JustServe.Org: The Easiest Way to Make a Difference

By LINDA MCMILLIAN

Duluth, Ga. — JustServe.Org is an easy, fast, free and customizable way to connect volunteers in the Duluth area with nonprofit needs via the internet. The site provides a roadmap for improving the world or at least your corner of it.

Local community service includes opportunities for individuals of all ages, families, clubs and groups. The website is simple to navigate identifying organizational volunteer needs by zip code.

For example, if you like to sew, you can make blankets for the needy. Enjoy working with animals? Animal rescue groups can use your help. How about reading to the elderly? It's just a matter of matching up your time availability and skill set with the local organization.

The free award-winning app makes it even easier. (JustServe was recently honored by Softonic as one of the three best apps to discover volunteer opportunities.)

The only qualification to join the effort is a willingness to serve. Each individual organization specifies the type of volunteer workers they need.

“JustServe is a service to help link community volunteer needs with volunteers and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in posting projects or in encouraging volunteers to serve according to our guidelines,” reports the JustServe site.

Anne Frank wrote, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Her words are as relevant now as they were when she wrote them.

JustServe also asserts, “The best service opportunities are collaborative—working side by side with others in faith-based, nonprofit, community, and government organizations.

Community service opportunities should enhance the quality of life in the community and assist the poor and needy. JustServe projects should not have a political or advocacy focus, be for-profit oriented, or directly involve volunteers in fund-raising or other prohibited activities.”

Service improves the lives of those who serve, as well as the recipients. A number of scientific studies have shown that the effort to help others can positively impact the mental health of high school-aged students by teaching selflessness and promoting a sense of community.

“As we lose ourselves in the service of others we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”, Dieter F. Uchtdorf observed.

According to local JustServe.Org coordinator, Pam Klomp, “Students applying to colleges will find that community service hours are seriously considered by many major universities as part of a holistic admission process.

Georgia Tech mentions contribution to community as one of eight factors considered in admitting first year students. 'Being academically strong does not make up for a lack of contribution outside the classroom', according to Georgia Tech.

“In addition to demonstrated academic achievement, the University of Georgia lists 'significant commitment to citizenship through public service' and 'community involvement' as additional factors considered for admission.

“Emory University poses the following question on its website: 'What will you gain from our community and what will you give? Whether you’ve been involved in clubs, sports, a job, helping with family, research, or community service, we want to know more about those things.'”

Small local charities are included on the JustServe website as well as nationally and internationally recognized nonprofit groups, as seen in the partial list below:

Habitat for Humanity
Americorps
International Rescue Committee
Georgia Prevention Project
Cobb County Public Library System
Foster Care Support Foundation
The Salvation Army
Catholic Charities
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Meals on Wheels
American Cancer Society
Animal rescue groups
American Red Cross
Ronald McDonald House

Qualified nonprofit groups are encouraged to list their volunteer needs at JustServe.Org. The service is completely free and a gift to the community from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions regarding use of the website locally (Duluth) can be directed to Pam Klomp at pcklomp@hotmail.com.