Consistency: A resolution worth making
Each January, we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., who believed in working locally to promote peace, justice, kindness and equality for all. He believed in giving your all in everything you do and dedicated life to making the world a better place.
As we recall his legacy and look ahead to a new year, it’s the perfect time to make a resolution to create lasting change in the St. Louis community.
How can you create change that lasts? By consistently working toward a goal over an extended period of time. Here are three long-term volunteer opportunities to help you build lasting change.
Mentor the next generation of leaders.
A mentor helps young people develop a sense of security, navigate life’s challenges and focus on what’s important. A relationship with a mentor can lead to less risk behavior, higher self-esteem and better academic performance.
Erykah’s mentorship story is just one example of how the support of a caring adult makes a huge difference. Erykah had always been bullied for being smart, but Erykah’s mentor Jeanine showed her that intelligence was something to be proud of and encouraged her to stay focused on school. Erykah recently achieved her dream of graduating from college and pursuing a career in medicine.
And for the mentor, the relationship helps develop communication and leadership skills, while opening up new perspectives and opportunities to be a kid again. You can find the perfect opportunity to mentor a young person today to make a big difference in the future.
Help students achieve educational success.
Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams and receive an education. Early literacy and math skills are the biggest predictors of future academic achievement, setting kids up for success in school and beyond. Tutors help students succeed by assisting them with reading, math, test preparation and other subjects. It’s a great chance for the tutor to grow in management and communication skills while sharing your love of learning with others.
Tutoring can be more than just help with one subject – it can help a student succeed in school and life!
Become a senior visitor.
Isolation and loneliness are some of the biggest threats to the health of older adults. Simply interacting with a friend can help a senior feel more connected to the world and feel physically, emotionally and mentally well. This can lead to a longer life, improved moods and a sense of purpose. Visitors can learn a lot from older adults, as well as bond over shared interests.
There are many organizations in our area that reach out to older adults; you can find weekly and monthly volunteer opportunities here.
By staying dedicated and consistently giving your time to causes that help others, you can transform lives. And when one of us is helped, our whole community is lifted.
As Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” There’s no time like the new year to honor his legacy and begin building habits that create lasting change for our region.
Visit STLVolunteer.org to find a way to serve your community this year!
Take action now:
- Discover how United Way is equipping young people with the tools and skills they need to thrive as adults.
- Find all volunteer opportunities near you.
- Share this story with friends and family.
