Being part of a healthy community is a great feeling, and it's one that inspires many people to do a little extra to keep the good spirit alive. If you're wondering how you can help make improvements in your community, have a look at the six ways below for some great ideas.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Whenever an issue concerning the community comes up and you want to help make a positive change, speak out and be heard. With more than 3,500 pieces of legislation introduced in each General Assembly which add up to about 40 bills per legislative day for members to review, there are many bills being rolled out, some of which can affect your community directly. If you come across such, work with the people in your community, signing petitions and speaking about it to garner attention and get what's best for the people in your town.
Volunteer Your Time
Every community in the U.S. has its share of activities that need to be done but don't have a salary attached. These include cleaning up the neighborhood, helping the aged get groceries and get to appointments they may have, and chaperoning school events. This avails a great opportunity to interact with other people in your community and bond over a worthy cause. The gratification and new friendships you will make while volunteering will be great compensation, and possibly the best you could get!
Use Social Media to Gauge Interest
Almost everyone is signed up on one social media platform or another, so find out the most popular platforms in your community and help leaders create accounts for them if they don't already. Use these platforms to follow the interests of people in your community and gauge their interest in different community activities. You could form pages and groups for everyone in your community to interact, making it a great opportunity to discuss what to do and more.
Be Specific With Improvements You'd Like to See
Before you get to work making improvements, take some time to specify the improvements you'd like to see. Write them down on a list somewhere, then talk with the people in your community to find out their thoughts on the same. These could be diverse, as there are many communities in America each with its own set of needs. For example, you may want to see accessibility improved throughout your local town. With 17 million escalators and elevators in operation in the world today, your community may be in need of an elevator or escalator repair or addition to busy buildings in your community to improve accessibility. Plan out the improvements so there's a good chance to see success.
Support Small Businesses
Small businesses make up a large part of many communities today, and as a citizen who wants to support their community, you can start by supporting small businesses. Forgo getting groceries in larger corporate stores and go instead to a local farmer's market. This will help you stay in touch with your community's needs and also improve your relationships with similar-minded individuals where you live.
Be an Advocate for Those Less Fortunate
Make it a point to stand up for the less privileged in your community, and you will make a big change for one or more people, possibly becoming the reason they smile. If it's within your abilities, help to clothe and shelter someone in need, or help someone get groceries or settle a recurrent bill for a while. To date, WHO has shipped almost half a million sets of personal protective equipment to a total of 47 countries. You can help distribute needed PPE to individuals in your community who want to protect themselves from COVID-19. Share with the less fortunate and you will make a positive difference in your community.
You don't have to make a massive sacrifice to help improve your community, as there are plenty of little things you can start with. In the end, it's best if everyone works together, so set the pace and you will be happy to see a following of like-minded individuals.