Ways to Help a Community: Volunteering, Donating, & More

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Learn what you can do to improve your community
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A community feels more alive when people who live there love it enough to help improve it. Helping your community makes life better for your friends, family, and neighbors. For this article, we interviewed career coach Archana Ramamoorthy and sustainability specialist Kathryn Kellogg to teach you all the best ways to help your community. Plus, learn the benefits of volunteering and how to find the best volunteer opportunity for you.

How to Make a Difference in Your Community

  • Volunteer with an organization like a hospital, animal shelter, or nursing home.
  • Clean up your community by picking up trash and planting flowers and trees.
  • If you can, donate money or items to charities and those in need.
Section 1 of 3:

Ways to Help Your Community

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  1. Almost every nonprofit or community organization in your area is probably in need of volunteers. [1] Donating your time is an excellent way to have a positive effect on your community and to strengthen your relationships with your neighbors. Find a group doing work that interests you and give them a call; chances are, they'll have a list of ways you can start helping out. Here are a few examples of organizations you can volunteer with:
    • A soup kitchen
    • A hospital
    • A school or summer camp
    • Your church
    • A homeless shelter
    • A food bank/food pantry
    • An animal shelter
    • A nursing home or senior center
    • A library
    • A crisis hotline
    • A local YMCA
  2. If you’re able, consider donating money or items to local charities. Try taking unused food to a food bank, giving clothes you never wear to a homeless shelter, or donating money to organizations that help sick children. Check with local charities to see what they’re most in need of. [2]
    • If you choose to donate money, make sure the charity is legitimate. Search the organization on GuideStar.org to make sure it isn’t a scam.
    • Another option is to donate books to a library, school, or just children in your neighborhood. Or, build a little free library by your house to offer books to those who may not have other resources.
    • Setting up fundraisers is another great way to make sure organizations in your area receive the donations they need.
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  3. Think about how you can improve the appearance of your community’s public spaces. Start by picking up trash or removing graffiti from walls or windows. Then, move on to bigger things like landscaping by pulling weeds or planting flowers. Making your community feel cleaner and brighter will encourage people to enjoy these spaces and result in a better quality of life for everyone. [3]
    • When you walk down the street, pick up any trash you see and throw it away or recycle it. If there’s too much for you to tackle on your own, get some friends to help you.
    • Scrape off or paint over graffiti to freshen up buildings and fences. If you’re good at painting, consider creating a mural on a public wall. You may need permission from the building owner or city first, though.
    • Plant flowers or trees wherever you can. Adding more natural elements to urban spaces can help them look and feel more safe and inviting. [4]
    • Create a community garden where everyone can have a plot to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers. Ask people to pitch in to help break ground and lend their tools for the project.
  4. Take time to meet and get to know your neighbors. Sometimes, just checking in on someone and seeing how they’re doing is enough to brighten their day. Volunteer to help them out if they mention a difficult task, like moving or building furniture. If you see someone in need of assistance, come to their aid rather than averting your eyes. Spreading positivity and kindness can make a significant difference. [5]
    • If you see a mother struggling to get a stroller down a set of stairs, offer to help her carry it.
    • If you know your elderly neighbor is lonely, offer to take them out to lunch.
    • If you notice someone looking lost, help them get where they’re trying to go.
    • Offer to shovel your neighbor’s backyard or rake leaves for someone across the street. Babysit community kids, or watch their pets.
    • Knowing people in your community is a great way to start learning what you can do to help. Start building your network by getting out and meeting people. Go to local events, frequent local coffee shops, and get to know your neighbors.
    Oprah Winfrey, Entertainment Mogul

    Create community through human connection and by finding common ground. "No matter who we are or what we look like or what we may believe, it is both possible and, more importantly, it becomes powerful to come together in common purpose and common effort."

  5. Volunteer with a school or after-school program, or reach out to parents in your neighborhood to find out which kids may need support, either academically or in other aspects of their life. Tutoring can encourage kids to build a lifelong love of learning, while mentoring can provide them with a positive adult role model and help them grow into their potential. [6]
    • Consider joining a mentorship program like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to give children a chance to experience a healthy relationship with an adult they may not have otherwise.
    • Another way to help children is to organize a summer reading program to keep their reading skills active. Share your favorite books, give out prizes, and turn the program into a friendly competition.
    • If sports are more your thing, you could also coach a youth sports team to encourage children to stay active.
    • Ramamoorthy says to be a good mentor, you must “be able to explicitly understand why someone is coming to you. The interesting part is that mentorship differs from person to person and skill to skill. If you think at any point that you’re not going to be able to provide the things they need, you can connect them to someone new.”
  6. Often, elderly people who live in a nursing home or visit senior centers don’t have visitors as often as they’d like. They may get lonely and would be very happy to have your company. Volunteer to read books, bring baked goods, make birthday cards, or do any activity that interests you. The facility will likely appreciate your help, and you’ll get to hear fascinating stories from people you might not have met otherwise. [7]
  7. Giving blood is an important way to help the sick and injured, and it could even save someone’s life. Try to give blood when you can, and work with others in your community to see if you can organize a blood drive for your school or workplace. [8]
  8. Shopping locally is a great way to support and boost your community’s economy. Whenever you can, buy from local, small businesses rather than large chain stores. Try to get most of your produce from the farmer’s market, where members of your community go to sell food they’ve worked hard to grow. Change your mindset from buying the cheapest option available to leveraging your purchases to provide the most community good. [9]
    • Shopping local can be more expensive, but know that your money will go toward boosting your local economy and building a strong, vibrant community.
    • Additionally, consider starting your own business . You can serve your community by offering a great product and possibly even hiring employees.
  9. Odds are, other people and organizations in your community are also taking steps to improve it by holding community events like festivals, cleanups, and meetings. Attend as many of these as possible to get to know your neighborhood and volunteer to help out whenever you feel comfortable. If you feel that your community could benefit from other events, gather a few of your neighbors and start to organize the event yourself. [10]
    • For example, if someone you know is trying to hold a "Bike to Work or School Day" on Monday mornings, why not give it a try if you have a bike? Bring a friend along, too. Show people in your community that biking is fun.
    • Many nonprofits hold community walks and runs to raise money. Paying the entry fee directly benefits the nonprofit, and participating in the event helps spread awareness about the cause.
    • Go to concerts, festivals, and other events put on by local businesses or organizations. If no one shows up to these types of events, they might stop happening altogether.
  10. Neighborhood watch programs and other safety initiatives can help ensure the protection of your community. Find out if your community already has a neighborhood watch program and how you can participate. Or, talk to your neighbors about forming one if it doesn’t already exist. This will help raise awareness about crime patterns and keep you and your neighbors safe from suspicious activity. [11]
  11. A great way to help your community is to participate in community decision-making. Stay up to date on activities that impact your community, and form educated opinions on important matters. Vote in every election you can, no matter how small. Having an informed perspective and making your voice heard can have an effect on what direction your community takes. Encourage others to vote as well, as civic engagement is crucial for a healthy democracy. [12]
    • Contact your representative about issues that matter to you. For example, if your city is deciding whether to cut down a few acres of forest to build a new supermarket, think about which option is better for the community. Then, call your representative or write a letter stating what you want to happen and why.
    • In addition to voting, attend community meetings at which decisions are being made. Speak up about what matters to you.
    • Assist in voter registration, as well, to encourage your neighbors to make their voices heard.
  12. Many communities are experiencing problems with landfills that are getting too full. Producing too much trash pollutes the environment, and that's not good for your community's long-term health. Do your part to help improve the situation by recycling and composting as much of your waste as possible. [13]
    • If you want to go above and beyond, spread awareness about how to recycle, or start a recycling program at your school or place of work.
    • Composting is useful in more ways than one. It allows you to dispose of your food waste without putting it in the trash, and as a result, you end up with rich soil you can use in your garden. Once you learn how to do it, show others how easy it can be.
    • Determine what kind of products you throw away most often. Kellogg says, “My first recommendation [for reducing waste] is actually to do a waste audit. Every single person's life and what they throw out is going to be vastly different from trash can to trash can. When I did my own waste audit, the [most common] things that I found in there were paper towels, food waste, and food packaging.” This way, you know what you need to cut back on so you can start researching better alternatives.
  13. Using excessive electricity and water strains community resources in addition to harming the environment. Think about all the ways you can conserve energy and water, like turning off lights when you’re not using them or taking shorter showers. Implement these changes in your household and educate others on how they can cut down on energy usage, as well. [14]
    • Other ways to save energy include using energy-saving appliances, decreasing your reliance on air conditioning, turning down the temperature on your water heater, and unplugging your computer when you power it down.
    • Making sure your pipes aren't leaking, limiting how much and how often you water your lawn, and using a low-water method of washing dishes are all ways you can help save water .
    • Kellogg recommends switching to renewable energy: “Companies like Arcadia Power and Clean Choice Energy are energy suppliers, and when you sign up, they work with your existing utility companies to make sure all the energy you use is supplied by clean energy sources. It doesn't cost anything extra for you. And in fact, you typically see your electricity bills go down.”
  14. Communities that rely heavily on car transportation often experience elevated air pollution levels. Air pollution is not only detrimental to plants and animals, but it causes major health problems for humans, too. Using your car less often decreases your carbon footprint, which helps your community. Here are alternatives to try: [15]
    • Walk or bike where you need to go. It takes a little longer, but you see more along the way.
    • Use public transportation. Even if your area doesn't have a great subway or elevated rail system, you may have bus lines nearby.
    • Carpool to work or school, instead of driving places by yourself.
    • Kellogg has implemented a rule for herself about when she should walk vs. drive somewhere: “If it's under a 30 minute walk, I walk there rather than driving. If you bike, biking is also a great solution…. I used to always carpool to work when I was working in an office. This will obviously save you a bunch of money on gas, as well.”
  15. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity support homeless people by building houses across the world. See if there are any projects in your area. If you’re good with your hands, this is a great way to do your part to help end homelessness. [16]
  16. Ask around to find out who else is as excited to make a difference as you are. Try to form a core group of activists committed to carrying out the plan to improve your community. Everyone will have something to contribute, and together you'll be able to start getting things done. Even just telling other people about your goal and what you are doing to accomplish it can help you to achieve it. [17]
    • To find passionate volunteers and spread the word about what you're doing, share information via social media. Go public with your plan to make a difference, and tell people how they can get involved. Hold meetings to discuss how to put your plan into action.
    • Some people prefer to help by donating money instead of their time. Don't be afraid to ask for donations or hold a fundraiser to make money you can put toward your cause. [18]
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Section 2 of 3:

Benefits of Volunteering

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  1. Volunteering allows you to meet other people who are passionate about the same causes and issues as you are. This is especially helpful if you’re new to the area and are looking to make new friends. Plus, it gives you the chance to improve your social skills if that’s something you struggle with. [19]
    • Volunteering can also help strengthen existing bonds with old friends, as you work together on something you’re both passionate about.
  2. Volunteering helps you socialize with others, which in turn can relieve stress. Knowing that you’re doing something to help others can put you in a good mood and give you a sense of achievement, which can boost your confidence. Volunteering can also help you get your mind off your own worries as you’re focused on the task at hand. [20]
    • Depending on the project, volunteering can also keep you physically active and healthy.
  3. Not only will volunteering help boost your resume, but it can also help you develop skills that may help with your career. For example, working at a women’s shelter may help you learn how to cope with a crisis, while volunteering at a library might help you develop organization skills. [21]
    • The opposite is also true—try using the career skills you already have to find a good volunteer opportunity. For example, marketing skills can help you raise awareness for a certain cause or organization.
    EXPERT TIP

    Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

    Tech Executive
    Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday. She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years.
    Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
    Tech Executive

    You can learn a lot from volunteering. It teaches you teamwork, leadership skills, and patience. You're not always working with people who have the same tools and skills as you. You're able to give an elevator pitch much better when you volunteer.

  4. Because there are so many volunteer opportunities, odds are you can find one you really enjoy. Look for opportunities that are closely related to a hobby of yours or that your friends are already involved in to spend time with them. By choosing something you’re passionate about, you’ll enjoy yourself while making a difference. [22]
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Choose a Volunteer Opportunity

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  1. Determine which cause you want to support to help your community by reading the local newspaper, looking for volunteer opportunities online, and talking to those who have lived in the area for a long time. Research different organizations in your community to find out which one best aligns with the community’s needs and your skills and interests. Reach out to them to see if they need volunteers. [23]
    • For example, maybe there’s a river that’s so polluted no one can swim there, or maybe the local school needs more resources to buy books and computer equipment. Look for organizations that could help you achieve these goals.
    • Try not to get overwhelmed by the size and scope of the problems your community is facing. Pick one thing that you care about changing, one thing that ignites your passion, and go from there.
    • Websites like Idealist.org and VolunteerMatch.org can also help you to find out about organizations that are looking for volunteers.
    • Ramamoorthy says it’s important to consider a number of factors when finding a good organization to work with: “When I first started volunteering or contributing, I started looking at organizations online [and] finding local organizations that were part of certain causes. I narrowed it down to 4 or 5, and then I picked the one that was most open to having volunteers. For me, weekends were the best time to volunteer, so I looked for opportunities at times [I would be available.]”
  2. Once you’ve found an organization you think you’d like to work with, take the time to make sure it’s a good fit for you. Ask what the organization’s goals are, what skills are required, and how much time you’ll need to commit to the project. Find out if you’ll be working with other people or if you’ll need to do any training. Knowing what’s expected from volunteers can help you make an informed decision about whether you’d like to continue. [24]
  3. If you discover that a certain organization may not be the best fit for your goals, don’t feel like you have to stay committed. It’s okay to look for a different organization that will be better suited to your needs and passions. Or, try to gather some friends and see if you can make a difference on your own. [25]
    • However, try not to quit just because things get tough. If you back out of every project because it’s too difficult, your community might never see the change it deserves.
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  • Question
    How can a child work towards the betterment of there community?
    Community Answer
    Clean up litter on your street. Donate clothes and toys you don't need anymore to charity. Ask your parents if they would volunteer with you.
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    How do I pick up garbage?
    Community Answer
    If it is safe to do so you can bend down, grasp it in your hand or hands, and place it in a waste receptacle. If it is an unknown or unsafe object you can use a stick with a nail in the bottom (pick pole) to remove it from the ground. There are also grabber tools that can be used. You should always wear gloves regardless.
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    How can I help my community by going to school?
    Community Answer
    The school is part of your community! All you have to do is help keep the halls, restrooms, and other communal spaces clean. Ask your teacher if he/she needs any help tidying the classroom, or if there's anything you can do to make her job easier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.cafonline.org/personal-giving/resources/five-reasons-to-give-to-charity
      3. ↑ https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/physical-social-environment/neighborhood-cleanup-programs/main
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334070/
      5. ↑ https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca/25-free-ways-you-can-help-improve-your-community-and-the-world/
      6. ↑ https://www.bgca.org/news-stories/2021/January/mentoring-for-kids-5-ways-to-be-an-effective-mentor/
      7. ↑ https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/visit-older-adults
      8. ↑ https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/blood-products-why-should-i-donate-blood
      9. ↑ https://businessdegrees.uab.edu/business-administration-degree-masters/benefits-of-supporting-small-business/
      1. ↑ https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/%24Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/csi13702/%24FILE/Community-events-and-festivals.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.nnw.org/
      3. ↑ https://apiavote.org/how-to-vote/why-vote/
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics-and-benefits
      5. ↑ https://water.ca.gov/water-basics/conservation-tips
      6. ↑ https://ecology.wa.gov/issues-and-local-projects/education-training/what-you-can-do/reducing-car-pollution
      7. ↑ https://www.habitat.org/about/mission-and-vision
      8. ↑ https://advocatesforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Youth-Activist-Toolkit.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/not-for-profit-organisations/gifts-and-fundraising/fundraising-events
      10. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits
      11. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits
      12. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits
      13. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits
      14. ↑ https://www.colorado.edu/today/2020/07/08/3-ways-help-your-community-right-now
      15. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits
      16. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To help your community, support your local economy by shopping at local businesses and buying food from local vendors as often as you're able to. You can also help out your community by volunteering with your local government or organizations that are tackling problems and addressing needs in your area. Also, make an effort to attend community events, like festivals and neighborhood meetings, to show your support. For more advice from our Expert co-author, like how to learn more about your community, read on!

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