By Nancy Peto, national coordinator of AB GIRLS
As we reflect on serving others one must look at the definition of service. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the meaning of service is a helpful action; an action done to help somebody or as a favor to somebody. Working together, AB GIRLS learn to solve problems, make decisions, engage their compassion, and have a chance to affect the lives of others in a very positive way. They learn to connect local concerns with much broader global issues and gain an awareness of others who may not be like themselves. All this will serve them now and years later as they transition out of school and into the adult world.
In Romans 12:7 we are reminded, “If your gift is serving others, serve them well.” With Scripture on our minds as we prepare ourselves to serve others always remember to allow time for reflection before and after the project with the girls. Give them an opportunity to explore how their service made them feel and what they may have learned during this experience.
Sometimes the hardest part is identifying and selecting a service opportunity that meets everyone’s schedules and interest. Once identified and all are in agreement, the sky is the limit! Some questions to ask the girls before selecting a project:
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What issues do you care about?
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What is your passion?
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What would you like to change to make your city or the world better?
Suggestions for service can be selected from people with special needs, helping the homeless and/or hungry, the environment, senior citizens, neighborhood enhancements, veterans’ issues, helping animals, and many, many more. Ask the girls to be creative and imaginative when they are selecting the project for service. The time that is spent in planning will enhance the learning experience and make it more meaningful for everyone, so don’t short-change the process.
Following are a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing; let these suggestions spur your own inspiration:
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Spearhead a community service project
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Help cook and/or serve a meal at a homeless shelter
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Pack and hand out food at a food bank
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Organize a neighborhood group to plant, tend, and harvest a vegetable garden
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Bake a batch of cookies and deliver them to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter
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Volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School
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Contact Habitat for Humanity to see how you can support them in your community
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Clean up trash along a river or in a park
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Create a habitat for wildlife
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Rake leaves, shovel snow, clean gutters, or wash windows for a senior citizen<
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Find out about volunteer opportunities at a local wildlife sanctuary or survival center
Everyone benefits as our world is a much better place through each act of giving that builds leaders for life. AB GIRLS are making a difference here at home and around the world.
"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the
service of others." - Mohandas K. Gandhi