I almost don't know what to reply to first, so I will start with thank you. I like your garden metaphor very much. I will say, that for those who can't find options of volunteerism in their corners of the earth, digging in the small plot of garden they find is still better than doing nothing. So many of the needs out there are based on human kindness, and any act that acknowledges basic humanity and the rights and needs that go with it in daily acts of kindness help to build hope, which I can attest to being life-changing. But I agree that re-inventing the wheel is such a waste of good intentions. And yes, kudos to those who support the people who are trained in areas that one cannot just step into blindly, we may all like eating that watermelon, but it wouldn't exist without the vine, soil, water, sun, pollinators, and seed. Your idea of the garden speaks to me most loudly because of your involvement of so many,- like a community garden. Because one can be a kind human because "that is who I am". or one can be a kind human because "I believe my act of kindness can be transformative for another".And ultimately, hope is necessary for us to face and improve our chances in the future.
You make a good point. There are a million ways to help out and just treat people with kindness that aren't the level of commitment of formal volunteering. Just being a positive influence on neighbors and family. I'm reminded of my elderly next door neighbors when I was growing up who were like next-door grandparents to us. My mom is an exorbitant tipper. I have a friend who won't show up to a gathering without a gatorade for everybody.
If people want to help teachers (besides by voting for education advocates), volunteering at schools can help! Being willing to do WHATEVER is asked of you is super important though, since it’s frustrating to have people who only want to do certain tasks - if school employees don’t have work of that type at that moment, the volunteering effort is useless. Anyway, I love the idea of tending one part of society in the best way you know how ❤️
It can be tricky. A trait of a good volunteer is to be able to get comfortable and knowledgeable enough to find tasks and anticipate ways to help, because having someone standing around waiting for direction can be more another burden.
Wow Howie, am I ever so glad the instagram algorithm put your mind squarely in my scroll path. I adore your brain and I’m so here for this garden. I’m building my skills for neurodivergent advocacy and I can feel how the planting I’m doing over here overlaps with the trimming back of domestic violence and intersects with the health of this whole human ecosystem that relies on a stable climate in the greenhouse. Thanks for sharing this. I wish I could read a bit faster as the book recommendations are calling out to me! - marie
That’s so awesome and yes, I definitely think there’s an overlap and I appreciate you bringing that up. I’m going to see if there are papers published about it. If you’re aware of some, please let me know. Thanks for being here and reading!
I almost don't know what to reply to first, so I will start with thank you. I like your garden metaphor very much. I will say, that for those who can't find options of volunteerism in their corners of the earth, digging in the small plot of garden they find is still better than doing nothing. So many of the needs out there are based on human kindness, and any act that acknowledges basic humanity and the rights and needs that go with it in daily acts of kindness help to build hope, which I can attest to being life-changing. But I agree that re-inventing the wheel is such a waste of good intentions. And yes, kudos to those who support the people who are trained in areas that one cannot just step into blindly, we may all like eating that watermelon, but it wouldn't exist without the vine, soil, water, sun, pollinators, and seed. Your idea of the garden speaks to me most loudly because of your involvement of so many,- like a community garden. Because one can be a kind human because "that is who I am". or one can be a kind human because "I believe my act of kindness can be transformative for another".And ultimately, hope is necessary for us to face and improve our chances in the future.
You make a good point. There are a million ways to help out and just treat people with kindness that aren't the level of commitment of formal volunteering. Just being a positive influence on neighbors and family. I'm reminded of my elderly next door neighbors when I was growing up who were like next-door grandparents to us. My mom is an exorbitant tipper. I have a friend who won't show up to a gathering without a gatorade for everybody.
If people want to help teachers (besides by voting for education advocates), volunteering at schools can help! Being willing to do WHATEVER is asked of you is super important though, since it’s frustrating to have people who only want to do certain tasks - if school employees don’t have work of that type at that moment, the volunteering effort is useless. Anyway, I love the idea of tending one part of society in the best way you know how ❤️
It can be tricky. A trait of a good volunteer is to be able to get comfortable and knowledgeable enough to find tasks and anticipate ways to help, because having someone standing around waiting for direction can be more another burden.
Yes for sure! That’s why longstanding volunteers are so valuable
Wow Howie, am I ever so glad the instagram algorithm put your mind squarely in my scroll path. I adore your brain and I’m so here for this garden. I’m building my skills for neurodivergent advocacy and I can feel how the planting I’m doing over here overlaps with the trimming back of domestic violence and intersects with the health of this whole human ecosystem that relies on a stable climate in the greenhouse. Thanks for sharing this. I wish I could read a bit faster as the book recommendations are calling out to me! - marie
That’s so awesome and yes, I definitely think there’s an overlap and I appreciate you bringing that up. I’m going to see if there are papers published about it. If you’re aware of some, please let me know. Thanks for being here and reading!