by Phantom Stranger 6 Replies latest jw friends
There was an earlier thread http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/58324/1.ashx that asked how we choose to contribute to the community, after having been raised as JW's.
I was impressed by the efforts of many of those who posted. I was also surprised that so many didn't post. My guess is that many of us are not active in our community in that way - maybe I'm wrong. Let me know...do you volunteer with anybody? If not, why not? Are the reasons related to the teachings of the JWs?
Phantom - there are a lot of people who do things and prefer to be quiet about it.
and yup there's some just trying to get their lives together and don't have a lot to gove yet.
But I was pretty impressed with the ist of different things people do. And I think sometimes people want to do something but don't know where to start. Those who posted certainly offered a lot of ideas
I contribute:
I argue with County Commissioners about Park & Rec. money distribution. (giving to the rich and ignoring the poor)
assist in our local (run down) park and rec. center with making it a safe and positive place for all to enjoy.
coach a rec. soccer team for the past 9 years.
work the polls during voting periods.
help at the Women's Crisis Center and the H***** Home for Children.
At first - I think I it was guilt for not doing anything when I was a JW, like talking to two of my friends when they were disfellowshipped; I didn't help them when they needed it so much. Now I do it becasue it just feels right. After my boys grow up I will probably back out of the park, but I will probably continuing doing something.
I feel I have contributed more in the past 9 years of my life than in the past 30+ years. It feels so much better than field service!
Lady Lee is right - it takes awhile to leave the slavery life and decide what you want to do. If it wasn't for my kids I would probably have never have volunteered - i am just a sucker sometimes.
It all depends on what you mean by "contribute to the community". I don't do any volunteer work, but I have done a few things entertainment-wise. I've played in 2 bands (I'm in my third right now). I ran a BBS for about a year which was fun (I had the most popular BBS in the city), and I don't know if singing at karaoke bars counts.
Since the internet has come along, I've enjoyed contributing on message boards like this one.
I donate blood regularly, volunteer at my sisters when I have time, and type up my notes for classmates that missed class....
eeeps, I meant to say: I volunteer at my younger sisters school when I have time...
I was also surprised that so many didn't post. My guess is that many of us are not active in our community in that way
I didn't see the thread in question, but if I had I doubt I would have said anything. I prefer a low profile.
So in other words we must post in a thread and tell everyone what we contribute, otherwise it doesn't count? Think what you like. I don't have to tell you or anyone else who I help, when I help, or how I help.
