Maui County wants you to…What makes you happy? When you question most people, they might list answers like love, chocolate, money, music, sunsets and going to the beach—not necessarily in that order.
Not many people respond with my personal favorites: completing a gratifying day at work, popping bubble wrap and getting kissed by my dog. To each his own.
Freedom to pursue happiness is written into the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, and we are free to pursue it in any way that is not forbidden by state or federal law. But as most of us have found out along the way, happiness is not dependent on a specific location, nor does it manifest itself via increased income, material possessions or by consuming large quantities of substances, legal or otherwise.
In our hearts we all know that the road to a satisfying and meaningful life is paved with things for which we are grateful. And not repaying that debt of gratitude is like wrapping a present and not giving it. The more we participate in meaningful activities and random or planned acts of kindness, the happier we are and the more purposeful our lives feel. In a paradoxical way, giving gives us more.
For an opportunity to grab your fair share of happiness, stop by the Join Hands Volunteer Fair presented by the County of Maui’s Volunteer Center on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center. The event is meant to promote volunteerism in the Maui Community. The fair will provide 25 nonprofit organizations, including groups focused on the environment, social issues, health, youth and aging, with a venue to recruit volunteers and provide outreach and public information. The fair will also feature entertainment and door prizes.
“Volunteers play a significant role in making a difference in our community,” said Volunteer Center Coordinator Wendy Stebbins. “This fair will celebrate these dedicated volunteers and provide information about volunteer opportunities currently available.”
The County of Maui’s Volunteer Center reopened in Wailuku in February 2008 after a two-year closure. It’s designed to meet local community needs by supporting local volunteer organizations, including nonprofits, churches, agencies and civic groups.
The center is located at One Main Plaza, 2200 Main St., Suite 601 and is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To learn more, call 270-7150 or email wendy.stebbins@co.maui.hi.us.
If you browse the fair and don’t see something that interests you, go to the Maui County Website (www.co.maui.hi.us/mayor/economic/mcbrc/nonprofits.htm) and download an eight-page directory of all of Maui’s registered nonprofits, where you will find a wide range of worthwhile causes.
Times are hard. I know. So now is the time to get happy. Like Sir Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.