We live in this incredible moment in time where the ideas of technology and innovation have tricked

us into believing we can accomplish twice as much in half the time. We have become multitasking

masterminds that can attend a live streamed business seminar, while devouring our lunch that was

conveniently brought to us by Favor or Bites, order the groceries to be picked up on the way home

from work all while snapping a selfie to upload to our 5 social media feeds, #motivationmonday #boss

#getRdone!

Ideally, all this multitasking should then provide us with extra time to engage in those things that truly

make a difference, right? Sadly, no. Between 2013-2017, a study showed the level of volunteering has

been gradually declining each year. To top it off, the Corporation for National Community and Service

ranked Texas 40th out of the 51 states for volunteer rates, Austin ranking 23rd out of the 51 Large Cities

polled. Are we really just “Average”?!

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for

others?” Fortunately, the answer to this question is easier than finding a match on Tinder. Whether

you gather a few colleagues from the office as a volunteer sponsor or head out on a Saturday with a

few friends, these four organizations make giving back something any Austinite can fit into their

schedule.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes:

www.mlf.org/

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, Mobile Loaves and Fishes has been a force in Austin. What

started with 5 men answering the call to “love your neighbour as yourself”, Alan Graham and his

friends have served more than 5 million meals, hygiene products and other life-sustaining items to the

homeless all over Austin. Operating trucks 7 nights, 365 days a year, there’s always a night that could

work for anyone! Simply pick a location, contact the volunteer coordinator and serve. You can help

prepare meals or hit the streets on one of the truck runs.

Austin Parks Foundation:

www.austinparks.org/

Whether you have a green thumb or just enjoy being outside in nature, the Austin Parks Foundation

has several ways for you to get your fix while enhancing the beauty of our great city. Join a Volunteer

Workday hosted throughout the year or sign up for It’s My Park Day by Feb. 5th to be apart of the

hundreds of individuals helping to keep our parks beautiful, because let’s be honest, the best part of

Austin must be its collection of more than 300 parks.

Austin Pets Alive:

www.austinpetsalive.org/get-involved/volunteer/

On March 11, 2010, City Council unanimously passed a plan created by Austin Animal Advisory

Commission and city staff to officially make Austin a no kill city. Austin is now the largest no-kill city in

the country, and Austin Pets Alive has brought pet lovers and our furry pals together ever since. From

dog walking, to pet fostering or helping at adoption days, one can find an opportunity to get involved

with Austin Pets Alive. Fill out a volunteer application today!

Ronald McDonald House:

www.rmhc-ctx.org/

With a mission to “Helping give children what they need most – their families.” The Ronald McDonald

House Charities of Central Texas allows the family members of sick children the peace of mind and

relief from daily needs whether it’s a meal, financial assistance or a place to stay near their children

who are in the hospital. The ways to get involved with RMH CTX can be as simple as dropping change

into donation boxes at participating McDonalds restaurants, cooking a meal or making a wish on their

Wish List come true for a child or family.

Austin has been called one of the top places to live and to work, now let’s make it one of the top places to give back!

Written by our Agent, Renee Kennedy.