By Shay Gipson
“Agape is something of the understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill for all men. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It is an overflowing love; it’s what theologians would call the love of God working in the lives of men. And, when you rise to love on this level, you begin to love men, not because they are likeable, but because God loves them.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these words during a sermon at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama and they still ring true 66 years later. To give back is that agape love that one has for their community, and that is something that has always been important to me. I wasn’t exposed to community service until I went to college, but it was a habit I quickly picked up and hadn’t given up since. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities. While MLK Day of Service is a fantastic day to serve, I encourage you to make it a year-round habit. If you get the urge to serve food to the homeless this MLK day, do that, and then go back a month later, because unfortunately the need will still be great. If you haven’t found your service niche just yet, here are five ways you can provide that agape love to your community.
- Donate to a Scholarship Fund: Scholarship funds reward deserving students with the ability to afford higher education. When students are awarded an educational scholarship, they are given a fair shot at success. Scholarship programs give students the chance to decide for themselves which school to attend, one that is best suited for them and not just the one they can afford to attend. I personally donate to the Raising the Standard Foundation and the Davey O’Brien Foundation, both of which provide scholarships to deserving high school students to attend college.
- Volunteer at your local school: Many moons ago as a Provisional member of the Junior League of Fort Worth, I was obligated to volunteer at one of four Fort Worth ISD schools. I got my first choice, Eastern Hills Elementary. I’ll be honest, I picked it because it was close to my house, but had I known the impact it would have on me, I would have picked it if it was 50 miles away! What a great group of dedicated teachers and staff! I was able to provide school support by doing office work, assisting teachers with assignments, and even participating in Career Day. By far it was one of the best experiences I’ve had out in the community, hands down.
- Help a child in need: There are many ways to hit this target, but I participate in a Sorority sanctioned initiative called CHIPP or Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack. This initiative provides weekend and holiday meals for children within local communities. You would be surprised to know that many children in my city and probably yours, do not eat outside of school. Meaning after breakfast and lunch, these babies are hungry! Other ways to do this is to provide a donation to your local ISD, as they probably have a similar program.
- Fix and Serve Meals: One of the highlights of my summer is always cooking and serving a meal at my local Ronal McDonald House. Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth (RMHFW) provides a supportive, home-like community that eases burdens for seriously ill children and their families. Each year, my Sorority chapter (Beta Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) cooks and serves a meal to the temporary residents staying at RMHFW. Can’t cook? Donate cleaning supplies or linens!
- Serve on a Community Board: Charities and community service organizations often compete with large businesses for the community’s attention and support. Depending on your field of study or work experience, your knowledge could be warmly welcomed at a local nonprofit. I am a Board Member of Housing Opportunities of Fort Worth, where I help advise the Executive Director and his staff as they counsel locals and help them get low to moderate income-based homes. I also serve on the board of directors for the Raising the Standard Foundation as well as the Davey O’Brien Foundation Board of Trustees.
If you’re still on the fence about how you can help, or you’re not sure you have the time or energy to do anything at all, consider just putting your money where your mouth is and writing a check to a local organization like Goodwill. And also take into mind that there are studies out there that prove giving can protect your health and prolong your life. One of my many mantras is “Every day that goes by without helping another is an opportunity missed.” I recognize that others helped me achieve all of my merits, and now I have the opportunity to pay them back, by paying the effort forward. Be Good and Do Good folks!