When I was growing up, I was a member of an organization called Assisteens. It was a program started by the Assistance League, giving youth (when I was a participant, it was only girls) an opportunity to volunteer within their communities.
The Assistance League was founded by two women in the early 1900s. Originally, they provided food and clothes to local families who were greatly impacted by the war. Within a few years, they expanded with a neighborhood Community House that offered programs and services. Ann Banning and Ada Edwards Laughlin and a number of their friends who were inspired by their privileged lives, to help people adversely impacted by their circumstances. Today, the Assistance League is a non-profit organization with more than 120 active chapters.
At Assisteens, were each encouraged to volunteer for a minimum of 40 hours per school year, and there were a number of different ways we could be of service. My parents had already taught me about being polite and assisting people in my day to day activities when I saw someone who needed help, but as near as I can remember, Assisteens was my first real exposure to consciously planning and seeking out ways to be of service.
I can say that at the time, I didn’t really enjoy going to the meetings. And, I don’t remember the activities I participated in to “get my 40 hours” each year.
Later, when I made the decision to get clean and sober, the organization that helped me also encouraged being of service. The amount of service a person does is a completely personal decision, as is the type.
What I love about this is that both organizations were founded on the principle of giving back to the community. And, both organizations remain active and viable to this day.
When I am of service to someone else, I find myself feeling grateful that I can do something for someone else. I also notice that it makes me feel connected to the person or people I am helping, even if they are not present. It gets me out of my own head, and gives me the opportunity to be present to the moment, which is a truly Peaceful feeling.
I may not have enjoyed being in Assisteens, and I can’t say I expected to need to get clean and sober; but I am convinced that my life is richer for incorporating service as a part of it.
Nice reflection on giving back. I loved Assisteens and in high school I really felt great about the little bit of giving back that I could do through the organization.
Thanks. It’s so nice to have the desire to give back, and to be able to do it in a group is another part of community. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!