What does service mean to you?

Service epitomizes who I am. Service is one thing I never want to stop doing. I always had a desire to help others, but the more I participate in events, organizations, and the education of others the more that desire grows. 

There are so many avenues to serve, so many in need of our service. How can only 23% of high schoolers in Newark graduate without the service of others? It's not just Newark, and it's not just urban populations - there are students from all of our neighborhoods that could use a tutor or mentor to give them the ability to overcome what the educational system has not given them. City Year is an organization I was apart of and truly gained a larger appreciation for the effect service has on communities. Join an Americorps organization, tutoring company, or Big Brothers Big Sisters and start helping the kids in your town today.

Are you more interested in the environment or cleanliness of your surroundings? Many organizations are available to get out and put some nature in your life. Whether its freshening up old garden beds at the park, clearing trash and clutter from the vacant lot, starting a neighborhood compost, or painting a mural, these acts of service not only help facilitate change in a town, change in fellow citizens' attitudes, but also change in you. The impact beyond others but for you increases the more you get out and serve. You feel better about yourself because you are helping others, you are more active therefore healthier, but also you are serving with others and gaining friendships and relationships that impact your well-being for the long-term. The benefits are endless.

Making a long-term impact can begin in the political realm of service as well. Participating within your chosen political party's events, campaigns, rallys is an act of service with ramifications for many generations. Deal with the inequality of education, the need for more green space in your community, or funds for a cause you are passionate about through political service. 

So many avenues of service are open and ready for you to drive down that road of giving back. Whether it's education, environmental, political, or one of the many other alternatives I have found that doing something you are passionate about makes service that much more rewarding. There are many in need of our efforts, let the ripple of service continue. What have you done to serve? How has service impacted you and others? Let's ALL serve ALL.