It’s “new year, new me” season and what better way to start off on the right foot than by establishing some New Year’s resolutions and actually taking steps to make sure you make progress on them this year.
Here are five resolutions we often hear, with several suggestions of Virginia nonprofits that can help you make 2022 your best year yet.
Volunteer more
Donating your time to a nonprofit in need is a great way to support your community – even if you don’t have the funds to do so. Food and hunger-related organizations like Feed More are always in need of extra hands to cook and deliver meals. If you can barely boil water, try getting your hands dirty outside instead. Enrichmond is an organization that helps maintain historic properties within the city of Richmond, including Evergreen Cemetery. The group is always in need of volunteers to help clean-up and maintain the space. If you’re more into building relationships and have a knack for mentorship, a group like C4K, based out of Charlottesville, might be the perfect fit.
Learn a new skill
The pandemic has taught us that with isolation and lots of time on our hands, picking up new hobbies and skills can be fun – and rewarding. Groups like James River Writers, Visual Arts Center of Richmond and CodeVA have classes, camps, seminars and conferences for folks of all ages who want to hone their abilities or branch out into new subject matter.
Find a better job
Whether you’re looking to re-enter the workforce or shift to a career better suited for you and your family, there are many nonprofit organizations that focus on workforce training and development, as well as career preparation and job placement. Boaz and Ruth, Goodwill of Central Virginia and INROADS Mid-Atlantic Chapter are all great options. In addition to these, there are many other nonprofits that offer workforce-related support along with their main services, such as CARITAS.
Help the environment
Virginia has a wonderfully biodiverse landscape, from the sandy coasts to the mountains and valleys in the west to everything in between. There are rivers, streams, bays, protected forests and national parks with hundreds of native plant and animal species among them. Organizations like the James River Association, Blue Sky Fund and Keep Virginia Beautiful help to educate the community, provide essential care and advocate for policies meant to keep our environment beautiful and protected for generations to come.
Explore new cultures and experiences
Who doesn’t love a weekend visit or a day trip to a new-to-you attraction? Why not make one of those attractions a historical or cultural nonprofit? Colonial Williamsburg (dubbed “The World’s Largest Living History Museum”) is 301 acres and includes museums, seasonal activities, historical interpreters, food, music, gardens and more. Or consider visiting Elegba Folklore Society, which celebrates African and African-American culture through its cultural center, events, festivals and performances. But if you’re more of a policy wonk and are looking to do some advocating, check out the Virginia Interfaith Center.
