I read alot of posts on Active Rain - I mean ALOT! We (me included) are always looking for ways to generate more business and new, cool marketing tools. I have a brain that NEVER stops. I am always thinking! Many of you might think that I never stop and some days that is true.
However, tomorrow is one of my volunteer days. That got me thinking - do YOU give back as much as you take? I wanted to mention a few of my volunteer activities to hopefully give you some ideas of 
where and how you, too, can give back.
Nationally, I am a HUGE proponent of UNICEF! I signed up to voluteer with UNICEF years ago and there hasn't been one program that I have not participated in. The last was World Water Day. They have world events, local events, participation programs, and their most recent which is in full swing (meaning YOU can still get involved!) is their Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. You might want to check it out - great ideas and what a wonderful way to get children involved in voluteering and world awareness!
I Volunteer at my son's school! If you have school-age children you should definately check out the volunteer opportunities at their school. For me there are a variety of opportunities of ALL levels. From simple copy duties, reading to the class, to being a chaperone on a field trip - tons of stuff to do. Not only can I give back to the school that does a wonderful job but I can also be a part of my son's school experience. Nothing like seeing his eye's light up when I show up to volunteer! Also, no better way of making sure he is GOOD in school that day! :)
I volunteer at Tri-Area Ministries. This non-profit is not affiliated with any church and is a superb program for area families in need. I drop off canned goods and dry products regularly. Where they really need help is on Mon, Wed and Fridays. You can show up at 7:30am and help to distribute food or, load donated furniture and household goods. Any and all help is truely appreciated!
Opportunities are all around! Check out your local library! They need help, too!
Now, do I wear a Realtor(r) pin while I do these things? NO! Do I hand out business cards when I volunteer? NO! I do these things because I can. I am not looking for anything in return. I am simply 
Leesa giving what I can back to those that, at the moment, need it more than me.
Take some time yourself and evaluate your level of giving. Can you be doing more? Can you make a difference? Can you give a little more? For me, that answer has always been - YES!
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I do a lot of volunteering as well. One of my passions is mediation and I do a lot of mediating -- with community and the Realtors(r). I also am on the Board of New England Pet Partners -- they send teams of humans and their pets to assisted living, shools, libraries, hospitals etc. And then there are lots of community events -- like a walk for various organization -- heart disease, breast cancer etc. It is important to give back -- I feel enriched by the volunteer work that I do.
What a good post Leesa! I especially like that you do this out of the goodness of your heart and are not looking for future business out of it.
I volunteer at school, am a Cub Scout Den leader, and teach Sunday School.
Volunteer in areas you enjoy it makes you feel good and I have met good friends and some clients doing it but the act is what is important.
Congratulations on realizing that this is the journey, not the destination. Have an amazing Tuesday!
Joan - Those are some VERY worthy causes and I am so happy to see that you give so much! It truely warms my heart!
Pam - You, too, have some very special volunteer activities! If we can all just give a little more I believe the world would be a little better.
Terry - I have met some wonderful friends as well. It reminds me that we are all in this together!
Cindy - No truer statement than that! It is the Journey!
I agree totally. I have been a volunteer on a number of worthy causes for the last 30 years. It all started because my Mom had us walk each year for the March of Dimes. So she instilled a great habit in my sister and I. We routinely volunteer, walk and run for charity: Multiple Exostosis Coalition, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Komen Foundation, March of Dimes, Brown Santa etc.
Betina
Excellent post! Thanks for sharing, and being an inspiration to the rest of us.
Thanks for posting this. I am a huge proponent of volunteering locally and spend time every year with Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Loaves and Fishes and I am a regular donor at the blood bank. I try to make sure that where ever I volunteer the majority of the budget goes to the people for whom it is intended (which is not always the case!)
Leesa, I am so glad you posted this. You are definitely a person that "gets it". We want and want and want but what are we doing to give? I try to get involved in as many things as I can! Between my son's school and numerous other things that I participate in sometimes I overwhelm myself. Nothing beats the feeling of doing something unselfishly and I believe we are put on this earth to help others. We are pretty darn lucky and we should give back as much as we can!
Great post Leesa! You get so much from doing for others, so much more than you would ever think of. I do have a passion for fundrasing and volunteering and in the past it has almost been a full-time job, but I am just glad I could help. Personally, I don't understand why people don't want to give of themselves, everyone has something to give...time, money, goods, or insight.
Leesa,
You are to be rewarded for the time you give of yourself for your community! It is in giving that we receive and without volunteers many of these organizations would fail. It does take the efforts of every individual to give of themselves and help others. Our world would be a much better place if everyone would give of themselves. Like you said, its not about going out and promoting your business, its about the heart and giving is definitely good for the heart!
hi Leesa aka my twin, it's really nice to see this but I'm not surprised, it's soooooo you! It feels great to help out other people when we can. My personal favorites are raising funds for animal welfare thru the World Wildlife Fund and I also work with the Women In Literacy organization that teaches reading skills to women in places like Afghanistan.
I'm really glad you wrote this and I hope it inspires people to do something, anything that will make a difference to someone. Thx L, you more than rock and I love the new pic!!!
It really warms my heart to see the level of giving that ALL of you do! I can think of no better way to do good than donate my time, the extra penny I have (or don't have) and give to those that are in need. You all are AWESOME and I am VERY PROUD to say that I am associated with you all!