2 . The Human Library has been working to encourage a sense of shared humanity for almost two decades. It is quite different from traditional libraries.     1     You can review your perspective with the help of borrowed human books.

The Human Library is an association which attempts to create respect and understanding for the diversity in society through efforts.     2     In this place, people who otherwise would never meet nor talk can find room for conversation.

As its website details, the library hosts weekly events in local communities. The volunteer “human books” welcome members of the public to come and talk to them.     3    

Ronni Abergel is the founder of the library.     4     As his idea has spread like a bestseller, the library has hosted events in more than 80 countries, in libraries, museums, festivals and schools. It has more than 1,000 human books in circulation in more than 50 languages, with an especially strong presence in American cities such as Chicago and San Francisco.

    5     They have served as a timely way to reach out to scores of people stuck indoors at home, and fearful of being too close to strangers, restoring their sense of connection and community. Being a book in the library is more than you expect and something you will never forget. It is also an opportunity to meet a lot of people that are different from you and yet you will find you share a lot in common.

3 . There are hundreds of non-profits welcoming students under the age of 18 as volunteers. In these activities, students can develop important life skills, cultural awareness and a lifelong passion for service.

Union Station Homeless Services

Whether you volunteer in our kitchens to prepare meals or in our offices to help with administrative projects, you will be a valuable member of our family. We do our best to match volunteers with a position that suits their interests and skills.

Minimum Age: 12

Call: 626-240-4550

Northeast Animal Shelter

The Northeast Animal Shelter, established in 1976, is one of New England’s largest non-profit shelters where the pets can be taken good care of. We have placed thousands of dogs and cats since we opened our doors. As soon as a dog or cat arrives, our staff begin searching for the perfect host for them. While waiting for a warm home, the dogs and cats receive the best of care.

Minimum Age: 16

Call: 745-988-8305

Needham Community Farm

The mission of Needham Community Farm is to deepen our community’s connection to nature and the food system by providing farm-based education, increasing access to healthy produce and encouraging environmental protection.

Minimum Age: 13

Call: 781-449-5300

Arlington Public Library

Serving more than 1.5 million people a year, Arlington Public Library holds more than 600,000 items, from books, eBooks, and DVDs, to digital photo collections and provides funded kits for parents and teachers. We only accept the volunteers with community service experience.

Minimum Age: 14

Call: 817-459-6900

5 . When 76-year-old Antoinette-Marie Williams played 17-year-old Emmett Daniels in chess for the first time, she gave Daniels a run for his money. Paired through DOROT, a New York organization which was launched in 1976, they are a perfect match. “I was a good opponent for him. I don’t think he expected it.” Williams told the CVS Health blog Fortune Well. Their weekly games have led Daniels and Williams to a cross-generational relationship that they both enjoy. Williams and Daniels’ relationship disproves the idea that people of different generations have little in common.

Since its founding, DOROT has achieved a reputation of excellence and innovation in the fields of aging services. Volunteers of young ages offer critical resources to older adults, in services specific to the person’s needs and interests, with the ultimate goal of lessening loneliness of the old.

Loneliness has been recognized as a significant social issue for many years, but the classification of loneliness as an epidemic(流行病) has emerged only in recent years. In 2018, the UK government appointed a Minister for Loneliness, highlighting the increasing concern around the issue. This followed the publication of the 2017 report by the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission, which found that loneliness was a growing social epidemic and called for a national strategy to address the issue.

Fortunately, there are ways to battle loneliness, including the intervention in the lives of isolated seniors by organizations like DOROT. It advocates building a support network by reaching out to family and friends, joining a community or social group, or volunteering to connect with like-minded people. The connection between Williams and Daniels shows that these inter-generational relationships play an important role in reducing loneliness and adding joy to the lives of all the participants, young and old.

Another way to battle loneliness is to use technology to stay connected with loved ones which fosters meaning and purpose through online activities and conversations. Practicing self-care is also encouraged, as is being patient because strong relationships take time and effort to create.

Since the earliest time,philosophy (哲学) has inspired new ideas and concepts,with the aim of encouraging independence,creativity and     1     (origin) thought.

UNESCO established World Philosophy Day in 2002 to encourage philosophical reflection worldwide. Now it     2     (hold) on the third Thursday of November every year. It is a day that is observed publicly,although it's not     3     public holiday anywhere in the world.

The day’s purpose is to encourage people     4     (share) their thoughts，discuss new concepts frankly and debate the challenges     5     (face)today’s society. It’s also a time to celebrate and share mankind’s philosophical heritage (遗产),and for opening your mind     6       new ideas. The initiative is     7     (wide) marked across the world，in countries as diverse as Turkey，Chile，France and Morocco among others.

UNESCO’s major belief is     8     the sort of analysis and reflection philosophy offers should be present in all subjects that try to create a     9     (great) understanding of the modern world and its challenges.

Philosophy provides the conceptual basis for the values and principles shaping the potential for world peace—human rights，justice and     10     (equal). Reflection on modern society’s problems and still-to-be-answered questions remains at the core of philosophical thinking.

8 . Stuck at home? These famous museums offer virtual tours you can take on your sofa. According to Fast Company, Google Arts&Culture teamed up with over 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to bring you virtual tours and online exhibits.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Google’s Street View lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral (螺旋式) staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary times.

Pergamon Museum,Berlin

As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamonhas a lot to offer — even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient works including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course,the Pergamon Altar.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, gifted painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum — the largest collection of artworks by Vincent Van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

European artworks from as far back as the 8th century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.

To see more of Google Arts&Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website.

9 . This Is the Way Learning Center

The staff, parents and children enrolled (招收) at This Is the Way Learning Center are one big family. We take the health and safety of our family very seriously. This Is the Way Learning Center is committed to maintaining a safe environment for your children. We are following all safety rules. Should you have any questions regarding the processes in place please call our center. We will be happy to answer your questions.

This Is the Way Learning Center cares for and educates children aged 6 weeks and up. We are enrolling for all programs (Preschool and Nursery School) in addition to basic childcare. There will be no enrollment fees and registration fees. We are devoted to the future of your child and creating a lifetime love of learning at every age and stage. What can be more precious or important than the early developmental and learning years of our children?

This Is the Way Learning Center is located across the street from Henry Barnard School at 18 Shaker Road. It is conveniently located just minutes from 91 North and South, in the town of Enfield.

• 6:30 am through 5:30 pm

• Monday through Friday

• Closed only on major holidays.

• Children through kindergarten

• School age

• All-day, all-year daycare

• Homelike setting

• Age-appropriate play areas

• Child-friendly curriculum

• Computer education

• Trained and experienced teachers

You may email us at requests@thisisthewaylc.com or call us at 860-253-0010 to ask your questions and request a free brochure.