For the longest time, “volunteering” was a four-letter word in my mind. The term represented an awkward, stiff, forced approach to what is ultimately a worthy endeavor.

Growing up, the traditional approaches organizations took to gain volunteers and accomplish a goal seemed so cookie-cutter simple and uninspired. The organization would determine a task to complete, practically beg for volunteers and huddle those few strangers together to somehow cooperate and accomplish the organization’s goal.

I wondered, where was the personal inspiration? Why let an organization determine a “worthy” goal for you? Must we, as citizens, simply shop around for the organization that best represents our values and let them determine how best to serve our communities?

While I now believe that such an approach to volunteering and serving your community is valuable and worthy of praise, my attitude toward how a person might better approach volunteering has been altered.

Now, when I think of volunteering, I see the immense importance of having your own goals, your own inspiration, and your own passions. I feel that each and every person must ask themselves, What do I want to accomplish? What inspires me? How can I channel my passions to do good in my community?

And so, how can you become inspired and utilize your passions to serve your community?

Pinpoint that specific something that makes you rise to your feet and take notice, determine how to channel that zeal and strike out on your own.

Do you have a passion for the environment? Walk along nearby streets a few times a week and pick up trash. Speak with neighbors and friends and offer to recycle their items along with yours, saving them time, gas and money.

Do you have a passion for politics? Determine if there are residents in your area who do not have transportation to the polls this election season and offer to drive them.

Do you have a passion for food? Bake a meal or two and surprise the family down the road who has been struggling lately. Possibly even invite them over for a meal and conversation.

Do you have a passion for gardening? Offer to pull weeds, water plants, or lay down mulch for a neighbor. Approach the city and propose having them let you transform that weed-ridden eyesore of a lot into a public garden.

The possibilities are endless. As long as you have a passion that drives you and inspires you, there is certainly a way to create a volunteer opportunity.

And though you may possibly feel that your individual contributions to the community are minimal when compared to the contributions of a whole organized group, know that even the smallest of contributions add up. As well, be sure to recognize the satisfaction you feel knowing you took the initiative and shared your passion with your community to serve them well.

Tim Deters is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-2812 or tadeters@eiu.edu.