For the last 23+ years, my life has been dedicated to my career in IT Security and Compliance. During that time, most of the organizations I have worked for have participated in the annual National Volunteer Month that runs from April 1st through April 30th. They also make charitable donations throughout the year.
There is always a big push from the employers for their employees to team up with them to volunteer during special events. I think that is wonderful!! However, here's a thought for planning purposes since April is just a few short weeks away.
I want to PERSONNALY make a difference. However, I don't have a lot of free time since I am also the owner of Briar Creek Farm, which is a Nubian and Myotonic (Fainting) goat farm in North Carolina while at the same time working my daytime job. I also don't have a lot of unallocated cashflow. What I DO have is a working goat farm that is also a small business.
So, what does that mean?
Twice per month, I visit the local senior living center to visit with the residents. What makes these visits special is I always take a goat with me! This is a very rural area, and many of the residents get to tell stories of growing up on farms, the animals they had and so much more. Others get to hold and love on these little critters for the very first time in their lives.
As a part of our goat farm, we make goat milk products including goat milk soap and lotion. Although these products are sold for extra income and to help support my goat habit, I also utilize my skill as a goat milk soap artisan to help others. To that end, we donate extra products to the local Veterans Coalition Food Bank and to the battered women's shelter.
My point here is to get people thinking ahead to that "month" of giving and HOPEFULLY get people thinking about ways they can do something for others. We are also working to point out that we don't have to be a big corporation to make a difference. We CAN make a difference on our own. But most importantly, we need to remember that others need us all year long, not just in April.
