In today’s fast-paced world people are more apt to say “What have you done for me lately”, but have you ever stopped to ask what type of world that attitude leaves for our children? Most of us would agree, that is not the kind of place we want for our children or ourselves and yet what have we done to change that attitude and make a positive difference? Regardless of how overwhelming it might seem, one person can make a difference and I would challenge you to start paying it forward today!

Paying it forward is an ancient concept that can be traced back to Athens in 317 B.C.E., evoked many times throughout history, and even in the movie called Pay It Forward. The movie focuses on one idea to change the world: you do a favor that helps someone and tell him or her not to pay it back, but to pay it forward to three other people who, in turn, each pay it forward to three more and so on until it becomes a global outpouring of kindness and decency. This classic concept that each person can make a difference by taking time to help another person demonstrates the impact of each act on the world as well as the impact that we have on each other.

So how do I start to pay it forward? Community service is a great way to make a difference and is a vital part of most communities. There is also a wide variety of community service activities to suit your interests as well as your ability level. Some possible ideas include feeding the homeless, tutoring children, donating clothes, and building or rehabilitating homes.  In all of these cases, volunteers are essential as many small organizations rely on them to survive.

On October 3^rd, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sizzler Restaurant (1461 Rimpau Avenue [MAP]), the Greater Corona Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Corona, is pleased to present “How To Pay It Forward” as part of the Women’s Leadership Luncheon series. The meeting will feature a panel of Executive Directors from various local non-profit organizations discussing the importance of community service and ways you can be involved.

Tickets for the luncheon are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce. The cost for each luncheon is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members.  For more information, visit the Chamber website at: MyChamber.org

When we help with a project or organization, it is an opportunity to change lives, including your own. Even if you only have a little to give, you can make a big difference in the lives of others so start paying it forward today.