This 20th Anniversary of 9/11 is a time to pause and remember those who lost their lives in the 2001 tragedy, and to honor their memories by coming together to do good as a nation. From volunteering, supporting charities through donations of goods or cash, and simply by being kind to others, there are many ways to get involved.

Some students across the U.S. have started school, while others have yet to start school. And this may be the first time they are doing in-person learning. Back to school brings up so many emotions of excitement and new experiences, and now with the pandemic, some children and parents may be feeling additional anxieties beyond the back to school year jitters of the past. Whether you are a student, parent, grandparent, neighbor, co-worker, or friend and wherever you are during this transition, sending some kindness to others will help you uplift your community and yourself in the process. Here are 9 things you can do to be kind to yourself and others during this time. 

We all have the power to make a difference in our communities, to uplift our spirits, and to come together to strengthen them. Here are 10 ways you can make a positive impact today.

Shema Love, Artist. 

NYC-based Shema Love is June’s Match Studio Collaborative artist. While Shema has always been artistic, she pursued a career in nursing before becoming a professional artist. Now she does both.

So much has happened in 2020 and now into 2021 where we have faced new challenges, less connection, and larger division, which is impacting how we feel. With May being Mental Health Awareness month, it gives us the time to shift our focus to our own wellness and those around us whether at home, at work, or in our communities. Here are 18 ways to inspire you to do just that.

Every single one of us has the power of creativity, and when we tap into this power, we are able to creatively respond to even the most difficult of challenges. Artists and creators lift us up and show us what’s possible during times of celebration and times of tragedy. They inspire us to think in new ways and encourage us to be willing to pivot from what we’ve always known to explore new ways of doing and being when the world turns upside down. 

OAKLAND, Calif., March 16, 2021 — In celebration of Women’s History Month, VolunteerMatch announced today a virtual panel packed with powerhouse speakers: Phenomenal Women! Bringing More Wellness, Joy and Ease into Our Busy Lives.

Note: This VolunteerMatch Young Ambassador Series post is written by Abelard Lormond. The Ambassador series blogs offer practical insights into causes and volunteer opportunities championed by VolunteerMatch or members of our partner network, to provide personal insight and shine a light on the unique work of our nonprofit partners.

In January, we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on the third Monday of the month, as we do every year to show our love, respect, and honor for Dr. King and his legacy. One effective way that some decide to go about displaying their appreciation is through the works of different volunteer organizations that follow the teachings of MLK himself. 

Written by: Abelard Lormond

VolunteerMatch and the Newwave Foundation are hosting the first of webinar series, "Money Talk$" focused on developing financial wellness and bridging the information gap for communities of color left behind by current educational practices. This need is particularly urgent within the Black community where, according to a 2020 study on the Personal Finance Index (P-Fin Index), only 38% of African Americans were able to correctly answer a financial literacy questionnaire, compared to 55% of white respondents.