13 Ways Anyone Can Make A Difference
Something as small as a phone call can go a long way!
There are a LOT of questions we've been asking ourselves this year. Namely, how did we get here?! And many of us have been left thinking, Sooo, what's next?
With so much uncertainty, it's hard to keep track of what day, week, or month it is. And it's puzzling to know where to go from here.
But if you're trying to take small, positive steps as the world opens back up, we've got a few ways you can help to make a big difference within your community and beyond:
1. Let your voice be heard.
If you're 18 years or older and an eligible US voter, make sure you're registered to vote — and then go out and do it! With so many important issues at stake this year — racial justice, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, healthcare, climate change, student loan debt, and income inequality, just to name a few — now, more than ever, voting is one of the most effective ways to enact change.
2. Become a community organizer.
In light of recent events, members of local communities are rallying together to make a change for those around them. So even if you're not venturing outside, you can still participate in your community by engaging with, or setting up, a social media page, for instance. Do your research, talk to others around you, and think about advertising events that let community members know what is being done locally. A community social media page can bring people together and make them feel closer and more responsive to each other, especially in times of isolation.
3. Consider getting involved in a network for mutual aid.
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This type of work can take many forms. At the forefront, volunteers are connecting neighbors to provide specific items, like groceries, household supplies, over-the-counter medication, and other essential goods. Mutual aid organizations encourage people to both give when they can and feel supported to ask for help when they need it. You can help by donating or volunteering to deliver essential goods.
4. Build or join a community garden.
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Offering socially distanced outdoor time, community gardens are one way you can responsibly leave your house to make a difference. If you're new to the green thumb world, there are many ways you can get involved: You can learn about farming and harvesting, and delivering food to pantries in underserved areas. Some organizations even provide teacher training programs for those who want to organize community gardens at their schools.
5. Tap into some virtual volunteer opportunities.
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Staying indoors more your style? We respect that. Luckily volunteer organizations are pivoting how participants engage with those in need, and since the beginning of the pandemic, there are now a myriad of options available. From making a call to help the elderly overcome loneliness to mentoring students who are lacking a positive role model in their lives, do some research to see all the ways you can help from home.
6. Continue to support Black-owned businesses.
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We're here to enact a movement, not just a moment. Black-owned businesses still need your help, especially since many have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. From beauty products to bookstores to coffee beans, there are so many amazing businesses out there that sell goods to meet your every need, so do your research and find brands to directly and sustainably support. Like those in this list here!
7. Take part in a park cleanup.
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With many spending more time in green spaces rather than in bars and living rooms, there has been a surge in the amount of litter that cities are seeing in their pubic parks. So if you're someone who is using these spaces as respite, consider picking up after yourself or better yet, team up with a local org to help maintain the beauty of your community.
8. Support local eateries while feeding frontline workers.
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During this unprecedented time, essential workers have been saving lives around the clock, and deliveries of prepared food have become a core support measure for them. Since the pandemic has greatly affected the hospitality world, this organization helps restaurants prepare meals for healthcare workers using money given to them from community donations. This brings in business and allows kitchens to remain open, while also providing workers on the frontlines the fuel they need to do their job.
9. Sign up to become a bone marrow donor.
For many, this can seem like a daunting task. But global donor centers allow you to register online from the comfort of your own home. They send a swab kit to your house, you mail it back, and just like that you could be a match to save someone's life.
10. Donate your quarantine cut.
If your hair length is starting to reflect the number of months you've been inside, it might be time for a chop. So if you're ready to make the cut, and the amount you snip off happens to be at least 12 inches, you should consider donating it to a nonprofit to help those in need.
11. Clean out your closet.
With so many months being stuck inside, we're sure you've had some extra time on your hands to do a purge on your closet. And if not, now's the time! As most clothing donation stores are slowly opening up with restrictions, you can find organizations that will pick up your unwanted items from your house and deliver them to families in need. Depending on your area, some charitable clothing drives are offering convenient, contactless curbside pickups!
12. Clean off your bookshelves.
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If you've got books piling up collecting dust, there are many out there who could use them. The lack of accessibility to libraries and online educational resources have become particularly prevalent in recent months, so consider donating your books and/or time to local organizations that are making literature accessible to all.
13. And show up for the causes you care about.
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Exercise your civic responsibilities by supporting causes that are close to your heart, and get educated on the ones that might not be. There are so many worthy grassroots organizations out there that need help and attention. So if you have the means, do the research, read up, watch films, and consider setting up recurring monthly donations (even small amounts) to support communities all year round!