Despite the endless challenges we face as a global society – poverty, food insecurity, climate change, pandemics, and others – there is hope for a better future. A hope that lies inside each and every one of us. But can one person really make a difference toward the world’s greatest challenges? The short answer is, yes. Although these challenges cannot be solved by one person, there is a power in each of us to inspire collective action toward meaningful progress.
At Jersey Cares, we help people unlock their power to do good. We want every person in New Jersey to find their own unique service journey – a way of supporting their local or global community that fits their passions, skills, and schedule across their lifetime.
Everyone’s service journey looks different. Few will dedicate their lives to addressing global issues, others will use the limited free time they have to serve their local community. Either way, it’s important to start somewhere.
Throughout April’s Global Volunteer Month, Jersey Cares will empower thousands of New Jersey residents to embark on their own service journey. Whether joining a volunteer event from the Volunteer Opportunity Calendar, launching a Collection Drive, mobilizing colleagues through the Corporate Service Program, involving children in a Youth Service Event, or simply donating, there’s an opportunity for everyone to take that first step.
While these options provide an excellent starting point, we understand that addressing the world’s greatest challenges requires ongoing commitment from a multitude of individuals and institutions. Therefore, throughout Global Volunteer Month and beyond, it’s imperative that we engage in meaningful discussions, sharing our volunteer experiences with fellow participants, the communities we’ve served, as well as with our family, friends, and colleagues. By openly discussing the challenges faced by our surrounding communities, and the avenues in which we can support those challenges, we are contributing toward a more empathetic and civically minded society.
Global Volunteer Month is not just about volunteerism. It’s about cultivating a deeper understanding of the challenges confronting our communities, as well as communities other than our own. It’s about galvanizing our social circles to engage in meaningful actions that align with their own passions and strengths. Over time, the collective impact of your actions and words, combined with those of others, can generate a powerful force for positive change. This ripple effect has the potential to shape a global community of empathetic, socially conscious individuals, propelling us forward in our shared mission to alleviate global challenges like poverty, food insecurity, climate change, and others.
While Global Volunteer Month serves as an excellent introduction to your service journey, you might be wondering how to continue that journey beyond April. Our partners at Points of Light have crafted the Civic Circle®, a comprehensive framework that empowers individuals to lead, lend support, and foster lasting impact. We encourage you to delve into Points of Light’s website to learn more about the Civic Circle® and discover additional pathways to engage with your global community throughout your lifetime. Additionally, you can explore Jersey Cares’ website for opportunities to engage with the Civic Circle® right here in New Jersey.
Together, let’s be the change we wish to see in the world.
Jersey Cares Blog 
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