A great way to discover a city is to attend a volunteer fair. You'll explore your city's social side and see what all you can offer to a place in need.

My husband, Mark, and I are newcomers to the great state of Tennessee. As we packed up our house in Atlanta and headed up the mountains to our new home, I voiced my concern that we might find it hard to meet people in Nashville who shared our interests of being involved in local activities and working to make the world a better place. I'm glad to have found out that I was wrong. I have only been in Nashville for about three months, but already I have found that there are enough opportunities for volunteering in the community for everyone to play a part. And I have learned that there’s a reason Tennessee has been dubbed the Volunteer State. When it comes to making Nashville the best city it can be, Tennessee locals are eager to get on board.

A few weeks ago, Mark and I were invited to participate in Hands on Nashville’s 15th Birthday Party. We spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon on the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, overlooking the place we now call home. From my seat behind the CoolPeopleCare booth, I was excited and amazed at what I saw—local people of all colors, shapes and sizes gathering as one in celebration of the good work that is being done in Nashville.

I left Mark to handle the CoolPeopleCare table for a moment so that I could explore the other organizations represented at the event. Walking the length of the pedestrian bridge, I watched children’s eyes light up as they visited the booth of The Adventure Science Center and teenagers excitedly chattering as they generated new ideas for changing the world. As I chowed down on birthday cake and popcorn, I learned about the Nashville Red Cross and their disaster relief services, I discovered ways to help with organizations that alleviate hunger within Nashville’s homeless community, and I talked with a woman whose passion in life is educating children and young people.

Here’s what I learned from my day on the bridge: from Walden’s Puddle Animal Rehab and Agape Animal Rescue to St. Luke’s Community House, there is truly a place for every cause and concern. Every single person can help to make a difference. And when a lot of individuals who want to make a difference gather together, their energy can fill up a city…and maybe even change the world.

I suspect that what I have found to be true in Nashville is also the case wherever you may be. The opportunities for action abound. Let’s get to work!

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Ingredients:

• Comfortable Shoes
• Curiosity
• Willingness to Learn

Caring Time:

• 75 Minutes

Cost:

• $25 (some fairs may be free)

Results:

• Awareness of your new surroundings
• A cause to champion
• Ideas for changing your local community
• Knowledge of fabulous organizations