Don’t Be a Slacktivist! 5 Ways to Volunteer in Fort Collins
By Arlee Walls
Volunteering your time and energy can be a difficult thing to commit to (after all, commitment problems are pretty common these days). But if you are saying you are a volunteer without putting forth your time and effort to an organization or event, you are a slacktivist.
But before you leave, think about how you can change your slacktivist habits and turn them into a volunteer gig that you love. It is not about the pride that you feel when you participate as a slacktivist, it is about the impact you make.
- Go out and just do it (sorry Nike)
If you have a passion or want to see a change in something, chase it and don’t stop. There is no point wondering about the “what ifs” when you can make a change in Fort Collins now. Just the sound of volunteering can be intimidating, but the benefits reach a deeper level beyond what you think it does. You are making a mark on someone. Go out into the world, get your hands dirty and do something you love.
2. Log off social media, and enjoy the moment
Turn off your phone for an hour or two, and live in the moment. Volunteering isn’t about getting the most likes on your photo of you at the animal shelter, it’s about you giving your time and making an impact. Retweeting a trending event or signing a petition does not have the same affect as going out and actively participating in the community. Trust me, you are not going to want to miss volunteering at an event in Old Town Fort Collins.
3. Find something that actually interests you
Spending your time helping others can be in your own backyard or become an international abroad adventure. There are volunteer matching websites (that beats tinder any day) to help you find the organization you love. So go out and start searching for your match!
4. If you feel like you have to, don’t do it
Let’s be honest, if you feel like you have to do something because people or school expects this from you, you dread doing it. So don’t waste your time doing something that you are not passionate about. Finding your ideal volunteer gig involves researching what fits your schedule, what best suits your skills and interests and seeing what’s local in Fort Collins. Volunteer because you want to.
5. Spend your time, not your money
Donating to an organization you will most likely forget about does not leave an impact compared to fighting for change and participating in relief projects . Slacktivism is great to promote viral movements, but donating once and hoping this will contribute to a greater cause is not volunteering. Spend your weekends, or even just one day a month, volunteering in town is what will contribute the most. The memories you make are priceless when you volunteer too.
So now you know how to not be a slacktivist, the choice is yours. Go out into the world and make your mark. The moments you create for yourself and with others will carry with you for years to come. Don’t be a follower, be a leader.
