DOING GOOD

COMMUNITY: IN ACTION

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with volunteering, but I bet it began during one of the after school “field trips” my mom organized for our family. As a special education teacher, my mother introduced me to communities I might never have encountered otherwise. Through her, I was exposed to Deaf culture, migrant workers, our local Amish community, and more. Each experience deepened my understanding of my community and my privilege.

Volunteering became my means of transforming that awareness into action. I have helped Afghan immigrants navigate their new lives in the U.S., rolled up my sleeves to provide relief after unnatural disasters, had the opportunity to train others during my very first political campaign, and more.

Volunteering isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am.

COMMUNITY: IN CREATION

Lately, the word community is everywhere. But for me, it’s never been a buzzword. Still, I know there is more to learn and more to give. Today, I host three online communities that include ongoing calls, Slack moderation, and even a few podcast appearances. Along the way, I’ve learned this simple truth: sometimes the best way to find your people is to create the space where they can find you.