream, I can’t help but get inspired. The effect is contagious. However, I do consider myself a clown, but most definitely enjoy being mature and responsible. In other words, we can talk business, politics, religion, philosophy, economics, life, death, but don’t be surprised if somewhere in the mix I throw in a fart joke or bring up your grandma’s calzones. Which reminds me, am I the only person that laughs when someone orders a calzone at a restaurant? I can’t help but imagine them actually eating underwear. Bueno, como dicen my güero counterparts, “I digress…”
The point is, we all have something to offer and possess skills that others could benefit from if you so choose to share it with them. When the open ears and interest are there and you have the time, por que no?