Get Out and Give Back is like a gigantic bee that buzzes from nonprofit to nonprofit throughout the metro DC area – and sometimes farther – volunteering and tweeting as I go. As I find out what each nonprofit agency does and what it needs through “boots on the ground” volunteering, I write a story and post on this website.
Why? Two reasons – to let readers know about the many, varied ways to give back, and to highlight and promote the work that our nonprofits do.
In other words, Get Out and Give Back’s mission is, quite simply, to help people to give back. And it’s done several ways, but mostly by attempting to “be the change.” I try to volunteer with three or four nonprofits each week, live-tweeting while I’m there. Soon after an event, a story appears on the homepage, with tweets and Facebook notifications to bring the story to the readers.
Or, the story may appear in DC area magazines or other publications. The idea is always the same.
And like the male drones, I cross-pollinate across metro DC. As I flit from nonprofit to nonprofit, I see many programs and needs. Then sometimes I connect them with other charities or business leaders, and from that partnership, the nonprofit can operate more effectively or serve more people in need.
It is a lot like starring in my own reality show, and it’s rewarding beyond words.
Am I really making a difference, or am I just amusing myself? I truly believe this work makes a difference, because I believe that each one of us is born with an innate desire to connect with each other and contribute to making this world better, and each of us is born with special gifts to share with the world.
Most people will give their time (and money) if asked. Most of us want to leave some kind of legacy at the end of our lives, and we create that legacy when we connect and contribute with each other. But, many people don’t know what to do. I try to bring possibilities, choices, options and new ideas to them.
I also speak, coach and teach workshops on getting out and giving back.
Doing all of this makes me very, very happy. So happy, in fact, that I secretly hope that each one of you will do what I do. Unlike many others who fight to protect their ideas and inventions, I want everyone to give back, and to tweet/write/Facebook and share the good news.
The pay is lousy (zero) but the perks are amazing. The people you’ll meet are incredible, the experiences are indescribable, and every once in awhile someone buys you a cup of coffee.
It doesn’t get any better than that. I hope you’ll do what I do. One person can make an exponentially positive difference.
I hope you’ll join me.
Be the change. Spread the word.
