CHOOSE AN AREA OF INTEREST (OR A FEW)
It should come as no surprise that working for a cause and common goal you’re not only interested in, but passionate about will make the whole experience that much more enjoyable. Pick an area that fascinates you. And you don’t have to limit it to one! Don’t be intimidated if it’s a topic you’re not an expert in; it’s totally okay to pick something you know nothing about! As long as you’re willing to learn and try something new.
HERE ARE A FEW AREAS TO CONSIDER:
FOOD INSECURITY
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
DISABILITY SUPPORT
EDUCATION
POVERTY AND HOMELESSNESS
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
START SEARCHING
The next step is to do some research. Go online and look for opportunities to help out in your local community. For volunteer events, look for nonprofi ts that are focusing on your area of interest. If you already have an organization in mind, pull up their website. From there, you’ll want to contact their volunteer coordinator. This can be an email address or phone number. Contact this person to see what events are on the calendar. If you’re interested in donating, most sites will advise you on how to do so. Lots of organizations will allow you to setup auto-pay, so a specifi c amount is given per month or year.
GET INVOLVED
The final step is to get involved. Figure out how much time you have to volunteer or how much extra money you have to donate. While you defi nitely want to make a diff erence, you also want to avoid overextending yourself. Decide if this something you want to contribute on a consistent basis or if it’s a one-time thing. There is no right answer! It’s all up to you, and whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
If you don’t want to get involved with a big organization, there are plenty of opportunities to give back to the community through local groups. Most participate in community service as a way to help others and improve their community. If there isn’t a collective eff ort around the issue you’re interested in, you can always form the group yourself!
HERE ARE A FEW COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT IDEAS:
LOCAL BLOOD DRIVE
BAKE SALE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY
DELIVER MEALS AND GIFTS TO HOSPITAL PATIENTS
TUTOR KIDS AFTER SCHOOL
DONATE TOYS TO THE LOCAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
DONATE FOOD AND CLOTHES
COACH A KID’S SPORTS TEAM
ORGANIZE A SPECIAL OLYMPICS EVENT
DONATE USED BOOKS TO THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
SERVE AS A COLLEGE MENTOR FOR STUDENTS
WHO HAVE LOST A PARENT
READ TO RESIDENTS OF A SENIOR LIVING FACILITY
DRIVE SENIORS TO THEIR DOCTORS’
APPOINTMENTS, OR HELP WITH LAWN CARE
FOSTER A DOG OR CAT
CLEAN UP AT THE LOCAL PARK
START A COMMUNITY GARDEN
VOLUNTEER AT A SOUP KITCHEN
DONATE TO A HOMELESS SHELTER
VOLUNTEER AT THE FIREHOUSE
BECOME CPR-CERTIFIED
All of this is to say — there are countless ways to help out. Volunteering and giving back is good, plain and simple. It’s good for the cause you’re helping. It’s good for the community. And it’s even good for your mental health.
