SMALL ACTS, BIG IMPACT: HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

This is naturally a topic that has been discussed, dissected, and executed by professionals much more knowledgeable than I on the betterment of society. While that is true, I also believe that every one of us has within ourselves an innate ability and desire to be a part of something that ultimately impacts those around us now and those that we have and, in all likelihood, never will meet.

Never rest on past success. Create something better.

Ron Kaufman

What are some of my favorite ways to help to improve my community? Here’s a few that come to my mind as I contemplated the prompt:

BE AN AGENT OF CHANGE

When it comes to improving your own community, many folks think the old adage “I’m only one person” applies to the situation, and thus never make any effort to change the things they dislike about their community. To that, of course, I say “If you don’t do it, who will?”

Property taxes too high? Is there an intersection that is begging for a stoplight in order to avoid a tragedy? Is there an area of town that needs cleaning up? Do you disagree with the school board’s decisions?

Whatever it is won’t change if no one does anything about it. What if the agent of change…is you?

SUPPORT OTHER VISIONS

Sometimes due to schedules, you might not be able to be the driving force behind change. In those instances, you can instead support initiatives conceived by family, friends and colleagues – or even strangers (do you believe in their cause?)

FUNDRAISE FOR WORTHY LOCAL CAUSES

Pre-pandemic, I was fortunate to design with a team of co-workers a number of competitive events that our employees could choose to compete in each summer. The registration cost and profits from merchandise was divided and donated to worthy causes in our community each year. It was the proverbial “win-win” as we had a great time building our work relationships, and we were able to help people (and pets) who appreciated our efforts.

SHOP LOCAL

I know Amazon and the box stores are convenient and help with the budget, but when you can, be certain to support your local businesses in town. Keeping the money in your own community means better services, better options, better homes, and better neighbors. Plus, sometimes it’s just nice to actual see and feel something before you buy it!

RUN FOR OFFICE

Feel like your community or state are heading in the wrong direction politically? Do you think you could do better? Prove it! Just don’t become the thing you hated about the person you replaced.

VOLUNTEER

Everyone loves something passionately. Search your soul, and then either seek out online volunteer sites like volunteermatch.org and dosomething.org, or volunteer via your workplace if they offer hours to volunteer. Most of the sites have local options to help you better your community.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Those are just a few things that come to mind here with me. I’m sure there are numerous other options you can offer up to better your community. Leave us a comment or tell a story of how you made a difference!