I grew up in a family where my mom’s major work, when I was younger, was serving on a variety of community boards and in various volunteer capacities in our suburban New Jersey town. Everything from the YWCA to the United Way, not to mention being my girl scout leader, my brother’s cub scout leader and a host of other things in between.

It was just pretty much understood (and demonstrated) that part of being a good citizen is about giving back. I also learned a lot about not only donating your time but also making financial contributions to organizations that create value in the community.

Over the years I’ve been involved in numerous community organizations focused on a broad range of issues – from the arts (indulging my creative side) to women’s issues (domestic violence and sexual assault) to mentoring young women.  But none has been more personally meaningful and fulfilling than what I now spend my volunteer time doing.

I’m pleased and proud to be on the board of Common Ground HS and the New Haven Ecology Project. Common Ground is a charter high school in New Haven that has an environmental focus.  It’s an urban oasis in the middle of the city, boasting a beautiful, organic farm that helps feed the kids (that alone is simply fantastic in this age of too much junk food!), a unique eco-curriculum with small classes and some of the most amazing teachers you can find.  But that can barely shake a stick at the fantastic and diverse students that the school attracts.  They’re bright, talented, savvy and oh so ready to use the Common Ground environment as their lab.

I joined the board about a year and a half ago on the prodding of my friend Frank, the board chair.  In addition to my board responsibilities, I love spending time educating students and parents about healthy living – everything from good nutrition to stress reduction. I’ve had big fun working with my friend Alexis, the gym teacher (and all around amazing woman — that’s Alexis, my husband Bruce and I at the fundraiser). So this past weekend I happily participated in an awesome fundraiser that we held, Feast From the Fields (imagine a yummy menu of locally grown food from local farmers and our garden).  I was pleased to come early to help with set up, welcome guests and make a healthy contribution to the silent auction (a seat in my meal planning class and a health coaching session). The event attracted lots of wonderful people for an evening to raise funds for the school, so it can keep doing what it does best.

But of all the highlights of the night, what was most gratifying was seeing some of the Common Ground students who volunteered their time, got dressed up and were the wait staff (that’s them in the photo at the top) – just as poised and mature as could be. They got to participate in the event, add value and give back.

Which just goes to show that we all have a role we can play in making a difference in our school, community or favorite organization, no matter what our age. And when we can help people be healthy and productive, it’s even better!