Tomorrow is World Kindness Day! What are you going to do to celebrate?
An easy way to show people you care is to perform a random act of kindness. Telling someone to have a nice day or holding the door open for someone are examples of little ways to brighten the day of another individual. The act of kindness can be as simple or complex as you want it to be; the only requirement is that the inspiration comes from your heart.
For more ideas on how you can perform a random act of kindness, visit The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at: www.actsofkindness.org. Also, check out www.helpothers.org for inspirational stories of people’s acts of kindness.
Tell us how you’re celebrating World Kindness Day!
Remember, “To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Perform a random act of kindness and see what kind of difference you can make in the community!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Help Yourself by Helping Others
Didn’t have a good week? Need a pick-me-up? Why not try volunteering?
Many people may not realize it, but volunteers actually receive a great deal when they are giving their time and energy. Volunteering is not just a one-way street and that is perfectly okay!
Have you ever taken a moment to think about all of the benefits of volunteering?
Think about it. Some of the benefits of volunteering include:
Skills
-Job experience: Volunteering is a good resume builder! Not only does it look good that you are serving the community, but you also gain lots of useful skills!
-Interpersonal: Learn how to empathize with people, motivate others, and deal with difficult situations! Volunteering can help you brush up on your interpersonal skills that are invaluable in life.
Health and Happiness
-Stress reliever: Forget your own problems by helping someone else with theirs! Volunteering will help give you peace of mind as well as help someone else in need. Click here to read the LA Times article, “The rewards of volunteering.”
-Longer life-span: Volunteering is the new elixir of life! In a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service they found that, “those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”
Fun
-Family and Friends: Spend time together while helping out a worthy cause! Volunteering can be a great bonding experience that can bring you and your family and friends closer together.
-Meet new people: Interact with a diverse group of fun and energetic people! Sign-up for one of HandsOn Inland Empire’s projects today!
So next time you’re volunteering, don’t think that you’re just doing something good for someone else; you’re doing something good for yourself too!
Many people may not realize it, but volunteers actually receive a great deal when they are giving their time and energy. Volunteering is not just a one-way street and that is perfectly okay!
Have you ever taken a moment to think about all of the benefits of volunteering?
Think about it. Some of the benefits of volunteering include:
Skills
-Job experience: Volunteering is a good resume builder! Not only does it look good that you are serving the community, but you also gain lots of useful skills!
-Interpersonal: Learn how to empathize with people, motivate others, and deal with difficult situations! Volunteering can help you brush up on your interpersonal skills that are invaluable in life.
Health and Happiness
-Stress reliever: Forget your own problems by helping someone else with theirs! Volunteering will help give you peace of mind as well as help someone else in need. Click here to read the LA Times article, “The rewards of volunteering.”
-Longer life-span: Volunteering is the new elixir of life! In a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service they found that, “those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”
Fun
-Family and Friends: Spend time together while helping out a worthy cause! Volunteering can be a great bonding experience that can bring you and your family and friends closer together.
-Meet new people: Interact with a diverse group of fun and energetic people! Sign-up for one of HandsOn Inland Empire’s projects today!
So next time you’re volunteering, don’t think that you’re just doing something good for someone else; you’re doing something good for yourself too!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
iParticipate, do you?
Did you watch TV last week? If you did, you may have noticed that your favorite shows highlighted service in one way or another.
As part of their multi-year campaign known as iParticipate, the Entertainment Industry Foundation dedicated last week to celebrate and inspire people around the nation to volunteer. Over 100 different television shows on the major networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) emphasized service and volunteerism.
If you want to find out more about iParticipate visit: www.iparticipate.org.
Share your thoughts with us! What did you think of iParticipate’s week of service and volunteerism programming?
As part of their multi-year campaign known as iParticipate, the Entertainment Industry Foundation dedicated last week to celebrate and inspire people around the nation to volunteer. Over 100 different television shows on the major networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) emphasized service and volunteerism.
If you want to find out more about iParticipate visit: www.iparticipate.org.
Share your thoughts with us! What did you think of iParticipate’s week of service and volunteerism programming?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Assisting off the Court
First of all, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Denise School and I am the newest Americorps VISTA member here at HandsOn Inland Empire. I’ve lived in the IE for many years and am excited that I have been given this opportunity to serve in my community.
I must say that it really makes my heart smile when I turn on the TV or log-on to the internet and stumble upon a story about a celebrity or another well-known corporation giving back to the community. In particular, the NBA Cares commercials hold a special place in my heart.
As a known Los Angeles Lakers fanatic, I love being able to watch the games and see that the team is giving back to the children in the area. Not only does the team itself commit to improving the community through the Lakers Youth Foundation, but individually, the players do as well. What is even more amazing is that the players also motivate others to volunteer.
Just last month, Ron Artest, the latest addition to the Lakers, tweeted a challenge to his fans to volunteer at certain animal shelters in Los Angeles. The person with the most verified hours at the end of the week received two tickets to a celebrity exclusive event. Currently, my favorite Laker, Sasha Vujacic, is holding a contest that challenges kids to perform acts of kindness in exchange for tickets to the season opener against the Clippers. These are just two excellent examples of how NBA players are inspiring others to make meaningful differences in their community.
These players are role models who lead by example and inspire others to do the same. So take a tip from the NBA and see how you can inspire others to make a difference!
I must say that it really makes my heart smile when I turn on the TV or log-on to the internet and stumble upon a story about a celebrity or another well-known corporation giving back to the community. In particular, the NBA Cares commercials hold a special place in my heart.
As a known Los Angeles Lakers fanatic, I love being able to watch the games and see that the team is giving back to the children in the area. Not only does the team itself commit to improving the community through the Lakers Youth Foundation, but individually, the players do as well. What is even more amazing is that the players also motivate others to volunteer.
Just last month, Ron Artest, the latest addition to the Lakers, tweeted a challenge to his fans to volunteer at certain animal shelters in Los Angeles. The person with the most verified hours at the end of the week received two tickets to a celebrity exclusive event. Currently, my favorite Laker, Sasha Vujacic, is holding a contest that challenges kids to perform acts of kindness in exchange for tickets to the season opener against the Clippers. These are just two excellent examples of how NBA players are inspiring others to make meaningful differences in their community.
These players are role models who lead by example and inspire others to do the same. So take a tip from the NBA and see how you can inspire others to make a difference!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Looking for a Simple way to Volunteer?
Some people may not realize how easy it is to give back your community. Did you know... there are simple things that you can do year-round that can make a BIG difference.
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Gather your gently used clothing and items and donate them to a homeless shelter.
2. Make cards for children in hospitals.
3. Write thank you letters to people serving in the military and/or law enforcement.
4. Clean-up a local park or playground.
5. Donate your blood at a local blood bank.
6. Perform a random act of kindness. For example, pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line.
7. Organize a food or clothing drive.
8. Read a story to a child.
9. Recycle.
10. Donate books you have finished reading to a literacy program.
11. Mentor a child.
12. Organize a fundraiser for a charity of your choice.
13. Use GoodSearch.org and GoodShop for all your online searches and purchases. A percentage of your purchases are donated to a charity of your choice.
14. Have an iPhone? Why not try micro-volunteering? Visit: http://www.beextra.org/for more information.
15. SIGN UP TO BE A HANDSON VOLUNTEER! www.handsoninlandempire.org
By doing little things everyday you can make your community a better place. Remember, it is the small things that add up to make a BIG difference!
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Gather your gently used clothing and items and donate them to a homeless shelter.
2. Make cards for children in hospitals.
3. Write thank you letters to people serving in the military and/or law enforcement.
4. Clean-up a local park or playground.
5. Donate your blood at a local blood bank.
6. Perform a random act of kindness. For example, pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line.
7. Organize a food or clothing drive.
8. Read a story to a child.
9. Recycle.
10. Donate books you have finished reading to a literacy program.
11. Mentor a child.
12. Organize a fundraiser for a charity of your choice.
13. Use GoodSearch.org and GoodShop for all your online searches and purchases. A percentage of your purchases are donated to a charity of your choice.
14. Have an iPhone? Why not try micro-volunteering? Visit: http://www.beextra.org/for more information.
15. SIGN UP TO BE A HANDSON VOLUNTEER! www.handsoninlandempire.org
By doing little things everyday you can make your community a better place. Remember, it is the small things that add up to make a BIG difference!
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Year to Celebrate!
It is quickly approaching…the annual HOIE volunteer recognition party!!
The recognition party is for all HandsOn Inland Empire volunteers and community partners – to give our THANKS for all your generous support!
Please join us to celebrate the New Year while setting a New Year’s “service resolution!”
Keep a look out for the invites!
See you soon!
The recognition party is for all HandsOn Inland Empire volunteers and community partners – to give our THANKS for all your generous support!
Please join us to celebrate the New Year while setting a New Year’s “service resolution!”
Keep a look out for the invites!
See you soon!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
HOIE in San Fran!
The HandsOn Inland Empire staff packed up for a week long adventure in San Francisco for the National Conference on Volunteering and Service! The 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service took place June 22nd through June 24th and was the world's largest gathering of volunteer leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors. It was an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired by the many workshops, speakers, stories, and special events that were offered throughout the week.
The conference offered many events with inspirational guests that we did not want to miss out on! It kicked off with a service project at a local Elementary school organized by CalVolunteers and KaBoom. Over 300 volunteers participated in a playground build with special guests Maria Shriver and First Lady Michelle Obama!
Following the playground build was a dynamic Opening Ceremony that featured many guest speakers, such as First lady Michelle Obama and Gov. Schwarzenegger, as well as special performances by various artists, including Jon Bon Jovi!
The rest of the week was full with opportunities to attend informative workshops and forums, each so inspiring and inspirational.
This conference was put on by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Points of Light Institute. Next year the conference will be held in New York City…hope to see you there!!
The conference offered many events with inspirational guests that we did not want to miss out on! It kicked off with a service project at a local Elementary school organized by CalVolunteers and KaBoom. Over 300 volunteers participated in a playground build with special guests Maria Shriver and First Lady Michelle Obama!
Following the playground build was a dynamic Opening Ceremony that featured many guest speakers, such as First lady Michelle Obama and Gov. Schwarzenegger, as well as special performances by various artists, including Jon Bon Jovi!
The rest of the week was full with opportunities to attend informative workshops and forums, each so inspiring and inspirational.
This conference was put on by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Points of Light Institute. Next year the conference will be held in New York City…hope to see you there!!
Rhea and Francine attended the playground build located at Bret Harte Elementary
The beautiful mural that was painted by volunteers
Michelle Obama speaking at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering
Gov. Schwarzenegger speaking at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering
Jon Bon Jovi performs at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering
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