It’s so important to give back to our local communities. Not only does it make an impact on matters such as social change, homelessness, and sustainable business, but it also makes you a better neighbor! Plus, joining a community and taking an active place within it can be SUPER fulfilling. It’s one thing to casually give to an organization. It’s another thing to see your direct community benefit from giving back. We know you’re about it! There’s a reason we feel happy whenever we give back. Humans are pretty much hard-wired for generosity!
That’s right. Our body responds to acts of generosity the same way it reacts to a delicious plate of our favorite food. Our brain rewards us for being selfless! And as if you needed another reason to give back. Did I mention that providing social support to others is related to delayed mortality? Amazing, right? And generosity comes in many different forms. That’s why there are so many options for you to give back and create a positive impact! We love them all. So today we’re sharing them with you. Today’s post is all about how to give back to your local community. Keep reading to find out how you can help to make a change!
How To Give Back To The Community
Spread the word of positive local news on your social media platforms.
Social media can easily be a dark place if we let it. In the middle of all the craziness of the world, it can be hard to find true good news while scrolling through your feed. But you can change that! You can find your voice through activism or just by sharing happy news. And, yes, there’s room for both. Did a local kid get a national award? Share it with your story and say congrats! Is there a rally in support of the LGBTQ+ community? Attend and post all about it! There are so many important and positive things to talk about on social media. Be a game-changer!
Donate your time with a volunteer day.
If you have free time, there are many volunteer opportunities you can take part in to give back to others. You can donate your time and skills to the local community differently! You can help build houses with Habitat For Humanity, join a community garden, volunteer at your local soup kitchen, or even help organize a community clean-up of your neighborhood. No matter what you do, you’ll 100% find something that sparks your passion. Many community members donate their time on a weekly basis. But it’s perfectly fine if your schedule is too packed for volunteering your time every weekend! You can do it once every other Sunday or once a month, too. The important thing is that you show up for your community!
Shop from your local businesses.
This one is so simple yet not many people do it! It’s as easy as buying your morning latte from the local independent coffee shop instead of Starbucks. And then mimic that shopping behavior with another local business, like a bookstore or restaurant. Support local, small businesses, never major chains! Supporting your neighborly business owners shows respect for their entrepreneurial spirits. And if you also have your own business, chances are they will support yours as well! By the way, if you want to learn how to launch a business around a social mission, head over to THIS episode of WorkParty!
Make a monetary donation to a worthy cause.
Donating money is a quick and effective way to help. There are many causes you can choose from for a monetary donation. Here you have the option to donate to a local organization or a worldwide/national non-profit, like the American Red Cross. The choice is yours! However, we recommend always prioritizing your local organizations if you truly want to give back to your particular community. A small donation goes a long way! Listen to more inspiring stories on activism and creating an impact on THIS episode of The Dissenters.
Donate to your local food bank.
Let’s be honest. How many times have you had leftover food go to waste? It’s a regular occurrence I’m sure. Still, it’s a shame to see quality nourishment sources go bad or forgotten. Some so many people could make the most out of that extra food! 1 in 7 people in the US utilize food banks available all over the country. This shows just how far a food donation can go. So if you have an excess of fresh food, head over to your local food pantry or homeless shelter to feed someone in need.
Volunteer at a local animal shelter.
Animal shelters play a vital role in providing care and finding forever homes for animals that have been abandoned or mistreated. By spending your time at a local animal shelter, you’re giving these adorable creatures a chance to experience love and kindness once again. And trust me, the love and gratitude you’ll receive in return will make your heart melt faster than a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day.
Help at or host a fundraising event.
Fundraisers are so much fun! Not only do you get to show up for a great cause, but the planning process of these events is enjoyable as well. Especially if you do it alongside fellow community members! You can either help to plan a fundraising event or offer to host it yourself. I’ll keep it real, being the host can be exhausting. Though extremely rewarding! No matter which option you pick, helping to put together a fundraising event is always a fantastic way to give back. Plus, we have just the episode to inspire you to take action! Tune in to The Papaya Podcast for a deep dive into community and local charity with the founder of Mamas For Mamas.
Be there for your neighbors.
Being a friendly neighbor might strike as a little old-fashioned to some who prefer a more peaceful social calendar. But there are many ways to be there for your neighbors other than social events! Any act of kindness, as random as it can seem, will make you a better member of the community. From helping the family next door unload their groceries to gifting them with a smile when you cross paths on your daily walk, no detail goes unnoticed. So be more attentive to your neighbors and be there for them!
Donate blood.
This might seem scary for some, Is anyone afraid of needles? However, donating blood is an act of true generosity. No one enjoys being poked with a needle for a few minutes. Still, it can save someone’s life! Safe blood is needed by a lot of people with different medical conditions. For example, pregnant women with childbirth complications, kids with anemia, accident victims, or cancer and surgery patients. This goes on and on. That’s a lot of people you can help with just a fraction of your healthy blood!
Simply stop and offer a helping hand.
Don’t be afraid to stop, have a conversation, and offer a helping hand to someone you perceive may be in need of help. A little goes a long way. If you have a job and see someone looking for work on the streets, stop and talk to them. Maybe offer them the job. If you see a homeless person asking for food, buy them lunch. Even a friendly conversation filled with love and kindness can go a long way for someone in your community who is struggling.
What are your favorite ways to give back to the community?
Now you’re ready to be an active and collaborative member of your local community! As you can see, lending a helping hand is easier than you might think. There are endless ways to give back to your community and leave a trail of positive impacts where you live. Even the smallest of deeds can make a huge difference! Oh, and if you want to help your community through a more political statement, listen to THIS episode of Friend of a Friend to learn how to get involved with politics. Are you interested in giving back to the community? How have you been doing so until now? Let us know in the comments!