Welcome 2015: resolve to "say yes" to a caring community

Recently the issues in the news seem to be of the enduring kind. Nationally we debate policing, fairness, and race. Locally homelessness rises to the forefront of conversation as our human service system struggles to respond to increasing numbers of individuals who simply can’t “make the math work” in this demanding regional housing economy.

Our community is inclined to help parents stuck in the position of raising children from motels. We want to create more paths off the street for long-term homeless adults. But the reality is that we, including this author, too often bring our own limited experiences to community conversations.

If you are like me, you want to see our conversations-national and local-more informed by a diversity of experience, including those of the individuals and families we aim to serve. During this time of end-of-year reflection, North Shore United Way offers some unique New Year’s resolutions that aren’t so much about personal health or comfort, but about building a more open and caring community.

FOR FAMILIES

You know 2015 will be busy. Resolve to “say yes” to the service day, internship, or field trip from your child’s school. Increasingly schools offer community engagement such as a day of service as a strategy to expand students’ worldviews and provide them hands-on problem-solving opportunities. As adults, we might not be freely offered such experiences, but can learn alongside our children.

FOR MANAGERS & EMPLOYEES

Resolve to “say yes” to a few local programs. If your company offers paid service days, take them. If not, even a staff holiday party can become a chance to think about others who live in the community where you do business. This December at North Shore United Way, we matched employee groups with giving programs. We were inspired to repurpose our own staff celebration to design gift bags for our neighbors who would attend the free community meal in downtown Beverly on Christmas Eve.

FOR EVERYONE

Most of us prefer one-time volunteer needs. This year, resolve to “say yes” to an ongoing commitment-one offering precious opportunities to listen to the experiences of others.

• Mentor a local kid ( MORE);
• visit someone in hospice ( MORE);
• answer a domestic violence hot-line ( MORE);
• serve meals for homeless families ( MORE);
• organize activities for seniors ( MORE);
• share your love of music or art with folks with developmental challenges ( MORE).

Resolve to “say yes.” You may be thinking differently by the end of 2015. To help you find a great volunteer opportunity or organization, North Shore United Way offers this website, regularly updated with current needs in our community. You can view and filter the needs on this site or view a featured stream of opportunities with our partners.

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Sarah Bartley is a project manager at the North Shore United Way, which invests almost $1M each year in local causes that improve the lives of children, families, and seniors on the North Shore. For more information about the programs funded by NSUW donors, visit nsuw.org. Find a volunteer opportunity at volunteer.nsuw.org.