The COVID-19 outbreak has shown us communities need to work together to survive and thrive. Life never comes easy, but a global pandemic is a great reminder of the power of working together. While stories of success are inspirational, sometimes we need to be reminded of our ability to make a difference, no matter our financial status. This article will outline several ways you can give back to your community.
1. Create a scholarship fund
Are you passionate about education? Is there a certain subject or field you feel deserves more attention? You can use tax-free money to create a scholarship fund. The steps to creating a fund are straightforward.
You get to decide how much money you’ll award. Despite what you might think, you don’t need to be super-rich to start a scholarship. The biggest requirement is simply passion.
Next, you set the criteria. Do you want to see more women in STEM-related careers? You can make your scholarship strictly for females looking to pursue education in science, math, engineering, and technology.
What if you want to honor a loved one who has passed on? Or maybe you want to create a memorial fund for a historical figure who inspired you. You can name your scholarship after that person.
Once you have set your criteria, fill out the proper paperwork, start accepting applications, and award your winner. You’ll be creating a lasting legacy and giving back to your community that will help others pursue their educational and career goals.
2. Become a tutor in your community
Does the idea of being more hands-on appeal to you? You may decide to give back by joining the ranks of private tutors. If you have a passion for a certain subject, you can help others struggling with that same topic.
People learn in different ways. Some learn best by seeing the information – others learn best by hearing about a topic. Still, others are better suited to learn by getting their hands dirty and doing it. In a classroom setting, it’s often difficult for a teacher to hit all of the learning styles.
As a private tutor, you can help students having trouble. Pick the subject you are best at or the most qualified to teach. Are you particularly skilled at math? Students who need extra help will appreciate math tutoring benefits.
Modern digital technology has made tutoring even easier. You can join the ranks of online tutors and help students without ever leaving your home or office.
3. Visiting nursing homes
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need a lot of money or expertise in a given skill to make a difference. You can give back by donating your time. How you donate your time is up to you.
If you prefer spending time with people, you can visit folks at the local nursing homes. Do you have a particular skill? You can give a talk about your expertise. If you’ve led an interesting professional life, you can speak about your experiences. Residents of these facilities enjoy guest speakers and find them stimulating.
What about arts and crafts? You could conduct a class on origami or other fun projects. Such classes give the residents something to do. Your skill would interest them and allow you to donate time by doing something you love.
4. Picking up litter
You may not be a ‘people person.’ Maybe you don’t enjoy public speaking. You can still donate your time in other ways. Look around your community’s streets, sidewalks, and parks. There are old newspapers, candy wrappers, and other trash people have carelessly tossed out.
Consider helping your community by picking up litter. It may not be glamorous, but if you are a solitary person, it’s a comfortable way to give back. Put in your earbuds and enjoy your solitude.
5. Volunteering at your local SPCA
When people think about giving back to their community, they don’t always remember there is one segment of the population that cannot ask for help: the forgotten or abandoned pets in your local animal shelters.
If you love and appreciate animals, volunteer at your local SPCA or animal shelters. The staff at such facilities often have too much to do and would gladly welcome another set of helping hands.
6. Donate money
You don’t need to be rich to donate money. Every little bit helps. Do you have a local food bank in your community? A few extra dollars might not seem like much, but if enough people donate a small amount, it can make a world of difference.
Consider what your passions are. Which charities speak to you? Once you have some ideas, hop on Google and search for opportunities in your area. If you have more than one charity or group you feel strongly about, you can split your time between them.
7. Give blood
The Red Cross has been experiencing its worst blood shortage in over ten years. By visiting their website, you can find out where your nearest facility is located. They also now have an app that makes giving even easier.
Some of the ideas in this article involve boosting someone’s spirits, helping with education, or cleaning up your community. This way of giving back can save lives.
8. Get creative
One of the indicators of success is waking up and looking forward to whatever life brings you. If you are committed to giving back to your community, start exercising your gray matter!
What skills do you have that would benefit others? What hobbies do you enjoy? What kind of needs in your community do you have the power to fill? There is no one way to think up a great idea.
Consider keeping a PostIt note pad with you. Download a notes app on your smartphone. Or a voice memo program. Be prepared for when you think of something. Inspiration may strike at the most unexpected times. When an idea hits, jot it down so you don’t forget.
What to do next
If you are committed to giving back to your community, get started. It’s as simple as that. Taking action is what makes a difference. Use the ideas on this list to begin your journey to helping your community. You can think of your own ways to give back, ask others for guidance, or research more ways online. Don’t let indecision prevent you from making a difference.
