Thoughts & Randomness from an Insightful Chick
I’ve often been asked the question: “what can I do to give back to the community?” As a property manager, I spend a lot of time with my residents speaking about ways to improve the community to enrich their lives and the lives of their children and families. Many people seem to think that in order to give back, it must be in terms of money and that can’t be farther from the truth. It is true that money can go a long way because every organization needs money to run itself, but it is not limited to just funds. There are many things that you can do as a citizen to help improve the community and enrich the lives of others that will not only give your neighborhood a boost, but also will make you feel that you are doing something not just for your zip code or city, but for the world.
Here are just a few things you can do to give back:
Volunteer Your Time- Volunteering your time at a local non-profit agency is THE best way to give back. Non-profit agencies in your area serve the community for the common good, and they need individuals who are willing to help facilitate their programs and services. You could volunteer as much or as little as your time allows and it is a great way to build your contacts and network.
Give Blood- If you are healthy enough and meet the requirements for blood donation, I suggest you do this at least twice a year. Giving blood takes just a few minutes of your time and goes into your community to help those that need it. Contact your local American Red Cross for more information on blood donation in your area.
Be Active in the Community- Organize a Neighborhood Watch if your block or neighborhood doesn’t already have one or visit your library or register people to vote. The list is endless and it not only keeps you active, it will keep you in touch with the needs of your community.
Attend Council/City Planning Meetings- I hear folks complaining all the time about what is going on in their communities but they don’t want to roll their sleeves up and get in the trenches. Attending these important meetings will give you access to communicate with your local officials so that you can make sure they are doing their jobs. Don’t go by neighborhood gossip and innuendo. Attend these meetings yourself and learn firsthand what is really going on in your “world”.
Become a Mentor- Mentoring is a great way to give back to the community. By being in someone’s corner as they tackle with adversities and life’s challenges, you are giving the youth a better chance of being a productive citizen. Studies prove that children and teens that have mentors are less likely to be involved with drugs or illegal activity which will affect your community positively.
Be a Good Neighbor- Introduce yourself to new faces or people who have just moved into the community. Speak. Wave. Acknowledge. A small gesture goes a long way.
I am sure as you read this short list of things you can do to give back, there is at least ONE thing that you can do in your community. Change can only happen when we apply ourselves to correct the mistakes of the past. I challenge each and every one of you to pick something off of this list and JUST DO IT! If there is something on the list you feel should be added, please comment and suggest it, and I will be sure to add it.
It’s time for us to stop blaming others for our current situations and start doing something about it to change the climate. Roll up your sleeves, dig in, and give back to your community right now.
Thanks to @Dannigyrl (Twitter)
