A surge of energy — started within President Barack Obama’s administration — has carried forward into 2009.
But as the U.S. president makes decisions designed to spur the economy and address wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it becomes easier for citizens to let the ideals that earned Obama his position fall to the wayside.
Government cannot make change alone. It is not too late — nor too early — for individuals to play a part in reforming America, or even improve their hometown. From volunteering to braving some early spring cleaning, little opportunities to make a big local difference are bountiful.
Making a difference does not have to be time-consuming. Picking an activity that provides a personal benefit, as well as one to the community, is acceptable.
Mayor Jack Dovey urged Federal Way residents to donate their time and skills to the community in his recent State of the City Address. The City of Federal Way offers a volunteer program. Opportunities are available for residents to work with the parks department, senior citizens, human services division and police.
Seniors at the Federal Way Senior Center began growing a community garden last year. They are ecstatic about their accomplishment. Many are eager to share their life stories while they plant vegetables. Each time someone mentions the garden, the seniors beam with pride.
On a larger scale, agencies such as Habitat for Humanity offer ways for those skilled (or unskilled) in construction to build homes in the Puget Sound region.
Take a day to help erect a home for someone less fortunate. A few months back, some friends helped build a home. Neither had experience in the field, but both enjoyed contributing. As an incentive to volunteer, their employer paid them a day’s salary for their good deeds.
Their involvement was inspiring. As a newspaper intern several years ago, I wrote about a Habitat project in Sumas, Wash. Friends had volunteered with the agency. Yet, it was not until recently — as it becomes apparent that I need to be responsible for the change I wish to see in the world — that the decision was made to become involved. Thoughts of drilling, hammering, measuring and getting dirty — all while building muscle, working up a sweat and exercising brain power — have me unapologetically giddy.
Sometimes, helping your community does not require setting time aside for volunteering. It can begin at home. My recent relocation meant sacrificing abundant closet space in a basement-level studio for a third-floor view of the Port of Tacoma and Thea Foss Waterway. Fitting unmentionable armloads of clothing into a broom closet space was impossible. The move prompted a re-evaluation of which clothing items were absolutely necessary — and which could be parted with.
The closet cleaning started out of necessity. The endeavor turned into a small-scale service project. A garbage bag full of wearables will be donated to the Multi-Service Center clothing bank.
Many Federal Way citizens struggle these days. A January count of homeless residents revealed several men and women who could use one of my unfashionable sweaters — which has been hanging around the closet without much action for far too long anyway.
As I prepare to give more of myself, I cannot help but worry about time constraints. Two jobs and a rigorous gym schedule, on top of weekends out and time with friends, already gets overwhelming.
But the other day, while talking about volunteering, my mom (in a disapproving voice) said filling every spare five minutes with an activity is not healthy.
My response: Filling every minute of my day is how I function. So why not spend five minutes helping someone who needs it?
Get involved
• Contact a Volunteer and Neighborhood Program coordinator at (253) 835-2652 or vnp@cityoffederalway.com. Visit www.cityoffederalway.com to learn more about volunteer opportunities in Federal Way.
• Learn more about Habitat for Humanity at www.habitat.org/cd/local.
• Find directions and operating hours for the Multi-Service Center’s clothing bank, 1230 S. 336th St., at www.multi-servicecenter.com or by calling (253) 838-6810.
