Stephanie Baker- Y.P.P Greater Boston Summer Workshop Facilitator
Can you recount the last time you went out into the community to make it better? I am not talking about huge gestures or street marches or anything of the sort. I am talking about the little things that go a long way. Can you remember the last time you made the commitment to volunteer with kids, or help tutor struggling students, or give out food to the homeless at a food bank? People often write off these types of activities as minuscule. Some say you aren’t solving any problems by just handing out food or playing with kids. I beg to differ. You can’t quantify putting a smile on someone’s face. You can’t know much it means to them that a stranger cares. We can’t truly know how this can give people hope.
This past Friday, Boston MLWs put some smiles on the faces of homeless children in Cambridge. The Salvation Army in Cambridge has day care for homeless children that offers educational activities, nutritional lunches, and recreational games. The excitement was clear on the faces of the children when we arrived(ranging from infant to five year olds). By just giving individual attention, talking to them, and chasing them around the playground we brightened up their lives. For a moment, we helped them not think about what they would go home to at the end of the day, instead we just let them be kids. No, we did not solve homelessness, but I think we brought some joy to their lives for a day. Maybe they will remember it, maybe they won’t, but they might carry that feeling with them for a long time.
One thing holding communities back is people forget about the small things. People want to work only on the big issues. However, there are things to be done every day to change your community and the world. We must to educate ourselves on issues in our streets and streets around the globe. We must give back to the community no matter how big or how small. Below, Boston MLWs recount their volunteer experience and commit themselves to give and to become leaders in their community. What will commit yourself to doing to make sure your community grows for the better? What type of leader will you be?
I had a great time at the Salvation Army. I loved playing with the little kids. They were so open to having us and always had something for us to help out with. I definitely think I will volunteer again because I had a fun experience. What I will continue to do to keep myself educated on social justice issues is to read the paper and avoid Fox news. I will also continue to have conversations about what is going on in the world with my family and friends. I feel I am most civically when I voice my opinions with my familiy/friends because then I hear other opinions that my reshaped my own, and with my opinions, bring them to the community. I will be a visionary/teacher because I have strong beliefs and I am willing to explain them to others.
--Emily McHale, Boston MLS
My volunteer experience was very fun because I have a huge interest in infants and toddlers. The things I would do to keep myself educated on issues of social justice and civically engagement is to save my money and watch how I spend it. I will also try to become an good leader that everyone wants to follow because of my good actions.
--Boston, MLW
Today when we were volunteering it was great. It reminded me of my baby niece. They where crying, eating, fighting just like any other cute baby would. I also would volunteer again because I really like little kids. I usually watch the news because there is a lot of crazy things happening now a days. After I watch the news I go and tell my friends about it because like things are crazy now a days, and we need to do things to make sure we will make it threw. I would say I’m going to be warrior because I will fight for all my rights.
--Boston MLW
I enjoyed volunteering. The kids were really sweet and it was sad to know that these young kids live such hard lives. I would definitely volunteer again. Its nice to know your making a difference in someone’s life.
To make sure I am educated I watch the news and read the paper. My family also reads and watches foreign news since America can be really censored. Since I know things others don't I encourage them to read about t or just talk about it with them. I let others know what goes on so they can let others know so it's a domino effect of good. I have a commitment to myself to not be another ignorant American.
--Boston MLW
My experience today was very different. Honestly it opened my eyes to the pain people (kids) go through. Not having a home and/or family can be hard. I would definitely love to go there again and play with the kids. I think I will begin to read more into the news and stay updated in general.
-- Boston MLW
My volunteer experience at the Salvation Army was fun and I enjoyed playing with the kids. It did make me want to do more volunteer work. In order keep myself educated on issues of social justice and civically engagement I will do some research online as well as keep myself informed through other people/resources. I will be a teacher/healer in my community by voicing my opinions but also helping people in need. My personal commitment is to help out my community as much as I can.
--Eliza, Boston MLW
My volunteer experience was exhausting. The kids were so fun. I would definitely think about volunteering again. But like I said the kids were fund and they had fun with me so I am happy. I will look up issues pertaining to me and my community that have to do with social justice. I will be an active leader, one that takes part in society. I will volunteer more. I want to be a visionary.
--- Dre, Boston MLW
I had fun volunteering at the Salvation Army because I felt bad that those kids don't really a home they an really go to, but at the sa me time it was good for them because I seen that while they are there they are learning a lot. The three to five year olds were learning Spanish. That surprised me because I don't even know Spanish.
