The Importance of Giving Back by Ebony Frelix

There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe the significance of giving back. Even the most simple acts of benevolence — the ones we think of as “random acts of kindness” or “no big deal” — are actually incredibly important. Volunteering in all shapes and forms strengthens our communities, brings people together and provides us with valuable experience and insight. And selfishly, when I give my time and energy to others, I just feel better — about myself and my community.

​I have to admit that I didn’t start volunteering purely to help others. Initially, volunteering was a way for me to gain career experience, develop new skills and build my resume — and that’s all fine. But once I got going, (my first “job” was as a volunteer for the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department) philanthropy began to mean much more to me. Some of my most memorable, rewarding and character-building experiences came from volunteering. I loved it. But I never imagined I could build my career around it.

Read More