THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK..... COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS KEY!!!

    I think that this nation suffers from some serious self absorption issues!  There, I said it, what a way to start my first active rain post!I apologize for starting off on a soap box like that(*steps down*), but it's been said before and I think it needs to be said again. 

    I think it's all the more important for us as Realtors, because we're a service industry, and because we spend our lives front and center of consumers, the image and ideals we project ARE IN FACT INFECTIOUS.

    I chair a group that provides a cost-free party to graduating high school seniors on grad night called PROJECT GRADUATION.  It's a very familiar group in my county, and in fact Charles County Maryland is the ONLY County in the state that has not had a drug or alcohol related death among seniors on grad night in over 20 years, since the program was started.

    I wouldn't claim that PROJECT GRADUATION is the sole cause, but it makes a huge impact.  Providing a safe, monitored, drug and alcohol-free party goes a long way.  If we as a group have managed to save even one life over the last 20 years, it's well worth the effort.  People who have children attending this year can remember going themselves, and can attest to the fun they had when they went, blah blah, blah, I could go on for hours, but that's beside the point.

    When it comes to funding, we work very hard to ensure enough private and corporate donations to make it happen.  What becomes a much scarcer commodity come graduation time, however, is TIME!  We're not the only ones, thousands of groups across the country are desparate for donations of time and labor to make their organization succeed!Here's where Realtors can make a big difference. 

    I don't make my volunteer work a focal point of marketing myself.  I don't say "Hire me because I'm active in the community".  I DO however tell my clients about the program and encourage them to donate time or encourage them to convince the companies they work for to donate money or gifts in exchange for advertising.It works as a huge boost for Project Graduation! 

    I'm able to parlay my work as a realtor to continue to give back to my community, and everybody feels a little bit better knowing that they are able to help promote healthy activities among our local youth.

    So here we come to the self-absorption part(*FINALLY*)!  There's no excuse for people to NOT give back to our communities.  If money is an issue, donations of time are very greatly appreciated, believe me, we all need it!  As Realtors we work on a flexible schedule, finding a way to make time is always possible, and clients love to work with people who they know genuinely care about their community!  

Use it as a PR tool if you'd like. 

Take a tax deduction on your donation. 

Think about the difference you can make locally to help your neighborhood!

Thanks so much for listening!

Marsha Benya

Century 21 New Millennium

301-653-9846

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