Ask Not

My cargo pants are covered in paint.

They're rolled up in a ball in my laundry room as I explore ways to best remove the purple and salmon streaks. Even if the paint stains stick around, I'm proud to have sacrificed some time (and some pants) for a good cause.

I was one of over a thousand people who signed up to participate in ArtsWave's Paint the Street project. ArtsWave (formerly the Fine Arts Fund) is a great community effort and this latest project was an effort to help beautify Over-the-Rhine and bring people together for some exposure to art.

After my painting shift, I served as a volunteer for a couple hours, snapping head shots of the participants for a massive collage showing off the diversity of the "street artists."

Volunteering is a horse of many different colors, isn't it?

A discussion about volunteering today inspired me to read John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech from 1961. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, I was able to listen to a taping of President Kennedy saying these words as I read along, allowing the message to really make an impact on me.

Indeed, we all have, in our "mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life."

Almost 50 years after this iconic speech, our society still relies on millions of people and their commitment to service.

Each of us has a talent, and whether that talent is writing or cooking or building things with one's own two hands, we can share that talent and help someone else strive for a better life.

Some attorneys donate pro bono legal services. Some literary types commit to literacy efforts. Some contractors donate the muscle and materials to help build homes for those less fortunate.

Me?

My talent is public relations and social media, and I donate my expertise and skills to non-profit organizations when time permits.

But I'm happy to pick up a paint brush when asked, too.

Want to explore volunteer opportunities in Greater Cincinnati? Visit United Way's The Volunteer Connection to find an opportunity that takes advantage of your time and talents.