bigenyc says:
Dear Chefjb1,

I commend your desire to want to make a difference in our community. You are needed!

Please remember that the majority of people that live in high crime areas are hard working, law abiding citizens that would welcome your efforts to help our youth. Many, especially those in the media, would want us to be afraid of our people and our neighborhoods. Don't believe the hype! What if Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were not willing to take a risk?

Your mentoring, coaching, guidance, etc. are needed in all neighborhoods. Perhaps begin your efforts in a neighborhood that has a low crime rate. Perhaps someone in your neighborhood could use your time?

Glad that you are planning to pursue your doctorate. Hang in there, stay focused, and enjoy the ride.

Answered 2 months, 1 week ago

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Katy says:
I am always so happy to see someone who WANTS to get involved. You have so many options! Join a church. They will put a volunteer to work quickly and usually in a group. Not feeling churchy? Contact your local elementary school (be prepared to submit to a background check). If you are truly willing to commit time, contact big brothers/big sisters - they are looking for less time per week, but for a long time commitment to one child.

Take a young person to the library. You have a great education. TUTORS are needed. Mentors are needed. Want to make sure you are helping where help is truly needed? Check out this website for Durham Volunteer center http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/program.html .

Don't feel scholarly? Habitat houses are usually a one day volunteerism and no prior training is required.

The best advice about getting involved? Choose your committment carefully. Don't be afraid to say no to something that you are not willing to do. If it isn't a good fit or if you can't meet the time committment, you will quit; then the kids feel rejected and you feel like you weren't able to help. Try starting out slow. An hour here. A meeting there. When you find a program or group or school that you are passionate about, it will be easier to stay involved.





Answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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bygINCpresents says:
perhaps start by going over your own life to see the [black] truths that exists there. a lot of folks end up talking TO kids rather than talking WITH them. i think that happens because, though their intentions are good, too many volunteers lack a true understanding of themselves. and kids see that. there are enough lies kids deal with every day in the media. as a volunteer, don't be another one... there are needs in communities big and small. just have to find them... but search and find SELF first so you have something worthwhile to GIVE when you volunteer. the experience becomes more valued then.


Source: http://www.youtube.com/user/bygINCpresents
Answered 3 weeks, 5 days ago

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