Tag: civic enagement

Volunteer Ideas This Holiday Season

On November 24, 2021

The holiday season is a great time for a person to volunteer for the first time. Volunteering can make one feel good, and it can make a difference in one’s community. There are many opportunities for volunteering during the holiday season, and each person can find an opportunity that feels right for them.

Consider Making Cards to Pass Out:

Those who enjoy working with paper and creating crafts can work on putting together special holiday cards. The cards can then be given out to lonely neighbors, those in the hospital, or those who are making a difference in one’s community. Anyone who receives a homemade holiday card will feel special.

Spend Time with Residents in Assisted Living Facilities:

There are people who are living in homes that do not receive a lot of visitors and who can spend the holiday season longing for some company. Those who have the time should consider going to an assisted living facility to spend time with the residents there.

Give to Those Working at the Hospital:

Those who spend long hours working in the hospital during the holiday season will appreciate being remembered. One might put together a gift basket to present to the nurses at a local hospital.

Give to Those Working at the Fire and Police Departments:

Those who work at the fire and police department often have to give of their time during the holidays, missing out on family activities. Volunteers can present such people with baked goods and other gifts that help them know that they are remembered.

Shop for Children Who Won’t Otherwise Receive Gifts:

There are children who have parents in the prison system who will not receive gifts unless a volunteer buys them for them. There are also children living in poverty who would love to receive gifts. Volunteers can get involved with a variety of charities to shop for gifts for children who will not receive anything if strangers do not step in.

There are Many Holiday Volunteer Opportunities:

Each person can find a holiday volunteer opportunity that appeals to them and that fits with their strengths. When someone gives during the holiday season, they will feel good about what they are doing and the lives they are touching.

Top 4 First Responder Charities

By Jerry Swon

On November 3, 2021

In Blog, Community

Knowing which charity to donate to in response to a tragedy is always difficult. After all, the needs of these organizations are often different, and it can be hard to figure out what will make the most impact on your donation. But if you want your donations to go towards first responders, some excellent choices should be considered on this list of top 4 first responder charities.

1) The Red Cross

The American National Red Cross is the perfect place to donate if your money goes directly towards relief efforts. They are already on-site in disaster areas and have a long history of providing medical care for people who need it most, including first responders. In addition, they have a special fund to help first responders who need support in the wake of national disasters.

The Red Cross is also one of the most efficient organizations when it comes to their finances and spending, which means that you can be sure your donation will go towards helping others as quickly as possible. While their services are available for anyone affected by the tragedy, you can be sure that your donation will go towards helping first responders.

2) The National Police Defense Foundation

The mission of the NPDF is to provide support for police officers working in dangerous conditions, including during natural disasters. They pay out all their costs through donations, so you can be sure that your donation will go towards helping these first responders.

3) The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

This foundation exists to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all firefighters who have lost their lives in service. They offer financial support, scholarships, and training for those affected by the tragedy, as well as a scholarship fund available exclusively to first responders looking to make a career change or re-enter the workforce after an injury has pushed them out of their previous career.

4) The EOD Warrior Foundation

Support the brave men and women who work as Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) officers. This charity works to support those affected by PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other psychological trauma related to their line of work. They also provide financial assistance for immediate family members of first responders killed in action or severely injured.

The EOD Warrior Foundation also works to provide support for those injured in the line of duty and need a new start. They offer scholarships, loans, job training programs, and an employment service that pairs wounded vets with companies hiring veterans. This foundation is one of the best places to donate if you want your money to go directly towards helping first responders.

How to Balance Profit and Purpose at your Business

By Jerry Swon

On July 13, 2021

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

We often see a business as an entity that we put up, either commercial or industrial, to make a profit. What if we included passion in this equation? Doing what we love the most, professionally, to produce profit sounds fun. One gets some fulfillment and a sense of purpose if they do it. Here are several ways one can use to balance profit and purpose in a business:

• Be inspired
For one to archive results, you need to sit down and evaluate the scenario. Try and do something new and different. It brings in a refreshing change and most probably bears different results. Travel to new places and try to learn as much as possible from your tours.

• Be ready to take action
Identify a gap in the market and try to see how you can develop ways of providing a solution to existing gaps.

• Empower your workers and others
Once you have identified your business purpose and are already meeting this purpose, it is wise to empower those you work with. Let everyone in your team have a sense of purpose. Let everyone have a role and part to play to complete the picture. You will do this by clearly outlining your vision and purpose and going further ahead to have everyone get well-defined goals and responsibilities. Delegate duties and let everyone be accountable. That way, the business is sure to continue running in the same way, even in your absence, and still, keep meeting its purpose and objectives.

• Fund the business growth
As the business grows, it sometimes requires additional funding to meet the growing demands and expand to other regions and areas. To do this, you have to be strategic. It would help if you found the right kind of partners or alternative funding. Whether partners or financiers, they must believe in your cause first to support it. Find people who love your product and believe in your mission. They are most likely to support growth and expansion.

The business world is a complex one. It requires patience, determination, and hard work. The impact of the business is usually far more significant when the profits are tied and connected with one’s purpose.

Jerry Swon Mendham New Jersey Giving Back Summer

Ways to Give Back to the Community This Summer

By Jerry Swon

On June 23, 2021

In Blog, Community

It has been a very long year for most people. The lasting impacts of the pandemic are ongoing and still significantly impact communities around the country. It was a challenging year for many people, and support is still needed to help get them and their communities back to their normal, pre-pandemic state. Some people were able to truly survive the pandemic and find a way to get back to their normal state. And many of these people are looking to find ways to give back.

There are a myriad of ways a person can try and give back to their community this summer. These also come in many forms, allowing anybody who has resources or time available to help give back to their community. By people giving back, communities will be able to return to normalcy faster and help keep communities thriving.

The first way someone can give back is to donate personal protective equipment. With the coronavirus still very much a factor in society, donating resources to help fight and prevent the spread of this illness is one easy way anybody can help. Masks are still a hot commodity and can be used in many scenarios and places, making them a much-needed item that could be donated. Hand sanitizer and hand soap are also highly sought after right now, as they help individuals stay clean and sanitary. Hand sanitizer is portable and easy to use, so having some on hand could be very important as communities begin to reopen and return to normal.

Sanitizing wipes are also needed and could be donated, as they are the easiest and quickest way to clean off and sanitize work and eating stations, helping stop the spread of the virus.

Another simple way for people to give back to their community is simple- get vaccinated. Certain events, places, and communities have vaccination goals they need to reach before they can fully reopen, and getting the vaccine is a simple way to help meet these numbers. This will also help states get closer to herd immunity and significantly reduce the spread of the virus. This is also a free option for people, and many establishments are offering rewards to those who chose to get vaccinated.

Jerry Swon Mendham New Jersey Virtual Volunteering

How to Become a Virtual Volunteer

By Jerry Swon

On May 19, 2021

In Community, Volunteer

The pandemic has forced many people to remain indoors and suspend their regular activities, including community engagement and volunteering. Depending on location and relative risk, it may not be possible for many people to go back out in public for some time. If you still want to volunteer, virtual volunteering may be a great option. It’s also an excellent opportunity for those who have limited time to spare but still want to engage with their community or help introduce children and teenagers to volunteering gradually.

What is it?

Virtual volunteering is precisely as it sounds; it allows people to volunteer in a non-traditional manner through online participation. This allows more flexibility in terms of time and capability while still offering an opportunity to help and interact with other community members. All you need is a computer, the internet, and the desire to help.

What kind of virtual volunteer opportunities are available?

Whatever your passion, you can probably find an organization that needs some assistance online. The United Nations Volunteer website can provide opportunities to use specialized skills like writing and artistic ability. Those fluent in multiple languages can donate their time at Translators Without Borders. Anyone interested in contributing to collective knowledge and scientific discovery should check out Zooniverse and the Smithsonian Digital Volunteers website. As with all volunteering, the most essential part is to choose a cause you’re passionate about.

The benefits of virtual volunteering

Virtual volunteering is an excellent option for those feeling lonely or isolated by the pandemic. It provides an opportunity to talk and work with other people constructively. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the positive mental health benefits of community engagement, so not only will you be helping others, but you’ll be practicing a form of self-care, as well. It can also be a great way to learn new skills and practice ones you already have; experience is one of the best teachers, and working on your abilities in a way that directly helps people can be highly motivating.

If you have some extra time and want to help, consider virtual volunteering as a quick and easy way to contribute your time and try out a variety of different opportunities.

Organizations Helping Military Veterans

By Jerry Swon

On February 8, 2021

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Choosing a charity can be challenging. There are numerous organizations and nonprofits, all with different causes. So how do you choose a charity to donate your time or money to? The first step is choosing what type of cause you’d like to become involved in. Many people would like to find ways to support the troops. Whether you’ve served yourself or have a veteran in your family, helping military veterans is a wonderful cause to align yourself with. If you’d like to make a difference in a service member’s or a veteran’s life then the next step is finding nonprofit.

The best charity organizations are those that focus on serving people in need. To do so, a nonprofit should be transparent with its finances and practices. If you’re looking for organizations to help military veterans there are a broad range of programs. Some groups focus on providing assistance such as utilities, rent, or medical expenses while others focus on boosting troops’ morale.

Here are a few highly-rated American organizations that are helping military veterans.

Freedom Service Dogs of America

This organization is special. The program adopts shelter dogs and then trains them to become service dogs. The majority of the dogs are then rehomed to military veterans and personnel who are injured or need assistance. The Freedom Service Dogs of America provides lifetime support to all of the veterans and their dogs and is 100 percent donor-funded. There is no charge for veteran clients.

The Gary Sinise Foundation

Actor, Gary Sinise has advocated for American military members for years. His foundation supports not only active duty service members and veterans but also first responders. The program’s mission to show gratitude towards those who serve this country through a number of programs. They host celebrations to boost morale, build homes for wounded veterans, and provide meals to families.

Operation Second Chance

This organization assists servicemen and women as they transition back into civilian life or back into active duty. Operation Second Chance has programs that pay and help to accommodate disabled veterans whether through remodeling housing or helping family members manage affairs. The charity does wonderful work in supporting soldiers in their rehabilitation and recovery.

There are many other ways to become involved with charities that don’t involve monetary donations. You can volunteer at a veterans hospital, provide calling cards, bake homemade treats, or write letters in support of our troops. Consider taking the time and finding a way to show appreciation for those who serve the country.

How a Philanthropy Program Can Help Business

By Jerry Swon

On November 20, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Philanthropy programs in business involve financial contributions to society, donations to a specific cause, or employees volunteering their time to help or drive a cause. Many companies have embraced corporate social responsibility and are continuously dialing up their procedures to prioritize the activities. This factor is businesses have seen corporate philanthropy’s benefits for them, their employees, and the community. Here is how philanthropy is beneficial to a business.

Promote Company Image

Most people tend to align positively with companies that give back to the community that gives them business. They, therefore, develop a good impression of the company and will trust its services. In most instances, the result is more business from the community they support as they have built a bond of trust.

Happy Employees

Companies that involve their employees in philanthropy enjoy the benefits of a team with high morale. Enthusiastic employees are more productive and willing to be team players. Besides, the importance of corporate philanthropy is that it brings meaning to their staff showing them the organization cares about their personal needs and the community.

Excellent Recruitment

People always want to work for companies with a good reputation, and corporate philanthropy is a perfect mirror of this attribute. Philanthropic companies have an excellent resource of well-abled applicants in the communities they give assist. Individuals with a knack for giving back to society will be attracted to such businesses, bringing with them diverse talents.

Increase sales

People tend to spend more on brands that give back to society and support good causes than brands that do not have any social responsibility. Therefore, with a philanthropy program, businesses enjoy benefits such as high sales and profit margins and are likely to get more customers who support the same cause.

Brand Marketing

Since Corporate Social Responsibility has become significant in businesses, philanthropy is an excellent way to promote their brands in wider regions. Getting down to the community level and reaching out to customers to find out what matters to them and what changes they would like can market a business brand cost-efficiently. Philanthropy programs are ways for a business to present a unique identity that resonates with their clients and potential customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an excellent philanthropy program is beneficial to the business, employees, and the community. It is a win-win for everyone if the intent is good and the ultimate goals are transparent. For a business, this is an investment that pays off in the long run.

The Future of Philanthropy

By Jerry Swon

On September 10, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

To say that COVID-19 has had an affect on everyone would be an understatement. There isn’t a single industry that hasn’t been impacted by the virus. While there has been a significant rise in philanthropy over the past several decades the pandemic has created a major need for more giving.

As the nation experienced major shutdowns millions of American people were left out of work and without pay. Although so many were left struggling there was an immense number of those willing to offer a helping hand. People donated what they could to food banks and handed out meals, masks, and hand sanitizers. Furthermore, corporations stepped up and gave large amounts of money to foundations and nonprofits.

Thus, COVID relief donations had reached $7.8 billion dollars by the middle of April. 60% of those donated dollars were reported to be from corporations, businesses, and religious organizations in the United States. Now, well into October the unemployment rate is continuing to jump, however, thankfully, so has the number of people who are donating their time and money to help others.

It is clear that the pandemic has caused a shift in philanthropy. Many of the country’s wealthiest people have altered their priorities and found ways to give back in the present, instead of donating money towards things that may not come to fruition for years to come.

There is a link to global health and economic prosperity which has only been highlighted during the global pandemic. Many leaders in philanthropy have moved to more transparent positions, inspiring others to do the same. Philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott and Jack Dorsey made major contributions and commitments, publicly, setting a new standard among their wealthy peers.

Even Forbes has changed and redefined the way that it measures philanthropy. Whereas the amount of money a foundation had used to be used to measure the organization’s charitable acts, now Forbes is focused on judging the actual amount of giving that takes place. Other companies will surely follow suit, helping to make philanthropic acts happen faster and have a further impact.

People around the world have realized that everyone can make a difference and come to fully understand the importance of giving. There are a plethora of ways to contribute to one’s community and even people who are struggling themselves have stepped up to participate in philanthropy. Although the pandemic is still creating new challenges every day, it has altered the future of philanthropy in beautiful and important ways.

The Benefits of Community Gardening

By Jerry Swon

On July 9, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Have you ever heard of a community garden? Urban agriculture, sometimes in the form of community gardening is a fantastic way to improve the health of community members, as well as benefit the environment. If you’re someone who is often involved with civic engagement then consider bringing the idea of a community garden to your next virtual neighborhood meeting.

While the year 2020 has posed a number of challenges to support the ability of a community to garden, there are still many ways to see that it’s made possible. Interested parties can discuss things online and set up times for everyone to go in person and get a bit of hands-on experience while remaining seperate and socially distanced. Community members should take their own tools, such as shovels and watering cans. It’s also important that everyone wears a mask and gloves while working in the common areas of the garden.

Community gardens can help to make nutritious foods more accessible in low-income areas Often times obesity and poor nutrition are issues that face these communities. A beautiful garden can help increase the number of fruits and vegetables that people have available to them. Furthermore, by composting the amount of neighborhood waste and be reduced. Not only will the animal life and biodiversity in the area begin to thrive, but the air and soil qualities will also rise.

Growing a garden and building stronger community ties go hand in hand. There are even correlations made between the safety of a neighborhood and whether or not there are shared things such as gardens.

Not only is urban gardening a wonderful way to impact the health of people in a positive way, but it’s also a great way to turn a vacant lot into something useful for everyone. In fact, there have been reports made that show neighborhoods with vacant lots are much more likely to see high crime rates, disease, and mental health disorders. An empty plot of land even decreases surrounding property values and can often become an illegal dumping site. Community gardening can truly empower people in the community.

Finally, urban agriculture or community gardening teaches residents, particularly young people, all sorts of useful skills. These skills include planning, food production, and responsibility. Once the garden is created volunteers can even begin selling any extra produce at local farmers’ markets. Community gardening can be one small way to make a difference in your area, both socially and economically.

Js Getting Young People Involved With Civic Engagement

Getting Young People Involved in Civic Engagement

By Jerry Swon

On March 11, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

America is a country long touted for its high levels of political vitality and civic engagement. Unfortunately, many young people in recent years have shown precious little inclination to take part in the democracy that makes this country so great. It is imperative that the education system encourages young people to be civically engaged and socially responsible. Researchers have investigated how this can be done.

High schools typically offer plenty of ways for students to get involved in their communities and practice civic responsibilities. Student governments, civics-related clubs, and volunteer organizations all give teenagers the chance to step into their communities as engaged, active members, which will then lead to an involved life in adulthood. The problem, however, is that these programs are all optional and few students actually choose to take part. Schools must seek ways to encourage increased participation.

There are a number of programs that have proven successful in promoting civic engagement among teenagers. Service-learning programs, in which students practice social responsibility by volunteering outside the school, have produced positive results. Unfortunately, they are not usually mandatory. If these programs were included as a part of the actual school curriculum, there would be a much greater overall effect.

Programs that promote voting can also engender greater civic engagement. Many students turn eighteen and yet fail to take up the basic duty of voting. They may feel uninformed or unprepared for participation in American democracy. By calling on students explicitly to vote, programs encourage them to get involved and take an active role in the democratic process.

It is important to remember that increasing teenage civil engagement requires a multifaceted approach. Students all come from different backgrounds and have distinct needs, meaning that different types of programs are required to serve them all.

It is also essential that programs take a long term approach. A single volunteer outing will do little to instill in a student a feeling of civic responsibility. A multi-year service-learning program, however, will likely result in the student forming long term habits.

Civic engagement is vital to a healthy democracy. For the American project to continue its success, active and involved citizens are required. The younger a civic attitude is attained, the better.