Community is critical to our overall wellbeing. We are social creatures, and we find strength in numbers. Our very first community is our family, both immediate and extended. Then we move into the community at school and work. A community is a group of people with common goals. The best way to build a strong community is to get connected and involved.
The essence of Altruism in a business sense is where businesses build into their strategic plans’ community involvement. It is smart businesses sense to give back to the community. Consumers want to know that the companies care, which impacts the consumer’s loyalty.
When we get involved in volunteering in the community because our places of employment encourage it, or volunteering as an individual or family, we get a sense of kinship and connectedness. There is a place and role for everyone.
As a leader, share the vision with others. Help the employees understand how their work fits into the organization’s purpose. As a leader, hold regular one-on-ones with your staff members encourage them to make meaningful connections. Seek new learning and stretch your skills.
Making an impact in the community could be small to significant contributions. Businesses have greater opportunities to help with the change. Recently Con Paulos Chevrolet announced a donation to start a Boys and Girls Club in Jerome. Their contribution is generous and only one-fifth of what is needed. Jerome Recreation Districts are seeking helping hands to help prepare for the annual Easter egg hunt.
There are opportunities all around with ways to volunteer and get involved in the community. For example, there is a wonderful program called justserve.org.
Justserve is an initiative on getting involved and finding those opportunities right where you live. You can sign up for free on the justserve.org webpage. You create a login for free, and then the rest is easy. The system populates service opportunities in your community. You can also download the JustServe app on your phone for free.
No matter how small you feel, your contribution impacts the lives of others. I have seen people move by knitting hats for newborns, sewing masks, volunteering time to help tutor or read to a child. The City of Jerome has its annual City-Wide Clean-up coming up in May. Help a neighbor in need.
Businesses and citizens work together to create a better community.
“Volunteers don’t get paid. Not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” -Sherry Anderson.
Martin Luther King said: “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”