NGUZO SABA (The Seven Principles) - Nia (Purpose)

http://www.niamedia.com/kwanzaa.htm

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

How to Practice Nia

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Nia, which is observed during the fifth day of Kwanzaa, is defined as purpose. You can obtain purpose in life by serving others in a variety of ways. This was essential to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, who stated that "service is the substance of greatness." To achieve greatness, we must practice serving others and understand sacrifice, so that we may be lifted up to higher levels of thought and obtain higher positions in life.

1. Serve your spouse and your immediate family in all that you do.
2. Act in a service capacity at work or on the job. You should diligently serve your employer by giving 100 percent in all of your job functions and duties on a daily basis.

Serve as a Volunteer

1. Volunteer at a retirement or convalescent home. Kwanzaa teaches that we must respect and learn from our elders, as they often have an advanced understanding of life.
2. Work in the educational school system in your area. This provides a wonderful opportunity to be a part of children's lives in a positive way and to have an impact on the future of your community.
3. Give your time in a local soup kitchen that provides those who are less fortunate with basic items such as food and temporary shelter.
4. Offer your services at a local library. They are frequently in need of helpers to restock books, read stories to children or participate in administrative tasks.
5. Serve as a volunteer at your local church. Here is where you can impact the lives of others on a spiritual and eternal plane. True Nia ultimately begins with the inner spiritual area of one's life.