As a responsible citizen of the United States of America, I am associated with several groups including the US Army National Guard, Future Homemakers of America (FHA), and the Disabled Veterans of America.
My association with these groups has facilitated not only my personal but also my professional development, through the course of life. Being a Baptist, I have been raised with strict values regarding service to the country and humanity, and through my associations with these groups, I have been able to develop my sense of self-service, not only to my country but to my fellow citizens as well. This paper aims to analyze my association with some of the social groups operating in the United States and how my association with these groups has contributed positively to my personal and professional development.
The United States Army National Guard is a large unit divided and stationed in the fifty states and territories of America which operates under several governors. Being a part of it has made me a highly responsible and focussed individual and has made me aware of the importance of alertness and defense in the upkeep of the safety and security of my homeland, America. The ‘Army National Guards’ of the U.S. have to be mentally and physically prepared to answer any call for duty when called upon by the governors of state or even the territorial general commanders to selflessly help and aid their nation in difficult times of war and calamities such as domestic emergencies or even natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.
Association to the Army National Guard group provides me with a sense of social accomplishment arising due to the fact that as a responsible member and citizen of my country, I have the pride of serving my government in the best possible manner I can. The social accomplishment arises from the fact that I have the ability and power to aid my fellow countrymen when they need me the most, rather than watching the daily news like a helpless spectator.
My association with the organization ‘Future Homemakers of America’ has been an added advantage to my personal life due to the sense of accomplishment it provides, by virtue of the assistance one can provide to co-citizens. Future Homemakers of America is a member student organization that comprises as many as 220,000 volunteers, founded in 1945 primarily to help and support girls and young females to prepare to be future housewives (Gahr, 1999).
The organization initially helped educate young girls to study the art of cooking, sewing, and other homely tasks, however, the recent curriculum includes knowledge and information about current evils as well, including sexually transmitted diseases and the art of balancing family and work life. The program now includes several activities such as watching educational movies for the purpose of boosting self-esteem and learning certain crucial aspects of life, which would otherwise be difficult and impossible for them to learn given their normal circumstance and situations (Gahr, 1999). The institution is thus involved in the economics of home to young females who do not have the family background or guidance to learn about the crucial aspects of efficiently running a home and domestic affairs.
My involvement with the institution has made me aware of home dynamics and the fact that maintaining a good home is an extremely vital aspect of life, reflecting the efficiency of an individual. Home management techniques have made me aware of the significance of a well-kept home. The home is a reflection of one’s taste, style, and manner of living, and if a house is optimally looked after and left uncluttered, it can become a heavenly inviting abode which the family can look forward to. If a home is unkempt, dirty and disorganized, it does not provide the necessary peace and harmony which is necessary to face life and its numerous challenges. Needless to say, the institution has enlightened me regarding the implications of maintain and running a good home.
Finally, I would like to mention my association to the organization, ‘Disabled Veterans of America’ which is also a volunteer organization, in tandem with social service and service to humanity as an essential and core aspect of American culture and tradition. Attachment to this institution provides me with a sense of belonging and accomplishment which is initiated through the several activities and programs conducted by the organization.
With a membership of about 2 million volunteers, working selflessly without any hopes or expectations of profit, the organization serves a crucial purpose in my life and has made me aware of the value to selfless service to humanity (Disabled American Veterans, Online)
Watching and reading the efforts of the several of its members, the organization has been a vital contributor to my social, personal and professional growth and development, making me a thankful and content person and firming my belief in God. I have realized that I have been blessed by the Lord due to the life I live and all the luxuries which I enjoy, including the love of parents, family and friends to support me in times of needs. Needless to say, my contribution to all of the above mentioned organizations have shaped my personality in a rather positive manner by making me a better individual, personally as well as professionally.
References
Disabled American Veterans. Web.
Gahr, Evan. (1999) Former Homemakers Of America. The American Enterprise 10.5 : 13.