12 Small Ways to Give Back to Your Community
“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference” -Kathy Calvin.
Giving back to the community you live in has always been seen as an act of altruism.
It is said that you give without expecting anything in return. While some may regard this as a one-way street in helping, the truth is we also benefit so much from the community we live in. After all, the neighborhood we dwell in helps us cultivate a sense of belonging and foster cordial friendships with our neighbors. As a result, most of us feel a strong sense of giving back.
The art of giving back is known as philanthropy. Since time immemorial, generosity has been around and has become a part of our everyday life and society. In a sense, it encourages a sense of community while helping people stay grounded. When you give back to the community, any action, whether big or small, can already make a significant impact and a real difference. Whether you are volunteering your time serving at the community pantry or donating money to someone in need, you are already effecting a positive change in your neighborhood. If your act of kindness and generosity continues and inspires others, you can make where you live a happier and more loving place.
Whether you just moved into a brand new house and lot for sale in Cavite or if you had been a longtime resident elsewhere, here are just some of the ways you can give back:
1.) Find the right cause for you
If you have a burgeoning feeling to give back to your community but are unsure where to start or where to devote your time, research first. Know which causes matter to you and understand what you are passionate about. You can find this easily by spending time on social media pages online or taking a look at your community or neighborhood board and seeing who needs help and what causes you can support. In this time and age, everyone can use a little help. However, it is up to you to know which causes matter the most so that you can better decide where to spend your time and resources.
2.) Help a neighbor out
When it comes to giving back, you do not have to go big immediately. You can always start small and work your way up. One of the initial things you can do if you wish to give back to your community is to take a look at your surroundings and identify whether a neighbor is in need of help. Whether it is helping them take care of their kids while they are busy or helping them with the groceries, there are unlimited ways you can help your neighbor out.
Even just sharing some of your hoke-cooked meals would already go a long way, especially if they are struggling. Rest assured, any gesture you make would be welcome and deeply appreciated.
3.) Organize a Fundraiser
When you want to help or give back, it can be a tad bit disappointing if you do not have enough funds to support a cause or charity you care about. However, this should not stop you as there are other ways you can help, such as organizing a fundraiser. You may not have the resources to fund your cause or help out the charity of your choice, but you can rally your neighbors together, come as one and raise funds.
Fundraisers are also excellent opportunities for neighbors to meet up, get to know each other, and bond. As a result, there will be an even stronger sense of community. Keep in mind that organizing a fundraiser may take a lot of effort and time. But simple ones such as a neighborhood yard sale, community bakeoff, or charity car wash are more manageable. At the end of the day, what matters most is to get everyone together to unite for a common cause.
4.) Donate stuff you no longer need
As time goes by, you will inevitably accumulate household items that you may no longer need. Among these things are clothes, shoes, blankets, furniture, books, and even appliances that, while old, are still usable. If these are things you are no longer using anymore, there is a likely chance that they are just taking up space in your homes. That said, it will be a good idea to donate them to your local charity. Alternatively, you can donate these to victims of recent tragedies such as typhoons, fires, earthquakes, and the like.
If there are no local charities near you, you can always give it to your neighbor who might need it or anyone you know who can make use of those items.
5.) Support Local Farmers
While buying produce from grocery stores and supermarkets may seem convenient, you can always opt to buy from the local farmers in your community. Sure, you cannot do all of your shopping in this one place, but buying even just a little bit of fresh produce from them will already do wonders in supporting their business.
6.) Spread Good News
Good news is hard to come by nowadays. When you tune in to the radio or watch TV, most of us feel this depressing pall over us with the recent news of global warming and current world events. As good news is so rare, these are things you ought to share more of. With that in mind, it would bode you and your community well if you start spreading good news instead of malicious gossip and rumors about someone. Not only will you cultivate better friendships with your neighbors. You will make their day brighter too!
7.) Recycle
In most households, recycling and segregating trash are optional. There are neighborhoods, however, that have made this a mandate and compulsory in every household. If your community does not have ordinances and laws about how to recycle your trash just yet, you might want to take the initiative of doing it yourself.
Inspire your neighbors to do it, and organize an information campaign around your community about the benefits of recycling and segregating your trash.
8.) Support Local Businesses
Today, it is no question that many small businesses are struggling, considering the state of the economy. That said, getting support from the local community would already go a long way in keeping local businesses open.
Instead of getting everything from super malls and big establishments, shop at the farmer’s market. Patronize your local coffee shop and get lunch with friends at a nearby neighborhood restaurant. You will never know, but in doing so, you might just find a new favorite.9.) Join a community garden
If you are particularly fond of gardening, put your green thumb to good use by taking up a plot in your community garden. Not only is this an excellent way to teach your neighbors a new skill, but it can also be seen as an opportunity to grow fresh produce that the community can benefit from.
Should you have the time, you can volunteer to help maintain unclaimed common areas or set up a group of fellow gardeners in your neighborhood to create a community garden for others to enjoy.
10.) Organize a community clean-up
Apart from bringing neighbors and the community together, community clean-up drives to ensure that your neighborhood remains livable, healthy, and clean. It also teaches young children the value of having a clean environment.
That said, gather your neighbors at the local park and organize a community clean-up to collect litter and pull weeds. You can even go the extra mile by painting benches and repotting plants to make the area warmer and more welcoming.
11.) Schedule a Volunteer Day with your colleagues
Businesses nowadays have a keen sense of corporate responsibility. As a result, many businesses have a corporate affiliation with a nonprofit or simply allow their employees to take a personal day dedicated to volunteering in their local community. Show your commitment to the cause and helping your community by scheduling an annual, quarterly, or monthly volunteer day for your office.
Apart from boosting office morale, it is also an excellent way to give back to the community that supports your business well.
12.) Share your skills with others
Plenty of community organizations are in need of your help with several tasks that are either large or small. If you have a particular or unique skill set, your community may benefit from it. Volunteers are essential in keeping programs running and affordable for the community as a whole. If you are unsure where your skills are helpful, ask around. If you are still confused, you can begin by picking up a paintbrush so that you can help repaint neighborhood walls or benches. Alternatively, you may volunteer your time in building your community’s theater if there is an upcoming theater program and the like. Your options for helping are limitless if you just know where to look.