How Can I Create Impact in Our Community?

The quick answer is a combination of personal initiative and collaboration with others. When I first began my journey to be intentionally involved within my community 3 years ago, I realized there was a simple blueprint I could follow. Most likely, you are already making an impact without realizing it. But if this has been on your mind and you don't know where to start, start here! ??

Ways to make your impact:

Volunteer

• Join local boards and committees
• Get involved with nonprofits that align with your personal missions
• Community service projects
• Mentoring

Participate in local events

Support local businesses

• Shop at local stores and markets

• Promote and share your favorite local businesses

Participate in local government?

• Attend city council meetings
• VOTE

Advocate for change

• TALK to people in your community about where you see gaps in resources or needs
• Bring issues to local decision makers

How have I brought this alive in my own community? You have to practice what you preach, right?

Volunteering

• I spent time on local boards and committees to varying degrees assisting in event planning, coordinating, marketing initiatives and being a person to person connector.
• I found myself steering towards non-profits I aligned with, knowing I could offer support by creating marketing materials, sharing their projects on my personal socials, attending their events, etc.
• From a non-profit I support holding neighborhood cleanup events to giving time to facilitate community events in any capacity needed.?
• Mentoring our rising youth through community run programs, knowing our future is in their hands as well as making an impact on their future.

Participate in local events

• Following local businesses and making an effort to attend events (even to try new activities you may love and meet new people!)?

Support local businesses

• Gift shopping at local businesses and celebrating at local restaurants. Patron and support those committed to building our local economy!

• Promoting and highlighting online where I am spending my time to share new places with connections and friends.

Participate in local government?

• I love to attend city council meetings when aligning with my schedule to understand why decisions are being made and being able to understand multiple perspectives to city issues. (Side note- Mansfield is a great place to have easy access to communicate and get to know local decision makers, where in other places may not be as accessible to community members)
• I’m registered to vote. Your vote in local elections does MATTER! You are the community. Just make sure you are staying properly educated on candidates and issues :)?

Advocate for change

• I ask people in local companies/non-profits where the current need is and what new developments are being made. Needs can change often and quickly. Being able to have the ability to be a connector for those organizations however they may need is rewarding!
• Getting to know city council members allows comfortable conversation on our impact to the community we call home.

Knowing that you are making a difference and being part of something bigger than yourself can be incredibly rewarding. Remember - you make a difference by your unique contributions. Everyone has individualized skills and talents that can be used for a common goal.