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15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 0 replies · +1 points

I wonder if the reason we don't get more volunteerism today is because the current structure forbids creative options for giving service.

I think that many potential leaders in the service arena are hidden by current systems as well. We really need to start thinking outside the proverbial box in this area too. It takes the same basic leadership skills to head a gang as it does to supervise in the building of a Habitat house, to take an extreme, yet possible, example. Of course, purpose is totally different in this example, but that sort of thing would be a two-fer of great value, if it could actually be pulled off.

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 0 replies · +1 points

I totally agree that we need to structure future opportunities for volunteerism to include those with disability, the elderly, veterans, youth and others who are marginalized in our society for whatever reason. Sometimes that marginalizing occurs only because the structure itself excludes rather than includes. (The same could be said of our 40-hour workweek as well, I suppose.) As you said, many of us could contribute in unique and valuable ways if given the chance.

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 0 replies · +1 points

MrRoyce,
What a great website! It certainly seems inclusive of many service-related issues and much more besides. Thanks!

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 0 replies · +1 points

good question.

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 0 replies · +2 points

djohnsc,
I so agree with your thoughts about making communities livable and walkable. I think some of our most profound problems as a society can sometimes be solved by simple solutions - walking more will help prevent obesity and, if the environment is well designed, gets us to good places; turning off the TV and going outside connects us with our neighbors; being more connected, and therefore less afraid of each other, makes it more difficult to be violent towards each other, more apt to serve each other as we come to know and empathize with each other.

I see service and livable communities as being intricately connected.

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 0 replies · +2 points

Marti and Jackie,
Yes, I remember those days too. Kids used to come from all up and down the road to play Kick the Can on summer evenings.

I think that if our neighborhoods become comfortable extensions of our homes, service to the people in our neighborhoods will be much more automatic and natural. We need to get to know each other again.

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 1 reply · +2 points

Lolly,
Thanks for your reply.... yours is a voice of reason in the midst of a lot of anger here.

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 7 replies · +3 points

FDK,
I haven't read that one - I think it's the second in the set, after "Pattern Language." I assume the themes are the same, however, that our environment deeply influences our behavior, that the way we create our towns, cities, neighborhoods and homes directly inspires us to participate in positive ways, or not.

I agree that they would both be an excellent read for the Obama administration - maybe the person in charge of this discussion in the administration will take our recommendation and read them both, realizing the power in our surroundings and understanding that there are good ways to elicit service by simply making our environment "work" for us.

I personally feel that if our environment "worked" for us, in ways outlined in these books, we would feel less alienated as individuals in this society and there would automatically be less need for some types of service. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all turned off the TV, went outside, and actually got to know our neighbors and our neighborhood?

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 4 replies · +4 points

Mary,
As a person with disability, I would like to see "big" and "small" service opportunities on such a list. Just because I cannot work because of my disability does not mean I am totally useless as far as service goes. There are times when I could do quite a lot, but only from my home and only for as long as my body holds out. Still, I want to contribute.

I think for such a list to be successful in matching volunteers to need, all need, no matter how small, should be a part of the list and all volunteers, no matter how apparently frail or insignificant, should be considered as acceptable.

The truth is, even those of us who would appear to need volunteer service often would like to give service as well. George Eliot's quote is right for all of us!

15 years ago @ Change.gov - Join the Discussion: S... · 0 replies · +2 points

Blue in Red,
Sounds like you live where I do... I'm a "purple" in a very red state, actually (however an Obama supporter from the beginning), and this state has a majority of people of one religion. We live in a very rural part of the state, and I have a rather isolating disability. I do belong to that majority faith, however, but I also see where you are coming from. While I cannot do much because of disability, I still would like to feel that I am contributing. I too am hoping for a national data base on the Internet that could somehow match need with volunteers. I'm hoping that even "small" need would be listed so that even I, with small ability to do much, can nevertheless do something that would matter to someone.

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