What now?

If you've decided that volunteering is right for you, you're probably wondering where you can volunteer and how you can sign up! Now that you're graduating and out looking for jobs in the business world, I'm sure life is getting hectic. You might think you don't have time to volunteer. Now, we volunteered at the Salvation Army in Pontiac, but there are plenty of other places to volunteer as well.

Because the bad economy hasn't just effected Pontiac, it's spread all around Michigan. Even if you live in a nice suburban area, there is a Salvation Army right around the corner, helping people you may not even realize need help. People that have had jobs and lost them, and with it they've lost everything: their homes, their hope, their dignity. You can help them, and you don't have to drive very far to do it.

Here is the Salvation Army website. It's got all the different locations listed, and even a section of the site dedicated to helping volunteers sign up for particular projects. They are even sending money to Japan for the earthquake relief effort. If you honestly do not have the time to volunteer, but you can afford a monetary contribution, there is a place on the site that will allow you to do that as well. However, I know most of us recent college grads cannot afford to monetarily contribute, but let me tell you, a few hours of your time is worth much more than 20 dollars to the people who visit and serve at the Salvation Army. Here is the link to that website: Metro Detroit Salvation Army. As you can see, cities like Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Mt. Clemens, Flint, Port Huron, and many other metro Detroit locations need your help.

Also, have you noticed the billboards "Believe in Detroit" while commuting to school or driving around the Metro Detroit area? Maybe you've seen the commericals. I've discovered their website and realized this is also a great source of volunteer opportunities besides just the Salvation Army. The movement is dedicated to helping Detroit move up out of the poverty stricken mess it's found itself in and become a vibrant city once more. Detroit is perhaps the most affected area by the economy, and if you live in or around Detroit, this may be a perfect opportunity for you. Some of the volunteer opportunities listed on the website are tree planting, mentoring programs, volunteer football coaches, tutors, and just a helping hand to pull weeds and help clean up some of the blighted areas. I understand that many people are not comfortable doing things like tutoring or coaching, but planting a tree or picking up some trash might be just as helpful to someone who lives in that area. I know this won't be for everyone, but it's something to consider. Here is the link: Believe in Detroit.

I think that volunteering, especially now in these tough times, is important. Especially as a college graduate. You have to look for a job in this economy, why not give back and help someone else who's looking or has lost their job? If we want Michigan to get better, and if we want things to pick up and gain steam, we all have to do our part! Whether you choose to volunteer at the Salvation Army, through Believe in Detroit, or any other opportunity such as your local church, soup kitchen, daycare, ect, it's going to make you feel good. You're going to feel empowered, and most importantly of all, you're going to help someone!

So get out there!