|
"We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
|
|
|
|
USA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Compassion Cells
Taj Global Understanding supports the work of Be The Cause, a California based non profit foundation, which has created unique local community volunteer programs known as ‘Compassion Cells’. These groups can be organized in local communities throughout the world.
A Compassion Cell is an event that allows individuals to express Compassion in their communities. Each Compassion Cell consists of a community service project such as a feed the hungry project, an environmental clean-up, or numerous other acts of kindness. During the Compassion Cell, participants are encouraged to explore how Compassion not only changes the world around them, but also changes the world within them.
A Compassion Cell can be built in any city, in any country and can consist of people from any religion, caste, gender, and age.
The Compassion Cells originated as an anti-thesis to the "terrorist cells" that have plagued our planet. Our official response to these terrorist cells is to operate from the exact opposite space of fear - that which is "compassion".
Sample Past Compassion Cell
Last December, Maushmi came to learn that Southern California volunteer Michele works with an organization that sends anonymous greeting cards to women in third world countries. What a great idea thought Maushmi.
In planning an upcoming Compassion Cell in Houston, Maushmi decided that the kids of Texas Children’s Hospital could use some of that same inspiration. Maushmi mentioned the idea to Michele and weeks later received a package in the mail that contained over one hundred colorful get well cards made by first grade students from Woodland Hills School in California. It turns out that Michele mentioned the idea to her sister, who mentioned the idea to her daughter’s teacher and the teacher decided to get the entire class involved.
The Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston serves children that range in age from newborns to teenagers. On Saturday, May 27th, Maushmi and her team of volunteers went to about 30 different rooms visiting different kids and dropping off anonymous greeting cards.
Maushmi knew this was going to be difficult. It is one thing to be with children, and another thing to try to comfort them in their time of need. Maushmi knew that she had to take on any nervousness she felt head on, especially considering that Michele’s niece and her friends had worked so hard on making the cards in the first place.
Starting a Community Service Project
Try to make the event either no cost or affordable to participants.
Try to pick an event geared to all ages (sometimes this may not be possible).
Try to pick a project that meets a clearly defined need in the community.
Try not to be repetitive. Pick a different activity each month.
- The Idea – Select a unique project in your local area
- If the event is held at another organization’s location, contact the organization with project details
- Make a list of all needed supplies from start to finish
- Hold a planning meeting with friends
- Create a flyer or poster for the event
- Advertise the event locally and create an email
- Manage RSVP’s
- Arrive to event early for set up
- Communicate the purpose of the project effectively to people
- Hold the Project
- Re-group as a team to share experiences
- Send a thank you note to all those involved in the project
|
|
|
