Adopt a Block
The Living it group at Lodi Academy (Lodi, CA) decided to adopt the two blocks directly north of their school to see if they could make a difference. They have committed to a long-term relationship with their neighborhood. Every 3-4 weeks 4-6 students hit the streets for 30 minutes after school. Two by two they go door-to-door to get to know the neighborhood, make friends and see how they can fill needs in their community.
The first time around they took a survey looking for community service projects, elementary students in need of tutoring and study help. They ended up fixing a leaky roof for a low-income single woman and found several tutoring interests. The next month the group gave out pumpkin muffins and started learning people’s names. For Christmas they gave out cookies and Holiday cheer from their friends at Lodi Academy! No agenda, no expectations–just out there “mingling with people and making friends.”
What could you do? …What will you do?
Pizza and Prayer
Students at Tokay High School (Lodi, CA) walked their center quad and around the campus at lunch-time offering free slices of pizza in return for prayer requests. Students went two-by-two, one holding the box of pizza and the other writing on a pad of paper requests and any follow-up actions needed to make a difference . The first time out, the group received nearly 100 serious requests for prayer and help! Resources were provided.
What could you do? …What will you do?
See You at the Pole
See You at the Pole is a national event that happens on the 4th Wednesday of September every year. Students can at participate in this event and spend 20 – 30 mins in prayer and contemplation about their schools and communities and how they can be impactful.
What could you do? …What will you do?
Campus Beautification
You or your group could adopt a planter or some area of your community that you will beautify and maintain for all the community to enjoy. You can ask your city’s local parks and recreation department to help clean up other planters and parks around town or determine what project in town needs help to get done. Most any type of community service activity helps to draw you, your group and your community together and lets the world around you know that you care about helping others.
What could you do? …What will you do?
Don’t’ know what to do? Prayer and Contemplative Walks
Walk around your community individually or two by two and be open to those items that come to your mind. Ask what am I thankful for? Who am I thankful for? Why am I thankful? Be mindful of the impressions that come into your thoughts. Ask who do I need to forgive? Who do I need to ask forgiveness from? Spend time here.
Then, ask yourself, What can I do? What should I do? What can I do to make an impact? What am I inspired to do for my fellow man, my community, for those around me?
What could you do? …What will you do?
Educate your Community!
Students on the Florida International University (FIU) wanted to help students understand the importance of overall health and its impact on mental stamina, emotional balance and well being, even in physical appearance and longevity. They used the “Newstart” program (http://newstart.com/) and set-up shop out the library. They talked to students, passed out materials and promoted a clean and healthy lifestyle on their campus.
What could you do? …What will you do?
Educate your Community!
Peace4Youth gets on campus at Lodi Academy to talk with the senior class during their “Family and Life Skills” class about financial education. What is a mutual fund? What is simple versus compound interest? What is the rule of 72? How does Starbucks play a role in my financial future?