Empowering the Next Generation: The Importance of Community Service

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.' This quote perfectly encapsulates the importance of teaching the next generation to give back.

Family Volunteering: Creating Memories and Making a Difference

One of the most memorable moments for me was volunteering with Texas Ramp Projects two years ago alongside three of my children. Texas Ramp Projects is a fantastic organization that builds wheelchair ramps for low-income older adults and people with disabilities. What I love most about this organization is the immediate impact we can have. When we arrived in the morning, we were greeted by an elderly couple who were outside waiting for the large group’s arrival. The coordinator informed us that the previous ramps at the front and rear of the house were built by Texas Ramp Projects 20 years ago. These ramps had to be torn down and rebuilt due to rot and wear and tear. The ramp in the front had a bad dip that was a trip hazard, and the door at the back of the house had an 18-inch drop-off from the deteriorating ramp.

By the time we finished that day, the homeowners' lives were transformed with new ramps at both entrances. Having the new ramp provided the homeowner with peace of mind and an improvement in their day-to-day quality of life. They can move more freely and access their backyard without steep steps, uneven surfaces, and hazardous obstacles for themselves and their visitors. Knowing that their community and Texas Ramp Projects have not forgotten about them and still care can be incredibly uplifting for the homeowner. It reinforces a sense of belonging and support.

Sustainability and Community Support: The Hilti Refurbished Tool Program

At that time, I managed the Hilti Refurbished Tool Program out in Irving. The Refurbished Tool Program extends the life of tools and reduces waste by donating them to community groups, non-profits and educational institutions. The program provides access to high-quality tools to community organizations and individuals to reuse refurbished tools that would otherwise be discarded to support social initiatives through partnerships. The program both supports the communities that we live and work at, as well as directly affects our sustainability promise.

Serendipitously, the house we helped build a ramp for was less than a mile away from the apartments I lived in during high school. Being in the neighborhood brought back a flood of memories, and I took the opportunity to give my kids a tour of my old neighborhood before we started working. We used Hilti refurbished tools that had recently been donated to Texas Ramp Projects. This added a special touch since, at that time, I managed the program that facilitated the donation. Working with my kids in my old neighborhood, using tools from the organization I worked at and the program I was involved in, made everything feel like it was coming full circle.

Building Empathy and Connection in the Next Generation

Growing up in low-income housing in West Dallas, my family and I were lucky enough to be the recipients of offerings from non-profits in the community, such as YMCA, Girls Inc., Salvation Army Angel Tree and a local food pantry. In our household, the value of giving back is a regular topic of conversation. It's not a one-time event; it's about using our most valuable resource to contribute to our communities. Fortunately, many high school clubs require community service hours, therefore the discussion is more about where we should volunteer rather than why we should do it. This ongoing dialogue helps reinforce the importance of social responsibility and makes giving back a natural part of our lives.

Teaching children about giving back is critical because it helps build the foundation that they are an integral part of their community. Community means a sense of belonging and connection. It's about supporting and helping each other, sharing experiences and working together to create a better environment. For me, community is where empathy, social responsibility and mutual respect thrive, making a tangible difference through collaboration and kindness. Their actions can positively impact their neighbors, classmates and even strangers they might never meet. By recognizing that everyone has their own struggles, children can learn empathy and the importance of contributing to the well-being of others. Through my experience from volunteering, working at a non-profit and being a part of Hilti Social Impact function, I have experienced firsthand how helping others can transform lives and create a sense of connection and empathy. I believe fostering social responsibility and empathy in the next generation is essential for building compassionate and supportive communities. Sometimes, it's about making small contributions that collectively create significant change.

Children develop empathy and the ability to step outside their own experiences when they help others. Whether it's through monetary donations, helping someone prepare for an interview or loading groceries at a food pantry, there are countless ways to make a difference. To have a significant impact, giving back doesn't always have to be a full-day event; it can be a couple of hours a week or even building hygiene packs at home. By trying different ways to volunteer, children learn that giving back is not only rewarding but also fun and essential for creating a compassionate and connected community.

Empathy is vital for genuine and meaningful giving. It's not only about participating in events or corporate initiatives; it's about understanding and addressing the needs of those close to home. Activities like cleaning up a local park can have a direct impact on the community and foster a sense of connection. Nurturing empathy involves demonstrating to children that sometimes, solutions require more than financial contributions — they need personal involvement and compassion.

Building a Sense of Responsibility Through Consistent Dialogue and Action

Ways that I have found effective in instilling a sense of responsibility in my children:

1. Consistent Conversations: Regularly discussing the importance of social responsibility throughout the year, not only during specific events or holidays.
2. Exploring Non-Profits: Encouraging my children to try different non-profits to find causes they are passionate about. This empowers them and allows them a choice to give back in an enjoyable and fulfilling way for them, rather than feeling like another chore.
3. Hands-On Activities: Engaging my children in hands-on activities like volunteering at local shelters, participating in community clean-ups or organizing charity drives has been both educational and fun.

Technology and social media can be powerful tools for promoting giving back among young people

These are some ways to leverage these tools effectively:

1. Meaningful Sharing: Encourage young people to share their philanthropic activities on social media in meaningful ways, focusing on the impact.
2. Online Campaigns: Use social media platforms to organize and promote fundraising campaigns, awareness drives and volunteer opportunities.
3. Educational Content: Create and share educational content that highlights the importance of giving back and showcases inspiring stories of young philanthropists.

Leading by Example: The Joy of Giving Back

Reflecting on my own experiences growing up and the profound impact of community support on my life, I am deeply committed to teaching my children the importance of giving back. Seeing them actively participate in community service fills me with pride and hope and it reassures me that they are growing up with strong values and a sense of responsibility towards others. To other parents, I offer this advice: start small and make giving back a regular part of life. Find activities that align with your children's interests and discuss the impact of their actions. Lead by example and show them that giving back is both meaningful and enjoyable. Together, we can raise a generation that values empathy, social responsibility and the power of community.