Allyster Waters, a PDR Posse member, visited Humble. I visited her to discuss how volunteering with Project Playground has helped her mentally and spiritually.
Allyster Waters discusses her volunteerism and more.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
- Organization and Mission: Allyster Waters, a member of the PDR Posse, is involved with an organization called Project Playground. This initiative, led by her pastor Matt Clayton and his wife, focuses on repurposing playground equipment from the United States that cannot be reused domestically for legal reasons and shipping it to developing countries. The primary goal is to provide joy to children who have never experienced a playground, effectively reducing waste by preventing these structures from ending in landfills.
- Impact on Personal Well-being: Waters discusses the positive impact volunteering has on her mental health. She emphasizes how engaging in service work fosters an “attitude of gratitude,” enhances her appreciation for her life, and motivates her to become a better person. She notes the emotional benefits she gains from seeing the joy her volunteering brings to others, particularly the children benefiting from the playgrounds.
- Philosophy of Kindness and Community: Waters highlights the importance of kindness and community in volunteerism. By surrounding herself with like-minded, kind individuals, Waters finds a sense of belonging and reduced feelings of judgment. This environment helps her avoid the isolation that can exacerbate mental illness, illustrating the broader mental health benefits of community engagement.
- Ripple Effect of Volunteerism: Waters speaks about the “ripple effect” of her work with Project Playground. The joy it brings to children fills her emotional “bucket” and enables her to positively impact others, likening it to watering flowers in a garden. This metaphor underscores the expansive, positive impact of individual acts of kindness and volunteerism on a community.
Kudos to Allyster Waters for this great deed. One hopes that this organization will be a catalyst for many.