As women we hear, and read, a lot of advice about keeping fit, losing weight, and the like. For many of us, our health is the reason we get up off the couch to hit the gym or race-walk around the neighborhood. But another reason you might want to get out is to give back to the Nashville community.

Word came this week that Tennessee was ranked 39th in a survey of voluntarism in America, with 25.5 percent of people 16 and older serving as volunteers. Drawing from a report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, an Associated Press article in the Commercial Appeal (July 27, 2008) goes on to state that  “Arkansas ranked 40th with 25.0 percent; and Mississippi ranked 47th with 21.8 percent.” Details at www.volunteeringinamerica.gov

So if you don’t want to get up off the couch for yourself, do it for someone in need. The Tennessean regularly prints contact information for nonprofit organizations looking for help. A fun way to get started might be the annual Hands On Nashville, slated for Sept. 27, 2008. Grab some friends and help make our neighborhoods cleaner, safer, better. Learn more here: www.hon.org/

Amy Lyles Wilson