I’ve always wanted to start an organization to help others. One idea that I have been exploring was a solution to connect busy folks with a mind to do community service, with volunteer opportunities. There’s no shortage of opportunities, but if you’ve ever tried to look for something on your own you quickly find challenges:
- With so many needs in this world, what should I do?
- Is it possible to do a variety of things?
- Is it conveniently located so I can get there from work or home?
- Is it happening at a time that works with my schedule?
- What are the requirements to get involved? Is there an application process?
- Can I do it for the short term, or do I have to commit to a big endeavor?
- Do I have to join an organization or religious group that I would otherwise not be inclined to?
- How can I give back, without having to completely turn over my already busy life?
In my effort to find good volunteer opportunities, I faced all of these issues. Nonetheless, I felt that giving back was too important to let those challenges get in the way, so I did my best to get involved in whatever I could, whenever I could. As a result, I participated in a variety of volunteer activities over the years…. from being a big brother to the blind, helping out in soup kitchens, participating in food, book, and clothing drives, packing back-to-school and holiday bags for children, and so on.
Each individual experience was great and put a little good into the world. Yet, I found myself getting frustrated because I spent more time figuring out logistics than doing actual good. And I dreaded the idea of going through the process again and again if I wanted to participate in different types of activities. On top of that, many of these experiences were one off opportunities with established groups, so I never felt connected to the community of volunteers I was working alongside.
There has to be a better way to connect people with busy lives that want to do good. That’s why I’m starting LittleGood.org.
The idea is simple. Make it easy for busy folks to find opportunities to put a little good into the world. To take the headache out of setting things up, and instead put the focus on volunteering and community engagement. If you make it easy and fun for people to do good, than they’ll end up doing a little good more often than not, and when that happens – a Little Good can go a long way.
I encourage you to check out the website, which explains how Little Good works. It’s still in the early stages, but my hope is by the end of the year we’ll have an active membership and opportunities to put a little good into the world.