Meet new people and save the world!

How can someone meet new people without spending any money? Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!

Volunteerism is on the rise in the US. It may be generational (the millenials seem to do it naturally), due to the economy (what better way to show an employer you haven’t been watching soap operas between sending out resumes?), or maybe people are just ready to end the “me, me, me” attitude that was very obvious in the 1990s. But whatever the reason, people are more willing to volunteer than ever before. That means you will have more opportunities to meet more people from every walk of life.

In addition to helping a worthy cause, you could meet a new friend, make a new business connection, or maybe even meet a new boyfriend or girlfriend. You never know how volunteering could change your life. I even know someone who started helping her boss plan a fundraiser once a year; seven years later, she quit a high-paying job to work full-time for the nonprofit.

So find something that interests you and find out how you can volunteer. If you don’t already have a cause, maybe one of your friends has a cause you would like to support. Otherwise, Chicago Cares (www.chicagocares.org) is one great organization for helping a person find a way to volunteer. And for people who don’t want to committee two days a week for the next six months? One Brick Chicago (www.onebrick.org) provides a calendar of volunteering events where a person can sign up to volunteer as his or her schedule allows.

So when you are ready to take a break from your social networking groups and meet live people without spending any money‚ give your time to a worthy cause.