The strength of a community comes down to the engagement and dedication of its residents. No matter your age, gender, or status, you have the potential to make a positive impact on a local level.
Whether you’ve just moved in or are a long-time resident of your current town, it’s important to invest in your community. That doesn’t necessarily mean donating large sums to local organizations — although it’s likely no one will reject your generosity! Beyond philanthropic giving, here are five ways you can make a difference in your area.
1. Serve on a Municipal Commission, Committee, or Board
There’s a lot involved in running a city or town, and these responsibilities don’t take care of themselves. By serving on a municipal commission, committee, or board, you’ll do important work on behalf of your fellow citizens. Whether you serve on the building codes commission or the park board, you’ll gain knowledge and experience while improving your community.
If the thought of running for elected office is too daunting, rest assured that many commissions, committees, and boards include appointed roles. You simply apply to the entity in question, stating your interest and relevant experience, and see whether you make the cut. Since many of these positions are begging for volunteers, chances are you will be.
While some commission posts may require specific qualifications — boards of health typically seek doctors and nurses, for example — others do not. You don’t have to be a nursing home abuse lawyer to serve on your city’s senior citizens wellness task force. You just need an earnest desire to make elders’ lives better and a willingness to offer your time.
2. Help Your Local Schools
Public schools play a huge role in almost every community. However, they are often forced to contend with limited financial and staffing resources. To help local schools and students thrive, offer your time as a tutor, assemble “buddy packs,” or volunteer on career day.
If you have a child in school, join the parent-teacher organization. You may also have the option of volunteering as a “room parent” in your child’s classroom. When your child’s school is planning a big event, offer to help. From managing an entrance fee cash box to overseeing a specific activity, your school will find something for you to do.
Finally, you can help your local schools by donating supplies as needed. Ask teachers if they need extra pencils, notepads, or other supplies for their classroom. Many schools also accept clothing donations for children whose families may not be able to afford the necessities.
3. Vote in Local Elections
Most people recognize the importance of voting in a presidential election. Unfortunately, those same people may think it’s less important to cast their vote on local matters. Voter turnout for local elections is often abysmal, with an estimated one in five voters showing up at the polls.
That’s a sad irony, as you have more power to effect change on a local level than a national one. In fact, given the small turnout in most local elections, it’s possible for your one vote to sway the outcome.
Since locally elected officials have the power to determine so many important aspects of your daily life, it’s important to make your voice heard. By voting in community elections, you’ll have a say in everything from school funding to water cleanliness. Voting in local elections is one of the most effective ways to make a difference in your community.
4. Volunteer Your Talent, Time, or Money
The idiom “Many hands make light work” conveys how much easier it is to complete a task when many people participate. As noted, it takes a lot of time and effort to run and maintain a city. You can help by volunteering your talent, time, or money to local causes and projects.
Most communities have plenty of organizations looking for willing volunteers. Check with your city offices, local food banks, or Habitat for Humanity. Local houses of worship can also point you to places where you can put your volunteer energies to good use. Whether feeding the hungry at a soup kitchen or staffing a winter homeless shelter, you’ll be improving lives in your community.
Many cities also have local chapters of service organizations like the Kiwanis Club, Lions, and Rotary. Each of these organizations has its own distinct emphasis, but they all enable volunteers to make a positive difference in their communities. They also offer the opportunity to make friends while engaging in charity drives and other worthy efforts.
5. Support Local Shops and Events
It’s easier than ever to purchase practically anything you could ever want online. As more people hop on the internet to get the things they need, local shops suffer. Unless you want to see major business chains defeat all the little guys, it’s important to shop local. Let businesspeople in your area know how much you appreciate the products and services they provide by giving them your dollars.
You can also positively impact your area by attending community events. From parades to spaghetti supper fundraisers, most communities have a decent annual lineup of activities. Support those who work hard to pull these events together by showing up and participating as much as possible.
If you always seem to miss out on local happenings, find and join community social media pages. Many cities are much better about communicating online than through old-fashioned methods such as fliers or newspaper articles. Sometimes showing up IRL requires some digital legwork beforehand!
Think Globally, Act Locally
No matter what your status in life may be, every citizen can make a difference on a local level. To make sure your impact is a positive one, consider becoming an asset to your community in one — or more — of these five important ways.
