How to Contribute to Your Community

Whether you live in a small town or a big city, the neighborhood community is the building block of modern life, recognized as a basic unit of measurement for city building and the starting point for programs that provide a significant positive benefit for people across the country. It is also a near-endless source of community and comradery for those who are willing to come together with those around them as citizens, neighbors, and friends. As such, it is important for all of us to do our part to contribute to our specific local communities, whether through first-hand participation or charitable donations. 

There are many ways to work towards the betterment of your community but consider the following 10 options for those of you looking to contribute a few hours toward a good cause. 

Organize or Contribute to a Charitable Event: For those who are a bit more ambitious, think of a cause that is important to you and organize a charity event or fundraiser on its behalf. This can cover a wide range of topics, from raising money for a local library or community center to gathering canned goods for a food bank. Team up with others to bring the event together, and if you don't have the resources to organize an event yourself, add to the success of someone else's event and serve as a volunteer.

Get Involved in a Community Clean-Up: Small things like picking up litter and gardening can go a long way towards making your local area a nicer place to live for everyone. There are already a number of community clean-up programs throughout the country, so check to see if there is one if your area. If not, consider organizing your own efforts through real-life contacts or social media. 

Support Local Businesses: Not every contribution to the community needs to be a grand gesture. Sometimes just changing your shopping habits can help! While big brands are familiar and convenient, shopping local means that you know your money is going back towards the community. Plus, local entrepreneurs add to a neighborhood’s unique flavor, so look into locally owned businesses in your area and give them a try. 

Donate Things to Local Charities: Occasionally the best way to contribute to the community isn’t through donating time or money. Instead, many charities can benefit from your parting with unwanted possessions. Food banks are always ready to take in canned goods and other non-perishables, and many other charities need clothes, school supplies, and other goods. Donating is a good way to clean out your home while helping someone else in the process. 

Set Up a Collection Jar: This is a great way to support your community with no real-time commitment. All you need to do is choose a charity that is important to you and place a collection jar in a high-traffic area inside of your workplace. If you are a business owner, you consider getting employees involved as well.  

Donate Blood: Local hospitals are never NOT in need of blood, and just one donation has the potential to save many lives. You cannot ask for a  better contribution to your community, and it is easy to make an appointment that matches up with your busy schedule. 

Join a Civic Organization: Virtually every community has at least a few civic organizations, from small book clubs and advice organizations to advocacy groups and volunteer charities. If there is a topic of interest to you, there is a good chance there will be a civic group that touches on it. Becoming a member of such an organization not only creates to make a difference in your community, but it also reflects well on you professionally. 

Sponsor or Partner with a Charity Group: If you are a business owner, consider sponsoring or partnering up a charity organization that works towards a cause that you are passionate about. This can be a great opportunity to become more familiar with the charitable organizations in your community, plus it’s a great way for your business to establish goodwill. 

Get Involved in Local Politics: Some people are relatively detached from their community’s local politics, but their elected leader’s decisions will have an effect on them and their neighbors.  Just writing letters to your elected officials is a good way to show that you are engaged, and people work harder knowing that people are paying attention and appreciate their good work. If you want to go the extra mile, consider contributing to a candidate’s campaign or serving as a poll worker. 

Become a Mentor: It is often said that children are our future, so it stands to reason that investing in young people in your community is investing in your community’s future. Do some research and you will likely find several mentoring programs that match highly skilled people across many disciplines to share their insights, experiences, and resources. This can range from volunteering as a reader at an elementary or middle school to providing hands-on assistance for an aspiring college student. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of a young person in your community. 

The End Goal: Whatever way you decide to contribute to your local community, do some research beforehand. That way you can get a sense of what types of events and fundraisers are already in place and what causes are especially pertinent. Above all else though, remember that sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference. Get to know the people in your neighborhood, perform random acts of kindness, and get a sense of what needs to be done in the area. In the end, your goal should be to just do your part to strengthen the bonds of your community, improve living conditions, and make sure that everyone feels valued. Let’s all care for our community!