Looking for inspiration to make a change? Here's some advice on meeting people through volunteering from the book "Be the Change! Change the World. Change Yourself." (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $14.95), straight from people who've done it:

"For single people, volunteering is a fantastic social bridge. I personally hate small talk, and working together on a project prevents having to engage in it. Service gives you something to do besides sitting around. If you are a shy or anxious person, meeting people this way is far superior to going to bar where you're in a dark room, shouting over loud music, and talking to someone who's probably not sober."

"Serving others can help mend a broken heart. Eight years ago, my long-term relationship broke up. When it finally ended, I stayed at home for two months and felt very sorry for myself. I realized I needed to snap out of it. Suddenly, a light went on: I should volunteer! I volunteered at a project that involved doing arts and crafts with abused and neglected kids. Helping these kids really put things in perspective for me: My problems suddenly seemed small in comparison to what they were going through."
-Bob Alden, San Diego, Calif.

"Volunteering won't expose you just to new people, but really great ones! I've met some of my best friends through serving, and I even met my boyfriend this way. I believe that the people I meet while volunteering are the cream of the crop_more interesting, more involved, and nicer."
-Heather Alexakis, Forest Hills, N.Y.

"New York Cares was featured in Time Out New York as the third-best place for singles to meet people. I would love to say that every single person who volunteers is altruistic, but the truth is it doesn't matter why you serve. If you're volunteering to meet people, that's fine!
-Liath Sharon, Atlanta, Ga.