World | People Making a Difference | Change Agent

Are you going to do the same thing this year? Here’s a lens on giving more broadly – beyond presents under the tree.

Ken Lyons, in his 90s, has been one of the volunteers at Centennial Station in Washington State. He’s an example of how many seniors keep making a difference in their communities after their official retirement date.

Anh Nguyet Tranh, herself an immigrant from South Vietnam, founded a business in Michigan that employs some 250 interpreters and translators and can translate documents in 30 different languages.

Lily Yoseph was struck by the poverty in the village, as well as the fact that often girls don’t have the opportunity to attend school. So she established a nonprofit that gives girls everything from medical care to school uniforms.

Some employees may think that giving back during the workday doesn’t make sense. But a substantial percentage of companies offer volunteer benefits.

The McVay Youth Partnership at Hamline University offers paid leadership opportunities for students, who mentor middle- and high-schoolers. The program was endowed by Pete and Mary McVay.

Alexandreena Dixon founded an organization that uses African storytelling traditions to teach long-forgotten African values and rituals. The aim is to broaden horizons for black children.

New Moms in Chicago provides job training, transitional housing, and doula support. The aim is for the new mothers to become self-sufficient.

The job search can be discouraging. Service activities offer a number of benefits to those looking for work.

Under Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees program, ordinary citizens can take a frontline role in aiding those who have been through immense challenges.