How To Get Involved In Your Community
Volunteering can be very rewarding. The experience of feeling like you’re part of the community and giving back is something to cherish. If you find yourself wanting to feel more involved and but are unsure of how to get started begin by figuring out what skills you possess that could contribute and finding out what organizations in your community need help with.
The first thing you can do is begin looking in the newspaper or visiting the city’s website to see any announcements for upcoming events. There are a plethora of events in any city, at any given time meant to bring communities together. When you see a flyer for an art festival, go check it out! If there’s going to be a walk for a local charity, attend! It’s a great way to meet other people in your community and give time to causes that you believe in.
One of the best ways to get involved is by volunteering. There are never-ending ways to spend your time to helping others. Retirement communities are always looking for people to come visit and organize activities for the ederly. Local dog shelters are usually in need of volunteers to help walk dogs and clean enclosures. Find something that you think you’ll enjoy and call to get more information. One of the best side effects of helping others is that while making others feel good, you’ll feel good about yourself as well!
Perhaps, you’ve just moved to a new place and are looking for a way to meet people and make friends. Joining a club or signing up for a class are a great way to build relationships. Is there something you enjoy doing or a skill you’ve been meaning to learn? By taking a class you can easily meet like-minded people you already have things in common with. Maybe you’ve never taken a dance class and would like to try, or you’ve always wanted to learn how to sew. Go online and look up classes in your city, you’ll probably be surprised at how many opportunities exist in your community. Aside from gaining new skills and friendships, you’ll also be putting that registration money back into your community!
Lastly, donation is a great way to open the door to becoming an involved citizen. If you don’t have time to volunteer your time to organizations, donate! Local shelters are always accepting items such as used clothes, household items, and books. When cleaning out your pantry put a few things aside to take to a local food bank. Animal shelters are thrilled to receive donations of food, bedding, or cleaning supplies. There’s nothing wrong with giving your money to your local nonprofits as well.
The benefits of getting involved are plenty. You’ll acquire skills you didn’t have before, all while meeting other members of your community. It is so rewarding to feel that you’re making a difference and are a part of something.
To find something in your area, visit nationalservice.gov to get started!
