National Volunteer Month

Forge Global volunteers planting our Lettuce Grow farmstand.

Originally written by Leslie-Ann Fletcher of Equivity

Since 1974, April has been National Volunteer Month in the United States. A month dedicated to not only recognizing the importance of volunteering but also honoring those who volunteer their time to so many amazing causes. During this month volunteering is highly encouraged. National Volunteer Week also occurs during April and is taking place this week from, April 17th to April 23rd. National Volunteer Week gives even more opportunities to serve with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week.

Volunteers are the people that keep soup kitchens open, provide shelter, medical care, mentorship and so much more to those who need it. They fill gaps and many organizations around the world rely on volunteers to stay up and running. The world is constantly changing and plagued by many grievances and injustices, and volunteering gives us the power to change lives and serve others. In the same way, it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community of people who care and give back to make a difference. Volunteering matters because it brings awareness to important causes, saves lives, and helps us appreciate what we do have.

Kitchell volunteers during our garden day.

Some benefits of volunteering include:

• Improving self-esteem and confidence

• Increasing social skills

• Stress reduction

• Providing a sense of purpose

Fun Fact: According to an AmeriCorps report, people who volunteer over 100 hours a year are some of the healthiest people in the U.S.

The benefits of volunteering are consequential, and not only improve the lives of others but enhance your own life as well.

The City of Dreams’ mission is to help youth living in San Francisco’s low-income housing communities build brighter futures through mentorship and Youth development.

We offer many different volunteer opportunities including:

• Garden volunteering

• Mentoring (1:1 and group mentoring for youth ages 8+)

  Celebrate National Volunteer Month!

“The best way to find yourself is to love yourself in the service of others”

— Mahatma Gandhi