Many People Believe That It Is Our Civic Duty, Or Responsibility As Citizens, to Give Back

Sean Devine

February 10, 2009

English 3 CP

Many people believe that it is our civic duty, or responsibility as citizens, to give back to our community and country whenever we can. Unfortunately, far too many people do not live up to those expectations. Many people don’t see the reason to help the community out because they’re not getting paid for it, and they view it as a waste of time. One of the most beneficial charities in my mind, is “Habitat for Humanity”. Habitat Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI

seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. It is a great cause and helps the less fortunate greatly. Right now with these economic struggles more and more people are losing their homes and this organization is a huge help more now then ever.

One of the reasons I think people should contribute to this charity organization is helping others is a great way to find inner happiness. Many people do not do community service is because they see no benefit or personal gain for themselves. Through my experience with charity work, I have found that even though there is no economic profit to yourself, it truly is a very fulfilling activity by knowing you have helped people less fortunate then yourself. I think that you will find that you feel better about your own life by helping someone else improve his or her life.

That feeling of goodness can extend to knowing that by helping a homeless family you are helping the future generations of society. Homeless people often lose hope and find themselves in trouble with drugs and alcohol. They become a burden to society. By preventing them from homelessness and helping them feel better about themselves they will be more likely to become productive citizens and we are all better off because of that.

You should also consider that your President, Barack Obama has asked you, to lend your time to organizations like this one. He believes that we can all change the world and make it a better place by changing one thing at a time. That comes down to people like you and me going out there and contributing time to improve other people’s lives. By helping with Habitat, you can actually see the results of your efforts and see the difference it will make in the other person’s life.

I would challenge you to think about this. The next time you walk through your door and sit on your sofa and turn on your TV, take a moment to think about another family, not so different from your own that has no where to go and be warm and safe. Remember how lucky you are and remember that you have the power to share your good fortune with others.