At this time of the year, like so many other well-intentioned Chicagoans, we begin thinking about New Year’s resolutions past and I can’t help but wonder how many I’ve actually kept. Fast-forward to now, five pounds heavier and one year later I got to thinking maybe the solution to the resolution problem is taking time to look back on all the things that I am appreciative for in the last year.

For those of us lucky enough not to have been destroyed by the economic downturn, perhaps this is the best possible moment to find meaning through community. If you have a little, give a little. This year instead of vowing to give up chocolate, give your time or a donation to your favorite charity or cause.

Whatever charity you choose to benefit with your time and or money make sure it’s the right one for you, i.e. that you connect personally with the cause you choose to support and it is a cause you are passionate about.  For me, 2009 was all about the launch of my own non-profit organization, The Apareció Foundation. Utilizing a group-mentoring model, the Foundation’s student mentoring initiative creates opportunities for our women scholars to connect with professional women from a wide range of industries over the course of six years. The true quality of education is the celebration of individual talent and our programs are designed with the whole student in mind.

If anything truly defines The Apareció Foundation, it is the value we attach to giving our scholars room to innovate by following their passions. Each program is meant to connect the content of learning with a lifelong experience that will ensure the development of self-confidence, discipline, pursuit of individual talents, and the creation of strong beliefs and values in our women scholars.

To learn more about The Apareció Foundation or how you can volunteer, become a mentor or be an advocate and help us as we build a better future today, please visit www.AparecioFoundation.org.

No matter which organization you choose, take 5 minutes each day to see how you can give back.  Now that’s a resolution even I can keep!

(Jessica George)

Jessica George is the Executive Director & Founder of The Aparecio Foundation, a Chicago-based, nonprofit that aims to provide mentoring, academic assistance, and scholarship programs for high-potential, low-income women in Chicago Public High Schools and is this month’s guest columnist.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Aparecio Foundation, now’s the time. This Thursday they are hosting an event focused on finding members for their Auxiliary Board. Here are the deets: