Did you know that you can make a difference in your local area? Have you ever thought about being more involved in your community?

Whether you are young, old, married, single or retired, being involved in your community is good for your health. Studies say that volunteering is good for your mental and physical health. Meaningful and rewarding volunteer work can add balance and perspective to your life. Meet people, learn new skills, receive positive feedback about a job well done-it will do wonders for you and the people you are helping.

Some employers have realized the importance of community involvement. Many organsiations are giving their staff time off so they can volunteer their time to community organisations. Some hold fundraising events or special volunteer days. In America, Hewlett-Packard has teamed up with the Santa Rosa City (California) School District to establish the first work-site public school on the West Coast. One of over 30 such "satellite learning centers" in the United States, the Hidden Valley Satellite School is an elementary school located on the grounds of Hewlett-Packard's plant. Parents are able to visit and eat lunch with their children as well as volunteer during the school day. Employee turnover at Hewlett-Packard is at least 50 percent lower for workers with children enrolled in the school than those whose children are not. Teachers also report much higher levels of family involvement than they have seen at other schools -- especially among fathers -- student attendance is high, and student reading scores are about 43 percent higher than those of other local public school kids.

Neighborhood watch groups, suburb improvement projects, and other community organisations ultimately benefit you-take the time to get involved. You could make a difference in your local area in many small ways.

1. Help out at the local school
2. Bake some biscuits for the local community center
3. Contact Volunteering QLD and volunteer your time
4. Share your skills with unemployed young people
5. Help out at your local church
6. Visit people in Aged Care facilities
7. Get involved in neighborhood watch
8. Start a local community garden
9. Organise a local playgroup
10. Visit your neighbour

1. Volunteering Australia
2. Volunteer Search
3. Community Website
4. Community Toolbox
5. Fetes, Festival & Fundraising tips
6. Government Grants
7. Volunteer Positions
8. Brisbane City Council
9. Wynnum Manly community

For more information: CWS can provide you with more information on volunteer positions at CWS if you are interested in becoming involved. These positions at CWS range from involvement in our community garden, sharing woodwork & gardening skills with unemployed young people, administration positions and many others. We may also be able to link you to other organisations that provide volunteer work in your area (link to CWS Services volunteer Work).