How can I make a DIFFERENCE in my COMMUNITY??

Question

Where do I start? How do I get other people involved?

Answer 1

Communities usually want clean ups, park plantings and things like that. But me, I like to help people (errands appointments etc). it helps them and it makes me feel like I am doing something positive for the world.

Ask around about shelters, some need volunteers to help with odds and ends. Animal shelters always need help. Homeless families always need help. Open your phone book and see what kind of charities there are, animal shelters, farms (also always looking for volunteers) to pitch in, pet stores sometimes will allow you to come help for free. Volunteer to help with toys for tots (toysfortots.org) for little kids who are going through a hard time. Just call around and see who needs what. See what you like.

If by difference, you mean something bigger, like homelessness or poverty in your community (for poverty is at an all time high right now and communities are NOT following the ‘fair housing act’ [required to build housing for low to middle income families]), then pick a cause. Learn all that you can and the statisitcs. Then sit down, and write your reps about change. Fax or write them, all of your state reps are right here, listed; http://www.firstgov.gov/

Go to college; learn all the facts and get a degree. And when your done, do social work, or become part of a positive change.

What ever you choose (environment, people or animals) just put your heart into it and friends may decide to follow. For you are setting the example for your peers and making things happen.

Just my opinion,
Mother of 4 and advocate to many

Answer 2

First you have to make plans. You have to gather people up from your local neighborhood. Start going around and socializing. If you go to a church, ask the people to get involved. Make a group and expand it. Then you can start with doing little community projects. You can do service, help people walk across the street. Start a homeless pet shelter. Anything that floats your boat.

Answer 3

Aren't you getting a little bit ahead of yourself with that, "How can I get other people involved?" The first sentence sounded like you wanted to make some kind of positive social change, then it sounded like you wanted to enhance your personal social life and maybe even boss people around, like you are some kind of leader of the people.
What is it kid, what do you really want? Why make any difference? What's wrong with the way things are right now? What do you think should be different?
Do you want a different social order? Like free education for everyone wanting to increase their personal capabilities which will cultivate the most important national resource? Do you think that maybe health care should be universally available in the US like it is in every other civilized nation. Or do you believe that everyone should have equal opportunity to develop their talents. Push those ideas and the rulers, the oligarchy will call you a communist.
How about making the world more peaceful? Want to try that one? You may get killed.
Or maybe you want cleaner sidewalks. Then start by picking up your trash.
Good luck with your making a difference. Try not to get killed.

Answer 4

You've already started by caring. But don't worry about getting other people involved right now until you know what's out there. You could volunteer at a day care center or after school program, volunteer fire company, hospital, nursing home. First and foremost, be responsible about taking care of your property, don't litter, recycle, help your neighbors in any way you can, look in on elderly neighbors. Just keep your eyes and ears open and do the right thing. God bless.

Answer 5

What are you good at ? where do you live ? what is there a need for ?

I live on Long Island, I know about boats, and the water (local Knowledge), so I joined the U.S Coast Guard (Aux.), I'm just an extra set of eyes, with a radio, for the USCG, it's lots of fun, no age requirements, or physical, (crew member) just a bunch of people who love the water, boats, and helping out. If you love boats, don't want to take care of one but, love being out on the water, this is the perfect way to accomplish that... ton's of fun, and you will run across a distress situation for sure, don't worry, you'll have training to fall back on, and teamwork to depend on. It's fun, I'm on a really great crew !

Answer 6

Go to your local library and put up a sign up sheet for people who are interested in helping people learn to sharpen their reading and writing skills, computer skills, public speaking skills, etc. (whatever else you can think of)
Then make a sign up list for people who want to learn these things. People on both sheets should include a contact method such as email or phone number and name so that people from the other list can find them.
Start discussion groups for gardeners, environmental issues, parenting, and other topics in the same way. Librarys bring people together. Love your library--love your community.

Answer 7

Start with the little steps: paint over graffiti, pick up garbage in the park, plant trees in a barren street divide, etc.

The way to get people involved is to not give up... invite one or two friends to start with you and eventually when people see you out there once a week or once every two weeks and you're consistent (always the same day at the same time) then people will gravitate toward you.

I admire your desire.

Answer 8

By giving your time in service to all aspect of your community life. You have already started by asking this question. You need to carefully evaluate, examine different ideas and answers that you recieved and try to put the good ones into action. Wishing you the best.

Answer 9

There are many different ways. You could volunteer your time by helping out at a shelter or by doing other things. You can start with your local United Way. They can link you to many different organizations. You can visit the United Way online at www.unitedway.org.

Answer 10

Um, start watching kids at the playground. You'll get a rep as the freaky guy who spies on children and all the parents will keep their kids locked in the house - thus making a difference.