My apologies, this should have gotten here much earlier. Unfortunately, I myself forgot to keep track of my own religious holidays.
What does it mean to serve your community?
I don’t like community service requirements. Personally, I loved the fact my former high school didn’t have a community service requirement. This does not mean I detest community service nor does it mean it has very litte value to me. Instead it’s the opposite.
Helping foster community and improving the lives of others should come about organically. Truth be told, I like it when I see a friend doing something they’re passionate in, and invite me to join for a weekend event. Or that a group of friends I know spends their weekends at random Key Club events, and since I have nothing better to do, why not? The organic way of carrying out community service provides more fulfilling experiences for both the volunteer and the organization. At least, as far as my knowledge tells me.
It’s a sad day and age where people do not find it in their own interests to give back to their community. In a model where community service is not imposed, it also brings out the best out of individuals. It becomes easy to recognize who acts for the greater good as well.
My own experience with community service is that I do whatever is needed. If there’s a cause that needs to be fought, then I will fight for it. I have done it for high school, and I’m sowing the seeds for Baruch. I have helped start a nonprofit that works to raise money for high school activities. Aside from that, I have been working for the community in rather random acts of kindness, be it route marshaling for the triathlon or cleaning up parks. It feels especially good to know when you’re doing something good, not because someone asks you to do it, but rather it’s just something you do.
