Foolproof News Year's Resolution

Posted by Maryan Pelland Jan 11, 2007

New Year’s resolutions don’t work. Most of the time. They just make us feel bad because we don’t keep them. But here’s one that’s so easy you can’t fail. One that will bring you bucketsful of happiness. It’ll help other people, too, and make you sleep better. I promise.

Here it is: Volunteer to do something in your community for one hour per week for the rest of the year. Then do it. For real.

I just joined an organization called RSVP, a part of Senior Corp. RSVP hooks up people 55 and over with volunteer opportunities in their own communities. They listen carefully to what you want to do, what you like, and who you are. They match your skills and wants with opportunities. There are some international volunteer options that can be done online or by phone, but most are local.

You can sign up on the RSVP Web site or you can find their local chapter in your area. Or you can opt to ask your county or city government to point you toward whatever volunteer organization may exist there. But so something.

I wrote about being a fantastic grandpa, why not incorporate your grandfather skills into volunteer work?

When I interviewed Art Linkletter, 94 year-old entertainment veteran, he told me sharing yourself and your resources with others adds immeasurable joy to your life and he thinks it actually increases your life expectancy.

For me, it turned into two gigs. I’m going into training in a few weeks with the Guardian ad Litem program http://www.guardianadlitem.org/. They’ll teach me to advocate in court for children whose homes are at risk and need court intervention. I can’t wait. First of all, those who know me say with my penchant for talking, I’d be a natural in court. Secondly, one of my high priorities is children’s wellbeing. It’s a great fit.

I also hooked up with the RSVP chapter here to serve on their advisory board. Total time commitment should be less than 8 hours per month for both projects. The board meets 4 times a year. The Guardian project allows me to decide how big a case load I can handle. It’s a perfect match for me.

If you’re more of a shy person who wants to do something a little less public – you can do anything you enjoy. Type. Make phone calls. Mentor. Be on call to help at local events on occasion, nothing regular.

Think about this – pick one thing in your town that isn’t working right – help make it work. Help found a non-profit or help find funding, if you’re real energetic. Do something about Americans going to Iraq.

There’s no reason, if you’re in fair health and mobile, that you can’t make a difference. Even if you’re not mobile – check out what’s needed in your community.

It’s easy. Fun. Rewarding. Check it out.

Want to tell us your New Year's Resolution - or talk about volunteering?