A service project should be started only after the Center has investigated the situation thoroughly and has enough commitments from members to carry it out. This means having an initial meeting to talk over the idea, then exploring possibilities, perhaps in connection with some volunteer organization, planning, and finally meeting to make a commitment. This may take several weeks or months. Some points to consider are given below.
A service project may be performed entirely under the auspices of the Center. Many Centers, however, decide to help a social or religious organization instead. For example, the Center could regularly assist the Salvation Army or a church group in feeding the needy. Both methods of service are equally useful as a spiritual discipline.
After a project is finished (or periodically for ongoing projects), have a session where all can discuss the project and give constructive criticisms for improving it. Everyone who participated should have a chance to provide input, and the leaders should realize that others may have good ideas. Recognize those who have participated. The goal of a discussion is to make the service project more effective and to develop unity among the members of the Center. A decision by consensus is preferable to a vote that has one side winning and another losing. Always keep in mind Baba's message that the sole object of the Organization is the consciousness of unity [54] .
The units of the Sai Organization have to exemplify and promote the unity in diversity taught by the ancient wisdom [67] .Above all, cultivate unity and brotherhood [68] .
A unique partnership and spirit of cooperation has developed among the Centers in our city through our joint service projects. [A Sai devotee]
In cities or counties with two or more Sai Centers, an effective spirit of cooperation can be developed by sharing service projects. This allows larger, long-range service projects to be undertaken. It also allows members of smaller Centers to take part in more substantial efforts, without feeling overwhelmed. And it increases the chance of finding volunteers to fill in when one person has to be absent during an ongoing service project.
Joint efforts in American Sai Centers have created a great deal of continuing communication and sharing. Service coordinators are in constant communication. Everyone generally welcomes and invites everyone else to join in the projects, and Baba's goal of unity becomes more a reality.
The most important thing I have discovered in doing service is that if you feel strongly prompted to do a service project, do it! Even if you have to do it alone. Eventually others will come to help --one person's strong commitment will motivate others. [A Sai devotee]
Members of a Center may be involved in individual service, as well as (or instead of) group service projects. The service activity need not be connected with the Center. Some prefer working alone or performing service activities that can only be done by one person. Individual service may be done more quietly, in a private setting, and may be less ego inflating. Try it both ways, and see what works best for you.
There are hundreds of possible individual service activities. The only limit is your imagination. Pray to Baba to send you a service project that best fits your skills and that will best promote your spiritual development --and then be on the lookout for it, for you can't tell how it will be shown to you!
Direct service towards removal of physical distress, alleviation of mental agony, and fulfilment of spiritual yearning [69] .
The table below lists a few individual service projects being performed by Sai devotees throughout the country.
| Individual service projects being carried out by Sai devotees |
|---|
| Send care packages to native American elders who are in need |
| Assist in schools |
| Record for or read to the blind |
| Volunteer at conference for the visually impaired |
| Help in adult literacy programs |
| Teach English to non-English speakers |
| Work with the United Way agency |
| Driver for "meals on wheels" and similar programs |
| Hospicare or Hospice care |
| Suicide prevention programs |
| Red Cross disaster training |
| Work in free clinics |
| Serve on Board of Directors of the county council on aging |
| Volunteer for the Friendly Visitors for the Aging Program |
| Volunteer fireman |
| School aide or volunteer |
| Feed and clothe the homeless |
| Call the elderly and shut-ins weekly (or more often) |
Children are precious treasures; our task is to rear them to become devoted servants of God [70] .Children must grow up in an atmosphere of reverence, devotion, mutual service, and cooperation [71] .The ideal of service must be inculcated in the hearts of the students [72] .
Service is as beneficial for children as it is for adults. Through service, children, too, can develop love and compassion and can become aware that God is within us all.
The Education program of your Center has the task of teaching children about service and organizing service projects for them, as part of the bal vikas program. If you have questions concerning service for children, see your Education Coordinator.
Also, children can be regularly included in regular service projects. For example, the elderly --in nursing facilities or their own houses-- are delighted with the presence of children. Of course, some service projects will not be appropriate for children, and discrimination is required. For example, service activities that require contact with possible drug addicts or situations that might frighten children would be inappropriate.
Teenagers may have difficulty with a Sai program that consists only of devotional singing, meditation, and study circle. Teenagers want more action and relevancy. So some parents have difficulty keeping their children involved in Sai activities. Service can be the program that "turns the teenager on" and maintains their interest. In one Center, the young adults do service three times a month and have their own study circle in the fourth week.
Start children in selfless service when they are young; teach them the value of selfless service; and give them more and more opportunities and responsibilities in service programs as they grow into teenagers and young adults.