9 Neat Ways You Can Make A Difference In Your Local Community
These days, many people lament the lack of community in the places in which we live. However, community is something that every individual can help to create as well as be a part of. In fact, each person can make a significant positive difference in their community. Read on to find out just some of the ways they can do this.
Donate to a thrift store
It may seem like a pretty simple thing. However, actually donating old items that you no longer use to a charity shop is an excellent way to help out your community. This is because it provides things at a reasonable price for those in need, while simultaneously raising money for a good cause.
Of course, there are a few things to remember when donating old possessions to charity. The first is that they need to be in decent condition. While the second is that they need to be clean. In particular, if you have clothing or textile to donate, be sure to run them through the wash first.
Join a neighborhood watch scheme
The next way that you can help make your community a better place is to get involved in, or even start up a neighborhood watch scheme. This is when a group of neighbors agrees that they will look out for each other’s families and property. The idea is that if a neighbor spots something suspicious going on, they will report it to the police.
The benefits of such a scheme are that they make people feel much safer, and also can help minimize any criminal activity locally.
In fact, neighborhood watch schemes can do a great deal of good in the community. This is because they can help keep residents safer and create a better environment for families to bring up their children.
Donate to a food bank
Food is an essential item that everyone needs to live. Unfortunately, in many American neighborhoods, many people do not have enough income to cover groceries and all the other essentials they need to survive.
In fact, it’s not always obvious who, in particular, may be struggling to feed their household in a community. The reason being that many people feel very embarrassed about not being able to provide for their families. Something that leads them to keep it a secret.
The good news is that you can provide help to people in need by donating groceries to a food bank. In fact, some people choose to regularly add in a few items to their grocery shopping each week and then donate these. Something that actually costs very little, but if enough people do, it can make a massive difference to the people living in their community.
Get involved in local government
One of the most effective ways to make a positive difference in your community is to get involved with municipal government. This can be by running for office or getting a job in government administration. You may even wish to attend public forums and offer your opinions on what is happening locally.
Also, the more involved in local government you are, the better the chances of effective change from the inside, such as making the processes more effective.
In fact, some local governments are working on their efficacy by using initiatives like this municipal software system. Something that makes it easier for them to interact and respond to citizens and so can foster a much better level of community involvement.
Organize a litter pick
Litter is an issue that many communities are faced with. One that can make it seem as if an area is run down and unloved. Fortunately, there are some things that individuals can do about this. The first is to not drop litter in the first place. While the second is to litter pick whenever you get the chance.
Of course, you can take things to the next level as well as organize a community bonding experience such as a litter pick. In fact, by getting a group of people together to take part, you will be fostering connections in the local area, and setting an excellent example. Something that means residents are much less likely to litter in the first place and should make a positive difference to the local area in which you live.
Start a community garden
If you count yourself among the green-fingered, then starting up a community garden might be just the project you are looking for. In fact, there are many advantages to running this sort of garden. Not least that it can help beautify your community is a very tactile way. Additionally, these types of initiatives can help foster a greater sense of responsibility and community pride.
To that end, if you are looking to start up a garden project, the first thing you will need to do is track down some appropriate plot of land. Don’t panic if you don’t have many green spaces or allotments, though. After all, you can make a difference and grow flowers and vegetables in small areas and containers as well.
Talking of vegetables, don’t forget to throw in a few edible crops when starting up a community garden. Then you can help to provide healthy nutrition for those that live in your area, as well as just make a difference to the aesthetics appeal of the local community.
Run a community social media page
Now, not everyone loves to be outside, getting their hands dirty. In fact, for some of us, our talents lie in another direction, such as technological pursuits. Have no fear, though, as if you are a technical and IT wizard, there is most definitely some wonderful project you can get involved in. Projects that will not just help your community about being the people within it closer together as well.
The first of these is to use your spare time to set up and run a community social media page. Something that can be used to advertise events and let community members know what is being done locally. A community social media page can also bring people together and make them feel closer and more responsive to each other.
In fact, you will often find a myriad of uses for such a page. From gathering information and opinions on initiatives from citizens to providing a place for locals to freecycle and sell goods.
Another way to use your technological skill for the good of your community’s to get involved in a program that teaches IT, literacy classes. In fact, there is a vast range of people that can benefit from these. Such as senior citizens, children, and those returning to work after a break. Something that makes this community-based activity well worth your time.
Run a free transport service
Being able to get from one place to another is easy enough for those who have a vehicle and can drive. However, not everyone in your community will likely have access to this privilege.
What that means is there is often a genuine need for free transport provision in your local area. That means you could find yourself taking older residents to their doctors or hospital appointments, or the unemployed to job interviews. You may even end up helping families access stores they usually cannot reach by walking.
However, before you start up a service of this type, it is best to get some advice from your local government. In fact, there may be particular regulations that you need to abide by, as well as additional insurances you will need to take out in case of an accident.
Fundraising
Fundraising can simultaneously be one of the most fun things to do and one of the best ways to make a positive difference in your community. After all, if you run an event, members of the local community will be involved. While the funds you make can also be put to good causes in your area.
Of course, the real key to success with any fundraiser is picking an appropriate activity to get everyone’s attention. Luckily, there are many that you can choose from, such as gala events and fun days.