Looking for ways to give back? Heres an idea!

For someone who’s new to the real estate business, there’s nothing quite as valuable as the wisdom of an experienced mentor. The same holds true in the nonprofit world.
That’s why REALTOR® Magazine and the Good Neighbor Society—a group composed of all past winners of the Good Neighbor Award—last year launched a mentoring program called Volunteering Works.
Through the program, five REALTORS® who want to expand their charitable work are given a $1,000 grant to support their volunteer efforts and are matched with a past Good Neighbor honoree who will serve as their mentor.
One of last year’s participants, Ellen Kiss, of Kiss Properties in Del Mar, Calif., says the experience gave her "incredible recognition and credibility throughout the community."
Kiss used the program to expand her organization, Adopt-A-Classroom, which helps fulfill classroom needs for a poverty-stricken elementary school in South East San Diego. Her mentor, 2001 Good Neighbor Winner Craig Conant of Elsberry Realty in Warrensberg, Mo., helped her develop creative fundraisers like selling a cookbook and holding a casino night. He also suggested that she ask a local college to create her charity Web site for free.
This year, five new grant recipients will benefit from the guidance of accomplished volunteer leaders who also know what it’s like to juggle busy careers in real estate.
If you’re seeking to expand your charity efforts and would like to learn more about Volunteering Works, visit  REALTOR.org/GNA.