5 Ideas for Community Service on Labor Day
Engaging in community service on Labor Day is one of the most meaningful ways to spend the holiday. While volunteer activities tend to spike during other holidays, there is no wrong time to give back to your community. Kids and adults alike can participate in community projects and services before school and work schedules tighten.
How to Engage in Community Service on Labor Day
Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September every year. During this time, many Americans spend the three-day weekend attending summer barbecues, going on quick getaways, or resting at home. If you want to try something different this year, volunteering is a rewarding and impactful way to spend the holiday.
Here are some of the best ideas for Labor Day community service.
1. Lend a Hand to Other Workers
Labor Day honors and recognizes the American labor movement as well as the contributions of the American workforce. While no law requires employers to give this day off, it is common practice to do so as part of a competitive compensation package. Many workers don’t get time off from work on Labor Day. These include essential workers such as nurses, police officers, military personnel, emergency responders, and farmers.
Since Labor Day is all about celebrating American workers, it is important not to leave anyone out. You can lend a hand by seeking out volunteer opportunities at hospitals, police departments, and other non-business organizations. You can also prepare food and hand them out at these places. Several organizations help veterans and current members of the military, too.
2. Help the Unemployed
Labor Day celebrates American workers, but not everyone is fortunate enough to be employed. Many people are struggling to find jobs in today’s uncertain market.
Some organizations run programs specifically aimed at providing unemployment services such as The Salvation Army. You can try to look for volunteer work with these organizations. Some programs provide clothes for job interviews, as not everyone can access them. These include Ready for Success and Dress for Success. You can volunteer your time or make a donation.
Even just helping out an unemployed friend can make a big difference. Help them hunt for jobs, write them a recommendation letter, or offer advice.
3. Volunteer to Clean Up
A clean-up crew works well if you want to organize community projects on Labor Day. The very first Labor Day celebration involved a big parade, a concert, and a picnic. Today, many cities still celebrate the holiday the same way.
With parades and other activities, cleaning up is bound to be a huge undertaking. Organizers may have trouble tidying up after the event. Partner with your local government or organizers and volunteer to be a part of the clean-up crew (or set one up yourself, with permission).
It doesn’t even have to be a big parade or concert. Even smaller events, such as a community block party or a summer bash at your local pool, need help cleaning up.
Cleaning up is also a simple enough task that you can involve children, too. Kids can pick up fallen confetti or sweep the ground while learning valuable life lessons along the way.
4. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
There are countless animal shelters in the United States, and many are understaffed. Be a part of the solution by volunteering your time to help out.
Animal shelters usually run adoption programs. Even if you can’t adopt one yourself, you can make a meaningful contribution by running errands, marketing the event, helping with adoption papers, and cleaning up. If parents are comfortable with the idea, bringing kids along to the animal shelter to lend a hand is also a good way to teach them about volunteerism and responsibility.
If your local animal shelter is not doing an adoption event this Labor Day weekend, simply donating can do wonders.
5. Partner With the Parks and Recreation Department
Looking for Labor Day community service projects? Your local Parks and Recreation department might have some in the works. It may be a beautification project for a local park, seasonal events like a grand picnic, or social events like dances for senior citizens. Whatever it is, you will surely have a colorful time helping out. And, depending on the activity, you can take your kids with you, too.
Benefits of Community Service on Labor Day
With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer, you might want to use this time to have a pool party or a barbecue instead of volunteering. While there is nothing wrong with that, some benefits come with giving back to your community.
1. Relieves Stress
Volunteering helps relieve stress. Because volunteers give their time to help others in need, it gives them a sense of appreciation and purpose. This, in turn, releases dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good and relieves stress.
2. Supports Physical Health
Most types of volunteer work require some level of physical activity. Therefore, engaging in community service can help you sweat it out and burn a few calories. Exercise promotes heart health, so you can expect volunteering to support your well-being.
3. Promotes a Meaningful Life
Many people feel stuck in their 9-to-5 jobs and lackluster personal life. Volunteering brings color to your life and makes it more meaningful. Helping others is one of the purest forms of kindness and selflessness. Even if you’re pretty satisfied with your current life, engaging in community service can add more vibrancy and significance.
4. Improves Relationships
When you volunteer, you often work and interact with other people. This sharpens your social skills, builds trust, and helps you make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Volunteering with friends or family can also improve your relationships with them, as the experience can bring people together.
Your Time Matters
As you can see, there are several ways to engage in community service on Labor Day. Giving back to your community is not always about making monetary donations. While money does help, volunteering your time is worth just as much. Honor the American workforce this coming holiday by volunteering.
Source: Cedar Management Group
