The Power of Community Service & How Volunteering Can Change Lives

June 20, 2023
Julia Bakman

Los Angeles, California, United States

Class of 2025

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Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference and bring positive changes to people's lives and communities. Through my personal experiences, particularly through my involvement in the Valley Friendship Circle program working with young children on the autism spectrum, I have witnessed the impact that community service can have on individuals and society as a whole. I have seen firsthand the importance of community service, the connections it builds within communities, its potential to make a difference in the world, and how organizations like BBYO lead by example in inspiring others to engage in acts of service.

By participating in different community service programs, such as the Valley Friendship Circle at my local Chabad, teaching kids how to play tennis through Aceing Autism, working at events for families separated at the border with ThisIs About Humanity, and training to be a listener for Teen Talk, I have seen firsthand how volunteering can generate positive change. These experiences have shown me the importance of helping others, how it can help me grow as a person, how it brings people together, and the difference it can make in the world. BBYO serves as an inspiring example for others to engage in community service and create meaningful change. Their impact proves that anyone can make a difference, creating a sense of empowerment and encouraging teens to take action.

Community service is defined by its ability to promote empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. Rooted in the principle of Tikkun Olam, it encompasses acts of repairing and improving the world. It is an embodiment of our commitment as individuals and as a community to work towards a better future for all. It serves as a catalyst for personal growth, allowing people to develop leadership skills, gain new perspectives, and build self-confidence. Community service strengthens the bonds within communities by creating spaces of inclusivity and support. Through active engagement, we establish a sense of belonging and contribute to the well-being of those around us. Ultimately, community service has the potential to make a difference in the world, addressing societal challenges and inspiring positive change on a larger scale.By aligning our acts of service with the principle of Tikkun Olam, we recognize our responsibility to repair and heal the world, leaving a lasting impact that extends beyond our immediate communities.

As members of BBYO, we have the unique opportunity to lead by example and inspire others to engage in acts of service. BBYO sets a powerful precedent by showcasing the transformative impact of Tikkun Olam on a variety of scales.Through organized Stand-Up cause initiatives, and J-Serve events and projects, BBYO members actively contribute to the betterment of our communities and make a difference in the world. By exemplifying the values of compassion, empathy, and service, BBYO inspires and encourages young people globally to get involved, igniting a chain reaction of positive change.

In conclusion, community service is a powerful force that has the potential to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire change. Through personal experience, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of community service on individuals and society. It fosters personal growth, builds connections within communities, makes a difference in the world, and inspires others to engage in acts of service. As we follow the example set by organizations like BBYO, we can collectively create a brighter future, where compassion, empathy, and service are at the forefront of our actions.

Julia Bakman is a BBG from Lilith BBG in Pacific Western Region. When she’s not at a BBYO event, you can find Julia reading a good book or going to a concert with friends!

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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