So many of you have ask what kind of projects to do in your areas that I feel a list of ideas would be most helpful to you. These are only a few and will probably give you a starting point or better yet spark an idea of your own. I believe in the old saying that goes... "Great ideas are seldom original but borrowed!" I say... "That's what life is all about." Follow those who have gone before you and build upon the past of others. You are most welcome to add comments to this post and share your ideas with all of us.
1. Get to know your community. What organizations are already in place that help women and children? Why start something new if you can help one that is already in place. Find out their needs and help in those areas.
2. Contact your local library to see if they will partner with you on a lecture series for mothers while their children are at reading time in the library. Contact local professionals in the areas with expertise in motherhood and parental guidance that all young mothers need to augment their skills. Those professionals will give a level of expertise to the lectures.
3. Contact the local Children's Social Services to see if there is anything you can do for them. I heard of one group who collected stuffed animals and made blankets to give to small children when they were taken out of their home because of court order. The blanket and small animal were a comfort to the children at a time of unrest in their lives.
4. Call your local school district to see if there are programs in place for after-school that you may help with. One organization in our community has a complete mentoring program for children who have no one at home after school. They provide tutoring to help with homework as well as a safe place for them to be. Many items can be donated to groups like this.
5. Have a book drive to give to the local homeless family shelters in your area.
6. Look on the internet for service ideas. We live in a wonderful time when the world is at your fingertips. Ideas are plentiful and shared by everyone.
7. If your group of American Mothers is small, partner with a local community women's organization or Faith Community. See if their group would be willing to work with you on an idea you have set up and created. Not only will you make many new friends but you will also let them be aware of what American Mothers is all about.
8. Contact the local county hospital and see if they are in need of baby items for the mothers who come in to have their babies yet have nothing to put on them when they take them home from the hospital. Our local American Mothers just delivered over 200 baby kits to the local county hospital. They were overjoyed with our donation to them. Those baby kits will be greatly appreciated.
9. Have a block party on your street to organize a project for the community that you as neighbors can work together on.
10. Involve your family! I cannot think of a better way to teach children to think of others as when they serve others themselves.
Most of all remember that service in a personal thing as well as a group activity. "Have I done any good in the world today?"... is the question we should ask ourselves. Doing service is more fun with others are involved and fills our need as women to be with other women. Laughter, love and unity is what makes us whole. Good luck in your adventures of service. Many hands lighten the load.
by Bev Nelson, California American Mother's President.
No comments:
Post a Comment