What Renton needs are more martyrs. By martyrs I do not mean people who feel sorry for themselves, obviously that is not what the world needs. By martyrs I mean people who are willing to make sacrifices for something they believe in. Yes, we often think of the infamous religious martyrs, but I am speaking of the martyrs who give their energy and time for something they believe in. Not just their own reflections, but a larger cause-a purpose or principle that enriches a larger body of people such as a community or a city. Let’s raise our eyes a little higher than our own homes. There are thousands of people in need right here in Renton. There are people that need food and shelter, people that need mental health services, people who are dying of alcoholism and drug addiction, people suffering from discrimination and prejudice, all sorts of social injustice right here in Renton. There are numerous organizations that are working towards reducing or eliminating these problems such as CryOut!, REACH, Vision House, Center of Hope, YWCA, Friends of Youth, Emergency Feeding Program, The Salvation Army, Sustainable Renton and many more. These organizations are located in Renton working towards solutions to problems right here in Renton. Working on behalf of an organization that wants to do some good in the community has definite benefits. However, it can get tiresome. The constant asking for help with a small return gets exhausting. It certainly isn’t something one does for fame or fortune, however, science supports the benefits of service work. It gets you out of yourself and thinking about your own problems and focuses your thoughts on helping someone else. The shift of perception can be life altering and perhaps life saving for both the giver and the recipient. What cause motivates you? There are so many pressing social and environmental issues, it probably wouldn’t be too hard to find one that resonates with you and dedicate just an hour a week towards being a solution to that problem. These organizations are always looking for volunteers or martyrs-people who are willing to sacrifice some time and energy for a greater good. If food justice is something that resonates with you, one simple thing you can do this week is attend the work party to build a giving garden at Sustainable Renton office located in the Highlands at 1067 Harrington Ave NE Renton 98056. We will be building and planting the garden from 4-7 pm complete with a potluck dinner. Come and get your hands dirty for the good of the neighborhood.
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