Green Pumas and Other Randoms

I really had no idea what to expect when I was going to the CCLC training event. I walked in the YMCA, went up three flights of stiars, and was greeted by a smiling lady handing out name tags. I signed in, drew up my name tag, and found my seat. I had heard from another attendee that we were going to have to act out skits and other 'dumb stuff'. I really enjoyed the afternoon, though. We talked about different actions that we valued and believed bettered our community. We learned how to avoid making generalizations and assumptions about people we meet while serving our community. I really enjoyed the program because it made me realize that I wasnt just voulunteering to satisfy a commitment for a class. I was, in some small way or another, helping our community. If one more kid reads because of me, or a parent can get something accomplished becuase I can give them a few extra hours a week, or if I can inspire a child to help others, I've accomplished something. The training event made me realize that I can also help my community through ways other than formal volunteering, I can help others every hour of everyday, through random acts of kindess, paying attention to issues in local government, recycling, and other activities. I belive that every member of our community could benefit from attending an event like this, to realize that everyone has the option to help.