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.

Written by Abelard Lormond

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.

Throughout the years, and even today, many people have displayed their acknowledgement for the unique injustices faced by African-Americans and sought to create a more equitable society for all. Some have taken physical action, while others have used the power of their words. Today, we take a look at some empowering quotes from 10 of these inspirational, quotable people. 

Thousands of volunteer opportunities available in support of healthier communities during American Heart Month

OAKLAND, Calif., February 11, 2021 – VolunteerMatch, the largest nonprofit network on the web connecting volunteers with opportunities to give back, today announced the release of 9 additional community-based Guides in Apple Maps. Residents and visitors in Austin, Denver, Minneapolis, Portland, and Nashville can now use the Maps app to identify meaningful places to volunteer in-person and virtually.

Almost one year ago, I wrote the first blog post of 2020 to kick off MLK Day and what we were confident would be a powerful year of grassroots service across our VolunteerMatch community. We hoped to inspire others and make it even easier and more accessible to get out into volunteer service in the new year than ever before.

December 5 marks the 35th anniversary of International Volunteer Day, established by the United Nations. The resolution recognized the role of volunteer service in “making an important contribution to socio-economic development activities” and “the desirability of stimulating the work of all volunteers both in the field and in organizations, and of giving encouragement to those volunteers, many of whom engage in volunteer service at considerable personal sacrifice”. Governments, NGOs, the private sector, and other stakeholders were invited to observe the work of volunteers on this day each year.

We’re joining forces with U.S. Bank to inspire good people to #GiveTime in honor of #GivingTuesday, and you’re invited!

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, your wallet may be feeling a little thin by the time GivingTuesday rolls around, so we want to help you find ways to #GiveTime and help make #CommunityPossible.

This year, we’re focusing on what’s near and dear to so many of us during the holidays — community.