Here we are sharing community action projects we are involved in as an organization at both the State level and the local association level.  We are also sharing ideas for monthly outreach projects. This is our way of making sure that each California chapter is aware of what their sister chapters are doing, allowing us to support one another in our efforts.

What Is Community Service?

Community service is work done by a person or group of people that benefits others. It is often done near the area where you live, so your own community reaps the benefits of your work. You do not get paid to perform community service, but volunteer your time. Community service can help many different groups of people: children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, even animals and the environment. Community service is often organized through a local group, such as a place of worship, school, or non-profit organization, or you can start your own community service projects.  Community service can even involve raising funds by donating used goods or selling used good like clothing. There are numerous benefits to participating in community service, both for yourself and others. 

• Gives you a way to help others

• Helps improve your community

• Can help strengthen your resume and college applications

• Can be a way to meet new friends

• Often results in personal growth

• Gives you a way to gain work experience and learn more about certain jobs

Some considerations to keep in mind are:

• Who would you like to help?

  • Is there a specific group of people or cause you are passionate about? Look for projects that relate to your passion and interests. You may also just want to perform particular community service activities that allow you to do hobbies you enjoy, like baking or acting, and that's fine too.

• Do you want a community service activity that is reoccurring or a one-time event?

  • Perhaps you don't have enough time to regularly devote to community service. In that case, it may be better to look for opportunities that only occur once or sporadically, such as planning special events or helping build a house.

• What kind of impact do you want to have?

  • Some people prefer to participate in community service activities that have a quantifiable impact, for example, activities where you know the specific number of kids you tutored, dollars you raised, or cans of food you collected. This is in contrast to activities that don't have such clear numbers, such as creating a garden.

• What skills would you like to gain?

  • Many community service activities can help you gain skills. These skills can range from teaching to medicine to construction and more. If there is a particular skill you'd like to learn for future classes, jobs, or just out of personal interest, you may want to see if there is a community service activity that helps you learn that skill.

Below are a few suggestions to consider for your association’s community action programs.

January –  Operation Blankets of Love.   www.operationblanketsoflove.org Call your local animal shelter or pet rescue to find out exactly what types of blankets and towels they are accepting as donations. Most organizations are not picky about donations, but some do require that blankets are not stuffed with any type of padding. An example of this type of blanket would be a down comforter. You can also donate food, treats, toys, crates, carriers, collars, leashes and kitty litter. When provided with a comfort item like a blanket, the animals snuggle in and visibly relax, seeming to feel safer and more secure and warm. No longer shaking, tails begin to wag and ears perk up. When an animal appears in a home-like setting, their chance for adoption and survival increases dramatically.

February – Make Valentines or make first aid kits for seniors. Here are two web sites that offer additional ideas.  www.openhand.org or  www.dosomething.org

March - Operation spring cleaning – clean a neighbors yard, garage, or home of senior that would welcome your help.  Offer to help with taking the items to the donation center.  Or if yard sales are allowed organize a few volunteers to set up and take care of sales and clean up.  All proceeds go to the homeowner or a local charity if they choose. 

April –  is Earth Day.   Participate in a beach, river, pond or lake clean up.  Volunteer to organize a walk in a local park. Plant a neighborhood garden. www.earthday.org

May- National Paint Week- Paint park benches and community fences. For ideas visit www.sherwin-williams.com

June- is National Hunger Awareness Month - donate to a local food bank, mission or kitchen. To find a local food bank - www.feedingamerica.org  - to find a food bank in your area- www.cafoodbanks.org

July - Volunteer to clean up trash at a community event,  after a parade or concert.  Volunteer to clean up after a natural disaster. 

August – Help repair, paint, and clean a local playground.  Raise funds to sponsor new equipment.  Playgrounds offer so many benefits to our children. Physical. Emotional.  Self Confidence.  Experimenting with Emotions.  Releasing Emotions from Trauma. Playing Alone.  Group Interaction. In addition games encourage the ability to focus and lengthen their attention span.

September: Eyeglass Recycling - Changing Lives, One Pair at a Time. In just about any home, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person's life. Drop Your Eyeglasses in Lions Collection Boxes. You can drop off your usable eyewear at Lions-sponsored collection boxes in your community. For information specific to locations in your community, contact your local Lions club.

October - is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Here are just a few of the ways you can help others in need:   Share your story of how you or a loved one have been affected by breast cancer.  Host an in-person or virtual fundraiser.  Make a one-time or ongoing donation.  Participate in an awareness walk  

November –    National Youth Ambassadors are high school-aged youth advocates who have demonstrated leadership and dedication in the fight against tobacco. Youth advocates are identified each year as representatives of their state through a competitive application process. These leaders are trained at our annual Youth Advocacy Symposium and engaged year-round through ongoing training, technical assistance and calls to action.  Arrange for a teenager or doctor to speak on this topic at one of your meetings.

December –  Hold a coat drive in 6 easy steps.  www.onewarmcoat.org

1 – STEP ONE -Plan & Prepare : Determine your coat drive dates, drop off location and details.

2 – STEP TWO-Register :Fill out our easy online form and receive a coat drive kit.

3 – STEP THREE-Promote & Share:Use free tools & resources to spread the word.

4 – STEP FOUR Collect & Count -Take pictures. Collect, count & sort the coats and contributions.

5 – STEP FIVE -Report & Celebrate -Share your success. Report in to receive your certificate

6 – STEP SIX -Deliver Coats -Select a distribution partner in your local community.