As human beings, it’s only natural for us to find ways to leave a mark on the world and the life of our community. We yearn to help and to give back. Why? Because when you make a difference in your community, you also become happier, developing a greater and more profound sense of purpose in your life.
Still, finding the best way to give back can be a bit complicated, primarily because of the daily grind we’re all going through. Because of this, getting involved can be a challenge, and most of us tend to miss out on great opportunities or simply don’t know how or where to start contributing to the community.
As such, in this article, the Habitat for Humanity of Broward team has compiled a list of ten excellent ways to contribute and give back to your community.
- Volunteering
Volunteering is one of the best options if you want to contribute to the community. You can use your skills, talents, and energy for a greater cause. And to make things even better, you usually always have several local options to choose from. You can volunteer at a hospital, youth group, food bank, senior home, animal shelter, or other local non-profit organizations.
Just perform a quick online search; chances are you will find numerous great local opportunities. Or, if you already have something specific in mind, you can always reach out to the organizations you are interested in helping.
On that end, you may also volunteer at your local place of worship. Volunteering at your place of worship is a great way to build relationships with other members, strengthen your community and discover new ways to help others. If you’re looking for ways to give back to your community and put your faith into action, volunteering at your place of worship will open numerous opportunities to serve your local community.
Don’t forget there are countless ways to contribute, and volunteering is among the best things you can do.
- Mentorship
Why not contribute to your community by sharing your knowledge? Several people could probably benefit from your knowledge, experience, and skills. Chances are there are even people in your profession or social circles that would benefit greatly from your help. Several organizations nationwide have mentorship programs if you can’t think of anybody specific. These NGOs will help you connect with others in your community who can use a helping hand and significantly benefit from what you know.
Make a difference in your community by helping somebody in need. Chances are, they will eventually also do the same.
- Donate Blood
If you seek valuable ways to contribute, you may also become a blood donor. Even with a single donation, you can save many lives. Remember, every single donation can make a massive difference in someone’s life, and often, the gift you are giving them is another chance. Can you think of any more extraordinary gift to give?
On the other hand, you will get cookies and juice following the donation. Seriously, what more do you need than a win-win situation like this? If you are thinking about ways to contribute to your community, know that donating blood is among the noblest things you can do.
- Shop Local
This might not look like an obvious way to make a difference in your community, but when you shop locally, you invest in the community. When you spend money locally, you support the local economy and keep the money in the neighborhood. That said, the same money can be quickly reinvested again through other services and products. It’s a simple cycle that just keeps on giving and makes everyone happy.
- Be More Active During Community Meetings
When you attend community meetings regularly, you can connect with different people from the neighborhood. Apart from becoming familiar with the locals, it’s a great way to instill a sense of ownership and belonging in the place you live in and refer to as home.
When you are regular at these meetings, you may even become involved in local activism, which can open a myriad of opportunities and ways to give back to your community.
- Organizing Charitable Events
You can also contribute to the community by taking matters into your own hands. Chances are, there’s already a cause you are truly passionate about. Then, just organize a charity on that cause’s behalf. It can be anything from a food donation collection to a senior’s program.
Still, if you want to initiate something but feel a bit stuck with the idea, it’s always an excellent idea to reach out to an organization you’d like to help with the charity. Chances are, they will have more awesome suggestions and tips on where to start and how to get the charity program off the ground.
- Joining a Community Garden
Looking for ways to contribute that can literally leave a visible mark in your community? Joining a community garden makes your local area look stunning, and aside from that, it will often provide produce and several other goods for the neighborhood.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting with working with the land, there’s always a lot of work going on in any garden. Apart from giving something back and connecting with mother nature, you will also be able to meet new people and build lasting friendships within your community.
- Adopt a Neighbor
When looking for ways to improve your community, you don’t always have to rely on grand gestures to give something back. Sometimes, even smaller things can make a massive impact on the people’s lives around you. There are always people in your neighborhood who can use a helping hand, be that a single working mother across the street or the old gentleman down the road. Sometimes, the help isn’t that complicated: cleaning up the garage, doing some minor gardening, or mowing the lawn. As long as you show you care, every little gesture will mean a lot.
- Organizing Cleanups
Another great way to improve your community and its visual appeal is to schedule a large cleanup. You don’t need that many things to execute the idea. A large box of garbage bags, rubber gloves, recycling bags, and, of course, a group of volunteers is enough. Oh yes, and you also need an area that’s in dire need of some love.
Indeed, you have a few messier streets, beaches, and public parks that might benefit from a bit of cleaning. Who knows, you might even inspire the entire community, and soon, the local area will be tidy, clean, and a joy to look at.
- Help Build Affordable Housing
If you’re looking for ways to contribute, you can also join our cause. As an NGO, we recruit willing volunteers to build affordable and safe housing around the globe in over 70 countries. The process is quick, as the houses are renovated or built within a few weeks. And apart from giving back to the community, you will also have a chance to work together with the family who will reside in the house.
Now, You Know Where to Start
After these excellent tips, you have no excuses left: go out there and start making a difference! Better yet, reach out to us because we’re always looking for valuable community members such as yourself.
