On the Web June + July 2009

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap, the being a force of nature instead of a feverish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." (George Bernard Shaw)

Connect with others who are looking for their passions. 

»Who helped you find your passion or discover your dream? Did a mentor have a positive impact on your life? Are you continuing the tradition by sharing yourself with a younger person? Find out how mentoring helps create healthier, happier kids and keeps adults connected.

»Some folks create lists of many things to experience in life, and they check them off one by one. Other people seek individual passions to which they dedicate the bulk of their free time and energy. No matter how you choose to pursue all that life has to offer, find a list that will get you thinking in the right direction.

»Put family first and share powerful volunteering opportunities with those you love most. Not only does volunteering together help create valuable family time, but research shows that children who volunteer with their parents are more likely to continue volunteering as adults.

»From exploring the great outdoors, preparing exotic cuisine or perusing the hundreds of TV channels from your multi-media center, the options for leisure time in the modern world seem limitless. So, what's right for you? Take a CNN.com quiz and find out which activities best suit your personality.

»Dive into summer by developing your passion for reading. Take part in a summer reading adventure that revisits the classics or focuses on beach books. Find out what the experts are recommending, and share your own suggestions.

PLUS + Find the best books about volunteering | Learn some personal strategies to cope with the economic downturn | Read the latest research on citizenship and service | Resources and suggestions for planning your days of service | Discover the benefits of intergenerational service-learning