The Service ABC's

Make Service Simple: The ABC's

We have established that service is essential. We need to be service-oriented, do more for others on a regular basis, be aware of current needs, donate, volunteer... With so many things to incorporate into our (already busy) lives, this surely sounds daunting. It doesn't have to be though. Here are the ABC's of making service simple:

• A—An attendant and advocate: If you are acting as someone's attendant or advocate, you are rendering a service.
• B—Benefit others and bear the load together: However big or small the act, if it benefits someone, makes their day easier, or makes them happier, you are providing a service. In addition, you can do service projects with friends and family; bear the load together while enjoying each others' company.
• C—Creative and cause-oriented: Think outside the box to find time and projects that interest you. (Really. Service projects can be something that you find fun.) If you ride the bus to work, knit a scarf on your commute. If you like animals, play with and care for the animals at a local shelter.
• D—Don't make it difficult: Use Service Simple as your ultimate resource. The Service Project Ideas page has lots of ideas for every age, time commitment, budget, and interest, and the Charities & Organizations page has a list of places to contact for current needs.
• E—Events: Find an event that someone else has organized. The work has been done for you so all you need to do is show up!
• F—Fit projects into the things you are already doing: In the LDS church, for example, we have routine events and activities (Family Home Evening every Monday, mutual for the youth, monthly Relief Society activities for the women, etc.). Service projects can be incorporated into these events that are already scheduled instead of making service something extra.
• G—Get going! Now that you have all that you need, pick a project and get started!