Summer, like New Years, is often a time of ambitious resolutions and lackluster followthrough.  However, it’s not too late to make this summer a great one and accomplish something!  Here’s three great activities to check out in the Detroit area, which will reward your time and effort!

1.  Detroit Threads Running Team [Facebook]
Detroit Threads, meets every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Threads Record store (10238 Jos. Campau Hamtramck — Google directions)

Detroit Threads Running Team in action!

This running group has been going strong for a couple years now.  It caters to runners of all abilities, and both male and female runners.  If you haven’t run a lot lately, don’t get discouraged, give it a try — its a pretty friendly atmosphere.

Get in shape — run with Detroit Threads!

2.  Dominican Literacy Center [Website] [Facebook]

While it may be hard to imagine, for many immigrants just inability to speak English can prove a huge barrier to employment and equal opportunity in American society.  And for many who speak English, the inability to read similarly limits their employment potential.  The Dominican Literacy Center is an organization that aims to promote literacy in Detroit.  It offers adult education classes on English reading, speaking, listening, writing, mathematics, and basic computer skills.

If you’re willing to devote a few hours to volunteering this summer, why not spend them giving people the tools to build a better life?  After all, someone likely gave your ancestors that opportunity at one time.

Check out the organization’s website to sign up to volunteer and to get directions/training info.

3.  Habitat for Humanity Detroit [Website] [Facebook]

Want to get a good workout?  Like to spend time outdoors?  Why not do it for a good cause?

Habitat for Humanity Detroit is building new homes on Detroit’s east side off Lakepointe Dr.  By becoming a volunteer you’ll be enriching the city by offering competitively priced homes to people enduring economic challenges.  In the process you’ll get not only a great workout, but learn more about construction and building.

Me at a Habitat build off Lakepointe back in 2008.

Get started by going to Construction 101 on August 21… or just drop by one of the build sites any Saturday from 9-4 am (get off at Outer Drive, head towards Lakepointe… you should be able to spot one of the builds in the sub) and tell them you’ve done construction before (OKAY so that’s not the OFFICIAL procedure, but if you’re careful, that’s one way to handle things).

We can’t emphasize enough how great an experience Habitat for Humanity is.  If you can’t make it to the Detroit builds, check out the separate Habitat for Humanity branch in Pontiac [website].

[Author's Note: I'm there every Saturday -- hope to see you there!!]