The Ways Children Can Give Back To Their Communities

It’s never too early to teach our kids the important values of charity, empathy, and giving back. While charity does begin at home, we as parents must inculcate in our children the need to reach out and apply acts of kindness to our communities.

One way is to teach them to take care of the environment. Serving the Earth of course doesn’t necessarily mean taking our kids on an elaborate camping adventure; environmental awareness and respect can begin with asking them to pick up litter in around the neighborhood, helping you remove weed in the backyard, or making a feeder for birds.

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It goes without saying that as parents we should have our kids start in our immediate surroundings. Global charities can wait; kids would appreciate hands-on acts of charity better. Examples are shoveling snow or running an errand for a sick neighbor.

Empower children by giving them a chance to vote. Sit with them and ask which causes they are most interested in, while discussing what skills and resources you and your kids have to forward such causes. Donating food and blankets to the shelter, old toys to other needy children, or books to the local public school and library are some immediate endeavors with big impact.

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Edgar Gonzalez is a supporter of different causes for the welfare of Mexican immigrants in Anaheim and the rest of Orange County, California. For more on Mr. Gonzalez’ work and interests, visit this website.

Why Invest In The Youth?

Investing in the youth is investing in a sustainable future. The youth represents the world’s hopes and dreams. And yet, it seems as if not enough effort and programs are being implemented to provide the young ones knowledge and skills and a healthy environment that would mold them into becoming positive contributors to society.

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In fact, of the estimated 200 million unemployed individuals recorded across the world in 2014 by the International Labour Organization, 40 percent were 15 to 24 years old. While some of them had acquired hard-earned education and skills, they faced the unavailability of jobs or opportunities. Underemployment is still a challenge. These factors push up the number of NEETS (not in education, employment, or training).

Thus, investing in the youth means they receive proper education and training, and necessarily creating work or business opportunities for them.

In Minnesota, a study was conducted in 2017 about the economic gains of investing in the youth. The study showed that there was a return on investment rate of $2.72 dividend per dollar spent on quality youth programs. That number increases to $4.89 when it comes to high-risk youth. Conversely, the cost of not investing is significantly higher.

A high school dropout costs the nation anywhere from $243,000 to $388,000 —equivalent to $1.6 trillion in taxpayers’ money. This goes to show that we cannot afford to hold back investments in the youth and the future.

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Edgar Gonzalez advocates the welfare of the youth in several places including Anaheim, and supports philanthropic activities in line with this cause. For more discussions on participating in philanthropy, follow this Twitter page.

The Top Benefits Of Going To The Gym

A lot of people are due for a lifestyle change, especially those living sedentary lives. But while joining a health club or going to the local gym may be easy for some, it can require tons of motivation for others. Before you dismiss the thought again and get back to that couch, here are some awesome benefits of gyms to consider.

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Firstly, it’s never too late to make progress and change your poor health habits. You need not be a regular gym rat for years to see changes in your body and diet. There are many ways to track your progress nowadays, from physical coaches and apps on wearables. Just a few weeks into a gym program and you’ll reap the rewards, pushing you more to keep at it.

On a more basic level, think of gym time as a period to de-stress and detox. It lets your mind rest from the long day at work, clearing your thoughts and shooing away those problems. Just an hour into a workout regimen can remove you of your worries while deep inside knowing that the activity is making your body and mind better.

Thirdly, gyms are places to interact with others and socialize. You’ll meet like-minded people and discuss things that interest you among equally pro-active fitness buffs. If anything, these conversations with a regular support group should push you more to take care of your body. Having a gym buddy is ideal, as you could police each other especially when one lacks the drive to visit the gym. Conversely, if you’d rather be solitary instead, you can always put on those earphones.

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Anaheim resident Edgar Gonzalez is a family man who desires to see a community where children can grow up safe and happy. He regularly donates to Who’s Next Boxing Academy, a gym that helps children and teenagers living on the streets. For more info on Edgar’s charitable work, go to this page.