By Sarah Corcoran
Photo Credit: Randi Hausken
We all know the holidays are a time for giving, but they are also a time of reflection. What change have we made in the world this year? Have we donated our time or resources to organizations that give every day? There are thousands of non-profit organizations out there with just as many different missions, so if you wanted to give their support how do you even start?
The first thing to ask yourself is “what change do I want to see?” Would you like to share your love of reading? Consider joining the friends group at your local library. Do you love animals? Look into an animal shelter or find a group that’s working to protect a critical species. Do you love the outdoors? Support a local land trust or park, or join an environmental group, like the Sierra Club, that trains volunteers to lead outdoor programming so you can share your love of the outdoors with others. Are you worried about the future? Find an organization that’s working on an issue you care about. You could volunteer at your local citizens group to support grassroots initiatives, at food banks to help those suffering from food insecurity, at a school to share your experiences with the youth, with civil liberties organizations to fight for the rights of others or with environmental groups that focus on everything from climate change or water quality initiatives to clean energy infrastructure or advocating for our public lands.
The next question to ask is “how do I want to support this organization?” Funds are becoming scarce for everyone these days, so you may not have the expendable income to donate to an organization. If you find yourself in this situation, consider a monthly donation at a smaller value. Something that won’t break the bank but adds up over the course of the year. You could also donate your time in whatever capacity you have. Yes, many groups are looking for someone who can dedicate a large amount of time for a specific role but they also need people who can only help occasionally. They also need your particular skills and experiences, so think outside the box with your volunteer roles. What makes you shine? Nonprofit organizations survive and thrive through your contributions. What change do you want to see in the coming year and how do you want to make that change a reality?
Sarah Corcoran is the Deputy Director for the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club. Based out of Northeast PA, Sarah is a lifelong resident of the Poconos and loves sharing her knowledge and passion for the outdoors with anyone she meets. She can be reached at sarah.corcoran@sierraclub.org. Find out more about the Sierra Club in our area by signing up for our local mailing list at https://bit.ly/NEPAsignup, visiting www.sierraclub.org/pennsylvania or going to the Northeast PA Group Facebook page, www.facebook.com/nepasierraclub/