Causecast

by JAMES ROCCHIO, Causecast Editor

The 4th of July comes on a Saturday this year, a fittingly American day (no work, no church). If it’s anything like last year, you’re already stocking American flag napkins and Styrofoam Statue of Liberty hats. The greatest debate will be between charcoal and propane, and you and the of-age members of your family will be slurring the lines of My Country ‘Tis of Thee and the National Anthem together by sundown. While you’re off work and the kids are off school, the problems in America don’t break for weekends, or holidays, and they rarely end in fireworks. Keep strong the progressive spirit of Independence Day and do some volunteer work.

Around Los Angeles:

The Petsave Foundation wants volunteers to help care for rescued rabbits. The activity is interactive and great for kids and families, who are maybe looking for less somber volunteer work.

The Alhambra Convalescent Home is opening its doors to volunteers this weekend. Do arts and crafts in the home for the sick. This is also a social opportunity in a stimulating environment (with 97 beds). You can help people with their projects, do your own, or sit and chat. Nobody, much less the sick, should be alone on the day our country came together.

AIDS Project LA distributes food to the sick and homeless. A lot of the time is spent en route, so you’ll have the same time together but with a greater goal.

In the Boston area:

St. Francis House is the largest day shelter in New England and right in the heart of downtown Boston. Spend your day by the water and help serve food to the homeless. Family friendly.

The Prison Book Program has you and your family (the service is child-friendly, with a permission form) read prison letters, fill book requests, and package books. Education is essential to rehabilitation. Don’t give up on our prisoners.

Women’s Lunch Place is a place for homeless women and their children to eat. This also requires a permission form, but is open to all ages.

New York:
The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is leading a July 4th cleanup of Governors Island. This is a low key opportunity, and still allows you to get your time in the park with your family. Help keep it clean for next year.

Creative Time is putting together an Arts show on, you guessed it, Governors Island. If you don’t want to clean the venue, help set up the show.

These are just a few opportunities in some of our cities.

Serve.gov, the official site for the United We Serve Summer of Service campaign, is a great tool for finding local opportunities. You’re also encouraged to check out Causecast’s guide to DIY service projects, so you can come up with your own way to give back this summer.

The weekend will be unconventional, but the volunteer hangover is much better than the alternative. This country was founded on the individual’s ability to make a change. Keep up the spirit.

Photo by mandj98, flickr