AREA OF FOCUS:
Service/Volunteerism
This month, we’ll focus on giving back through The Pathway to Purpose: A 30-Day Journey to Making a Difference Read through this month’s GRO Guide and be sure to follow our resident-exclusive Instagram account, @GreenHouse GRO, for helpful tips throughout the month
The Importance of Giving Back
Mahatma Gandhi once remarked, 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others ' Beyond its timeless wisdom, this sentiment is rooted in modern science According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, individuals who volunteer regularly experience lower levels of depression and increased life satisfaction, highlighting the tangible impact of service on mental health
Tips to Leverage Service for Wellbeing
Align with Your Passions: Choose volunteer opportunities that resonate with your interests and values. 1.
Embrace Community: Engage in service activities that promote social connection and collaboration 2
Practice Mindful Giving: Approach service with intentionality and mindfulness Take the time to reflect on the impact of your actions, cultivating a sense of gratitude and fulfillment 3
The Pathway to Purpose: A 30-Day Journey to Making a Difference
Embark on a 30-day wellness journey focused on service and volunteerism, exploring how acts of kindness can elevate both individual and community wellness
Click Here to sign up for a Besa account to get started.
Week 1: Explore Opportunities
Day 1-7:
Create a Besa account at impact besa org and start exploring volunteer opportunities Make a list of causes or activities that align with your interests and values
Register for at least 2 volunteer opportunities, either with Besa or on your own, to complete in weeks 2 and 4
Milestone: By the end of week 1, you should have expanded knowledge of the volunteer opportunities available in the community and be committed to start volunteering
Each week, write in your GRO journal to reflect on how you ’ re feeling, as you start to volunteer & give back.
AREA OF FOCUS:
Service/Volunteerism
Week 2: Commit to Action
Day 8-14:
Complete at least one volunteer event or act of service. Take time to reflect on your experience immediately afterward Invite a friend, family member, or coworker to join you on your next volunteer experience
Milestone: By the end of week 2, you should feel a sense of connection to the community and a growing understanding of the impact of your service
Week 3: Spread Kindness
Day 15-21:
Perform at one small acts of kindness, such as smiling at strangers, holding doors open, or offering to help someone in need, each day
Use your GRO Journal to reflect on the impact of your small acts of service
Milestone: By the end of week 3, you should experience a heightened awareness of the ripple effect of kindness.
Week 4: Sustain Momentum
Day 22-26:
Complete at least one volunteer event or act of service Take time to reflect on your experience immediately afterward Set specific goals or commitments for ongoing service
In your GRO Journal, reflect upon your experience over the past month and assess how volunteering has influenced your sense of purpose and wellbeing
Milestone: By the end of week 4, you should feel empowered to continue making a positive impact in your community and beyond.
Remember, this 30-day plan is a gradual approach to building better health Each action item contributes to a holistic improvement in your fitness and overall wellness
MEET THE EXPERT:
Tariq Tarey
Tariq Tarey is currently the Director of Refugee Social Services at Jewish Family Services in Columbus, Ohio. He serves on Ohio’s New African Immigrants Commission and the Franklin County Board of Commissioner’s New American Advisory Council
Tariq is also a documentary photographer, skilled in both still photography and filmmaking
In 2006, Tariq’s photographic exhibit, Forlorn in Ohio, which documented the plight of Somali refugees, appeared at the Kiaca Gallery and Wright State University
Tariq’s exhibition “Bhutanese-Nepali Neighbors” was on display at the Ohio History Connection throughout 2017 and was nominated for the Community Arts Partnership Award by the Greater Columbus Arts Council. In 2018 “Bhutanese-Nepali Neighbors” exhibit won the Ohio Museums Associations best of show.
He currently has exhibitions showing at the Rutherford B. Hayes Museum in Freemont, Ohio and at Otterbein University Several of his images now belong to the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Art
Tariq directed “Women, War and Resettlement: Nasro’s Journey,” which was aired on WOSU Public Television in 2012 Moreover, Tariq’s film, “The Darien Gap,” was shown in the 2nd United States Conference on African Immigrant and Refugee Health
Among Tariq’s honors are the South Side Settlement House’s Arts Freedom Award in 2006 and the Ohio Art Council’s Individual Artist Award in 2008 and in that same year Tariq won the Greater Columbus Art Council’s Individual Artist Award.
Currently, Tariq is working on a book project documenting representative refugee populations in Central Ohio.
Follow Tariq on Instagram @tariqtarey
RESEARCH SOURCES:
(1) Konrath, S , Fuhrel-Forbis, A , Lou, A , & Brown, S (2012) Motives for volunteering are associated with mortality risk in older adults Health Psychology, 31(1), 87–96 https://doi org/10 1037/a0025226