Causecast

By MELISSA JUN ROWLEY, Contributing Writer

National Volunteer Week is upon us. This year the theme is “Celebrating People in Action.” With busy schedules and pink slips being passed out like circus peanuts, taking part in the occasion may be challenging. Luckily, there are countless ways you can pay homage to the millions of volunteers who make a difference in the world at a local, state or nonprofit level.

Below are a few examples:

If you would like to support volunteerism among young people, and participate in the largest service event in the world, check out Global Youth Service Day. From April 24-26, kids will lead campaigns and learning projects centered around literacy, the environment, health care, hunger, and help for the elderly. Join in the celebration of young activists, who are setting the bar for generations to follow.

Organizations affiliated with the HandsOn Network, which sponsors National Volunteer Week with the Points of Light Institute, are holding ceremonies to honor volunteers and their contributions around the U.S. Check out the above mentioned websites to find out where and how you can help celebrate.

If you don’t have time to go to a local or National Volunteer Week award ceremony, you can show your support by making a change in your daily routine that can raise awareness about a social issue close to your heart. In Toronto, a 12-year-old activist name Bilaal Rajan is choosing to go barefoot all week to inspire people to take action in ending child poverty around the globe.

Do you know or work with any dedicated volunteers? If so, say ‘thank you.’ Giving away plaques or certificates is a solid tradition, but any simple gesture of gratitude will suffice. There is no limit to how deep and wide thank you cards, colorful signs, flowers, free lunches and pats on the back can go.

Another way to support civic engagement is to teach it. To learn about different forms of curricula designed to educate children about volunteerism, visit Energize, Inc.

For more tips on planning your National Volunteer Week, go to the National Service Resource site.

Image by sayheypatrick, flickr