A few months back I wrote an article about voting. In the article, I stipulated that there are standards beyond paying taxes and not getting arrested that make a good citizen. Here’s the next standard: community service.
Let’s be honest, there’s not enough government to go around. We simply don’t have the resources necessary to serve every need in our community. I think it is the duty of every citizen to help fill these gaps in their community. I don’t mean to do the job you are paid for, but to do something beyond what is necessary. Make a commitment to do some sort of service every month.
Now community service doesn’t mean you have to spend the money to join a service organization. It just means DO something. Pick up trash on the sidewalk while you’re walking the dog. Volunteer at the animal shelter or food bank for a couple of hours. Volunteer to read to a Headstart class once a month. It doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive, just something that improves Butte.
Here’s the best part of community service: it makes you feel good to help others! I am the president of the Silver Bow Kiwanis Club in Butte. We talk all the time about what our “moment” is. The moment when you knew that you were in the right place. What was mine?
Two years ago we helped install a playground in Rocker. We put up a 3rd of the funds, as did the Rocker VFD Auxiliary, and Butte Silver Bow Parks and Rec. We picked Kiwanis One Day as our playground installation day. We spent the whole morning prepping this park to open. A dad with 2 daughters came to try out the park. Watching those girls be the first to try out the slide was my moment. The joy on their faces, the happy laughs, and the feeling of accomplishment are my why. Find yours! Volunteer today!
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