Public Service Announcement - Get Involved
A lot of you are young professionals, still in college, maybe even some high school readers. And even if you’re not so young anymore, but trying to make a change in your life, heed this advice.
I have mentored younger people (I’m not so old myself) for a couple years. On occassion I will get the question. The one that is so completely broad and generic that most peopel would struggle to offer one piece of advice. “What can I do to become more successful?”
Here is the one piece of advice I will always offer. Get Involved! Philanthropy doesn’t have to mean doing dirty work, although you may have to hit the streets and get your hands dirty. There are thousands of organizations looking for help. The key is to find something you are interested in and join organizations related to it. If you don’t know what you want to do, pick a couple different areas and test the waters. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, help out at a local art museum, assist the local animal shelter, help with underpriveleged kids, … the list goes on and on.
The value of philanthropy and donating your time to worthy causes is beyond just feeling good. It will open your eyes to the problems your community is faced with, make you a more well-rounded individual, and hopefully expand your interests. And it’s great for your personal and business life. You will be able to meet new people, take on leadership roles, and have the opportunity to play an active part in making your community a better place.
