When a person volunteers their time and talents to a community organization it benefits everyone in the community. It can be a person volunteering for youth leadership, school needs, social or civic needs with in the community by giving time each week helping to make a difference. There are countless people in Randolph that give what they can. Many of you know of people who donate their time and talents. We need more volunteerism in Randolph.

The Lynn, Ludwig, Van Allen Council members would promote more Social and Civic Pride in Randolph. Starting a Citizen Corp where we all would have a role in Hometown security. Randolph Citizens Corps would ask you to take a personal responsibility to be prepared, get training in first aid and emergency skills and to volunteer to support local emergency responders and community safety personnel. There are programs in place now in our community that are not well advertised, but we would help promote them.

A Volunteer of the Month for neighbors and friends to write in to nominate will be established. This will let others know what is going on right in Randolph and let others know that even small routine acts make a huge impact on our community.

The Lynn, Ludwig, Van Allen Council members will help to fill committees’ membership needs, so that ordinary citizens that would like to serve are able to be a part of our community. Committees need to have several voices and opinions There needs to be more information to the public on how to serve and get recognized to be on one of the towns many committees. The process will be promoted and with that promotion will lead to committees whose membership are filled with varying opinions that can lead to even more positive outcomes for Randolph.

What do you think about community service? Contact ludwig@randolphdemocrats.com We will post constructive comments on this page throughout the campaign and beyond. Read below to get motivated to help our Randolph Community.

The following excerpts of fundamental connections with volunteering have been collected from the Corporation for National and Community Service and Michigan’s Citizen Corps. Both are U.S. government programs. They are not printed in their entirety and are used in this article to illustrate how to get involved in our Randolph community.

The Value of Volunteering—Top Reasons to Volunteer

There are as many reasons to serve as there are people who serve. Volunteering is not just an altruistic act. It's an opportunity to advance in all areas of your life. Here are a few of the things you can gain when you give your time and yourself:

• Connect with your community.
• Conserve funds for charities, nonprofits and faith-based and other community organizations by contributing your time.
• Share your skills and gain new ones.
• Develop self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Meet new people from all walks of life.
• Enhance your resume and make important networking contacts.
• Promote a worthwhile activity.
• Feel needed and valued.
• Experience something new.
• Serve your country.

Some Benefits You Feel, Other Benefits are Real

Perhaps the first and biggest benefit people get from volunteering is the satisfaction of incorporating service into their lives and making a difference in their community and country. The intangible benefits alone—such as pride, satisfaction and accomplishment—are worthwhile reasons to serve.

• But there are other benefits as well—tangible benefits such as awards, job and education certifications, and more.

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know. The only ones among you who will be truly happy will be those who have sought and found how to serve."
-Albert Schweitzer

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
–Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Have you come across a social issue that motivates you, but you are unsure where to start?

Seven Easy Steps for Social Action

1. Choose an issue
First pick an issue that you are passionate about. There are so many ways you can make a difference. What issues are important to you? When choosing your issue try to be as specific as possible. For example if your issue is Reduction of Programming for our Senior Citizens, make it more specific. The problem may be that our community lacks varied daytime Senior meeting space.

2. Do research
It is important to learn about the problems in your community. What is the best way to start your research? Begin by making a specific list of questions you would like to know about the issue. Read newspapers and magazines to keep up to date. Visit the library to learn more about topics that interest you. You can also obtain information from:

• textbooks
• the internet
• news media
• surveys and interviews
• films
• government
• corporations and businesses
• community groups
• parents
• teachers
• and community leaders

3. Build a team
Tell others about your issue and get them to join you.

4. Call a meeting
Once you have a group of people, who are interested in your cause, organize a formal meeting.

5. Make a plan of action
Brainstorm. Come up with creative, fun ideas and ways to positively affect your issue. What have you learned in school or in life that can help you?

6. Take action and then reflect.
Once you have acted, it is important to review and evaluate each action so that you can become more effective.

7. Have fun!
At times you may feel overwhelmed. Remember, your goal is to help others to make a difference. Celebrate your accomplishments!

Community Services Committee

Meeting Schedule

Meeting Place - Senior Center
Meeting Time - 5:00 p.m.

September 18, 2006
October 16, 2006
November 20, 2006

Mission Statement:

The Community Services Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the Township Council on matters relating to social service needs, program development, and special events for senior citizens, the disabled, and persons in need of public assistance. It assists the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services in these areas and cooperates with other committees whose responsibilities are similarly related.