Top 10 Ways to Help Those in Need
by Steve Pilkington

1. Give your time.

Volunteer for organizations that work with people in need. Many people are hesitant to volunteer because they fear that the time commitment will be overwhelming. However, most organizations are happy to accept any help, maybe even a small specific job or assistance with one specific project.

2. Be consistent with your plan for giving.

There is a great need for many charitable organizations during the holiday season. However, the need escalates after the holidays because donations stop almost completely for several weeks after Christmas. Spread your plan for making charitable donations out throughout the year.

3. Consider donating items.

Many people don't donate money because they either don't have the cash to spare or they feel distrust of organizations collecting donations fearing that the money won't reach those in need. Consider donating actual items, like sleeping bags, coats, or blankets to the homeless during the cold months. Providing items like those to direct service organizations insures that they will reach those in need. Everyone has things like that around the house.

4. Use your expertise to help train staff in nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofits run on a shoe string. Most of them cannot afford to train their staff as well as they would like. Whatever your specialty might be, considering doing a free training seminar or session with the staff of a nonprofit. This gives you an opportunity to give back while at the same time enriching people who work hard to help others.

5. Get educated.

Take time to learn about the issues involving those in need in your local community. Do some research into the political climate that effects people who need services. These issues range widely from community to community. Learn what is happening in yours so you can make informed decisions and know how best to help.

6. Get politically involved

Learn about where your local, state and federal officials stand on issues that concern the poor and the impoverished. Write letters and express your opinion...take time to go to the polls and vote for candidates who most reflect your values on these issues.

7. Work with the children in your community.

Poverty is a vicious cycle handed down from one generation to the next. Think about becoming a mentor for a needs family and give something back...help break the cycle of poverty.

8. Donate some of your services

If you're a lawyer do some free legal work for the less fortunate. If you are a physician give some free medical care. If you're a development coach donate some coaching services. Whatever your specialty is there are people who need you. You will discover great rewards by giving something back to those who can least afford you.

9. Put your passion to work

If your passion is basketball, coach a team in the youth league. Find ways of making what you love to do become beneficial for those in need in your community.

10. Don't ignore your fellow human beings

We all come from the same source...the same place. The less fortunate are our brothers and sisters. Treat them with respect and dignity. Give them a "hand up" not a "hand out." Let's not ignore our fellow human beings...we are all in this same world together.

~November 2003

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Steve Pilkington is a Personal/Professional Development Coach. You can subscribe to his FREE ezine: "Create The Life You Are Meant To Live" by sending a blank email to subscribe@lifecoachpro.net with "subscribe AA" in the subject line or visit http://www.lifecoachpro.net
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