April - National Volunteer Month: Signs of Spring Blossom through Global Volunteer Movement

April welcomes the anticipation of spring and its promise of renewal. It is also the month for us to recognize the importance of our ability to volunteer and give back to our communities. However, this year the volunteer landscape is quite different than years past. The current environment can leave one asking the question ─ What can one do at a local or global level when in isolation? 

One of the many beautiful aspects of the human spirit is our inventiveness when challenged for a solution – as we forge ahead onto a different path.  There is tremendous opportunity to volunteer on a local and global level, even in the current social distancing environment. Innovation has taken hold as we see healthcare workers go above and beyond providing care to the masses, and the wave of communities supporting their efforts.

If you are feeling helpless in your ability to give back, below are some creative ideas to support healthcare workers and those on the front-line of the global pandemic, with far-reaching results:
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• Post on your neighborhood website and help manage the collection of PPE (multiple N-95 masks, etc)
• Hospitals may stop accepting these donations, but if you know a healthcare worker they certainly would not turn these away.
• If hospitals are accepting these donations make sure they land in the hands of a charge nurse that can distribute them on amongst their floors.
• If direct support is not a possibility, remember there are families taking care of extended family members.  Grandparents assuming full time responsibility for grandchildren.  A meal can go a long way - A curb side meal helps a family and a local business. 
• Never underestimate the intangible aspects of offering, a smile, a thank you, a line of honking horns, thank you sign around your community will lift a weary spirit.
• Share: inspire others with your stories of taking part in volunteerism or uplifting your healthcare community by posting on social media, spread the good news on how to be of help in your community.

Newton’s third law comes to mind, with every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  It is a nice law that applies appropriately to volunteering, as there is a great ripple effect that occurs by being an example and inspiring the people around you to join in!

During this official 2020 Volunteer Month, Axea Solutions salutes all those that are “making-ripples” in their community and across the globe – THANK YOU for inspiring us and for making a difference!
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Atlanta area hospital, displays of support from volunteers for local healthcare workers fighting daily to combat COVID-19. 

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Visit www.volunteermatch.org to inquire about volunteer opportunities in your community; Or, you can offer direct help for Medical providers here:  www.themedicalcenterfoundation.org ​