serving the community

[Jan Eveleth]

First thanks to all who offered suggestions for community service and letting me know what they did to prepare for their blackbelts. All very inspiring!

Here's where I am in my community service quest: I opted to reach out to an organization that I think does wonderful work for the community: MIYFS. They were an instrumental resource for me when I was looking for resources for my elderly father. That email was sent over a week ago and there's been no response yet.

I've since sent email to another group at work that I wanted to help out: the United Combined Fund. Through this UW-sponsored program, employees can make donations via payroll deduction to any of hundreds of non-profit organizations in the region. They are gearing up for a new year and I'd hoped I might be able to help them get the word out. Still no word yet.

[The delays in getting responses to my offers to volunteer are reminders that accepting, vetting, and organizing volunteers is a job unto itself. I'll be patient in waiting to hear from these groups and when they are ready, I'll offer my time.]

In the meantime, I've thought a lot more about community service--giving to others-- and how it's currently built into my life and our home life.

1) I donate blood at least twice a year.

2) We make food and money contributions to Northwest Harvest several times a year and whenever there is a food drive through work, schools, or church.

3) I make a donation to the "Small Change" lady in front of Bartells in the UDistrict a couple of times each month.

4) We make contributions to the Mercer Island School PTA.

5) We donate to other groups as well including Paralyzed Veteran's of America and Susan G. Komen fund.

6) 75-90% of the time I take the bus to work because I think it's critically important to conserve our natural resources.

7) I shop at the MI Farmers Market every week not only because the local in-season produce is great but also because it supports sustainable, small farming practices and doesn't require that the food be transported thousands of miles.

8) We always do our best to be there to help out neighbors, friends, and family in times of crisis and need.

All in all, I feel pretty good about our contributions. But there's more to give, room for improvement, and I'll keep working towards finding that next right opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

--Jan