Volunteering & Digital Minimalism
Be offline. Help people.
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Introduction
In the heart of Littleton Downtown, there’s a small cafe called Gracefull Community Cafe that serves everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. I love dining there and watching business people, firefighters, and locals share meals together. But what I love most is that this place is volunteer-run. The cafe’s mission is to support those who are struggling or short on cash, reminding us that everyone deserves respect, love, and a warm meal, no matter their circumstances. The art of offline reminds us that we are all human at our core and there is no better idea than to use our time offline to help others.
I often see comments online from people wondering how to fill their time away from screens and social media. While I’m a big fan of outdoor activities, learning new offline hobbies, or simply embracing boredom, volunteering stands out as one of the best ways to use our time meaningfully. It does two powerful things: it breaks down the barriers between us and those we might see as "other," and it allows us to make a real impact in our communities, helping to create opportunities for those who are less fortunate. Volunteering is a wonderful way to disconnect from the online world and reconnect with the people and places around us.
How to not “other” others
In philosophical terms, "The Other" refers to anyone who is not you, contrasted with "The Self." Many philosophers suggest that we, as humans, naturally create narratives that separate us from others based on nationality, race, or socioeconomic status. Social media and the internet amplify these divisions, reinforcing them through algorithmic curation. In the past, social media allowed us to curate what we saw and followed, but as algorithms became driven by advertising revenue, these platforms began prioritizing content that emphasized differences, often creating a sense of "otherness" based on how much someone’s views align with your own.
"The Other" in this context is the media content that encourages us to categorize people and deny their humanity based on whether they agree with us. The more someone’s views align with yours, the more they seem like your true "self." Conversely, the more they disagree, the easier it becomes to see them as "the other." This phenomenon isn’t new—it’s been part of human nature for as long as we’ve been able to reason. However, the solution isn’t just about changing our mindset or educating ourselves about biases; it lies in directly encountering "the other" in real life.
Volunteering is a powerful way to break down these barriers. Initially, you may approach it with the mindset of "helping others," but as you spend time with people, you start to see that the differences between you and them aren’t as significant as you thought. Through these interactions, you realize that we all share the same fundamental human needs: love, appreciation, and connection. Volunteering doesn’t just help those in need—it helps us rediscover our shared humanity and dismantle the divisions that social media often reinforces.
At the Gracefull Community Café, there’s no distinction between those who can pay and those who can’t. Everyone shares a meal together, and the tables are open to conversation with strangers. Unlike a typical restaurant, this café encourages you to sit with someone you don’t know and share in their story. As I’ve engaged with people I once considered different, I’ve realized how similar we all are at our core. Volunteering at this café, or any organization, allows us to see the humanity in each person and begin to break down the tendency to push away those who seem different from us. Through acts of compassion, we can turn the divisiveness of online interactions into genuine, offline connections.
Making an Impact
The second reason why volunteering is important is that it creates tangible change in the lives of those being served and those who serve. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to see and directly impact your local community. While donating money to well-vetted organizations like those researched by GiveWell is a powerful way to help, engaging in local volunteer work allows you to witness the difference you’re making firsthand. It forges connections with people in your area, often leading to relationships that can last a lifetime. Moreover, it satisfies the need for immediate, meaningful engagement—something that the online world, with all its distractions, often fails to provide. If anything, the web provides immediate distracting engagement. Volunteering, thus, is an excellent way to spend your offline time and resist the temptations of the digital world.
Finding a volunteer opportunity might seem daunting at first, but it’s worth the effort. Start by reaching out to local organizations, community centers, or even places like libraries and schools. They often have volunteer programs or can point you in the right direction. Once you find an opportunity, commit to it and observe how the experience enriches your life. The rewards of volunteering extend far beyond the immediate impact—you’ll gain a deeper sense of purpose, stronger connections with others, and a renewed appreciation for your community. If you cannot find an opportunity through any of the above, I guess you can resort to online sources like https://www.volunteermatch.org/.
Remember, the act of volunteering doesn’t just benefit those you help; it also transforms you. It pulls you out of the digital echo chambers and places you in real-world situations where your actions matter. Whether you’re serving meals at a community café, tutoring students, or cleaning up a local park, your efforts contribute to something larger than yourself. This shift in focus—from online distractions to real-world impact—can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. So, if you’re feeling the pull to disconnect from the online world, consider volunteering as a way to fill that void. Not only will you be helping others, but you’ll also be helping yourself by creating a richer, more meaningful offline experience.
Atta boy Jose, great stuff!