Giving something back to your community can be a rewarding experience, and is a good way to spread some kindness and joy. So, if you’re looking for some ways to help make a difference in your local area, here are our top 4.
Donation
One way you can make a contribution physically is through donating – finding some local non-profit organisations and learning a bit about them is a great start to this. Then, if you want, you can donate some money to help their cause. If you’re a bit short on cash, there are other things you can donate – charity thrift shops take plenty of items, from old clothes to random items you never use, so rather than selling your old things, donate them and make a contribution to your local charities. Even offering food to local food banks is a huge way that you can really help people who need it.
Education
Contribute to the community by educating people – perhaps you have a particular cause in mind, in which case you could volunteer to talk in schools and teach the next generation about it. Or, if you wanted to go one step further, you could become an educator and really make a difference to lots of people – knowledge is one of the best gifts you can give, and an online Masters in Learning and Teaching with the University of Redlands is a great way to make this become a reality. Even sharing the skills you have with other people will make a huge difference to them.
Communication
Communication is something a lot of people tend to underestimate, but it is a very powerful tool. Reaching out to people who make a big difference to your local community and telling them that you think they’ve done a great job is a great way to share some good spirits – even telling people you care about how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them is a good start. Sharing local causes and events on social media is also a great way to reach out to the wider community and raise awareness and support for them.
Volunteer
Another great way of contributing to your community, particularly if you’re a bit out of pocket, is through volunteering. Instead of offering your money, offer your time – see if any local non-profit organisations could use your help, and if not, there are plenty of other ways you can volunteer. Visit your local residential home, make some sandwiches for the homeless (or even just talk with them), help your friend or neighbour redo their house – the options are endless. One of our favourite volunteering opportunities is helping in a soup kitchen – not only do you get to make a huge difference to those who need it most, but you can work with like-minded people and make new friends, as well as get to know some of the people you’re helping and see the difference you’re making in person.
Hopefully this has given you a bit of inspiration as to how to make your contribution – not only will it help your local community feel happier, but it’ll help you feel happier, too.
