Individuals can give back to their communities in various ways. Some may sign up to work with a local fire company, while others may help to organize community-wide events that inspire people to get out, meet their neighbors and take pride in their towns and cities. Indeed, the opportunities to make a difference in one’s community abound, especially for those willing to consider unique ways to volunteer.
• Share your expertise. Established professionals with ample experience in a given arena can be particularly helpful with community initiatives. For example, experienced project managers can volunteer with local government offices and help to plan town-wide celebrations that bring locals and local retailers together. Experienced accounting professionals may volunteer with local senior centers to offer complementary or low-cost tax services to aging community members living on fixed incomes.
• Help to raise funds. Fundraising may not be the first activity individuals associate with volunteering, but charitable organizations must be able to continuously raise financial support to meet their missions. Individuals can help to organize fundraising events like black-tie dinners with silent auctions that are both fun and fruitful for local charitable organizations.
• Get behind the wheel. Various organizations, including local houses of worship and senior centers, help aging men and women get around town. Volunteer drivers make such efforts possible, so individuals who want to give back can offer to drive aging and/or immobile community members to religious services, weekly events like bingo night, or even offer to drive incapacitated neighbors to and from their doctor’s appointments.
• Start a program for local youth. Adults with a passion for a particular hobby can share that love with local youths by volunteering to start a program or club that teaches young people the basics of a particular activity. For example, adults with a love of sailing can work with local township officials and develop a sailing instruction program for community youths. If reading is a passion, start a book club for teenagers that encourages them to discover their own favorite literary genre. Volunteering presents a wonderful way to give back to one’s community. There’s no shortage of ways to offer your time and services in an effort to make your community an even better place to call home.
