11 Ways You Can Have A Positive Impact On Your Community

From the smallest acts of kindness to generous endeavors, anyone can make a difference in their community. See who else inspires us and how we’re saying thanks with #TDThanksYou.

1. Be the glue that holds your group together.

Life is busy, people are busy, and it's easy to drift from your little community. Be the one who sends fun messages and memes in the group chat or establish IRL meetups to get some face time with the people who matter most to you. Your efforts could go a long way!

2. Donate your time and skills to worthy causes.

Got an artistic eye? Team up with a local organization looking to rebrand. Crunching numbers more your style? Volunteer to teach a personal finance seminar at your community center. Have a knack for building? Participate in a neighborhood build. Your transferrable skills can transfer right into a positive impact on your community.

3. Say "hello" to someone.

While we don't know what every person we meet in a day is going through, sometimes a simple act of reaching out with a "hello" to strike up a short conversation at the checkout or dropping in on a coworker is just the thing to uplift someone's spirits. The kindness of one word can go a mile.

4. Find a trash can for that bit of litter blowing down the street.

Don't let that trash in the gutter keep blowing or rolling out of sight and mind (and bonus points if it's recyclable and you can find a bin for it). Whether it's in your community or beyond, everyone can do their part to keep the Earth cleaner, healthier, and happier. 

5. Join a hobby meetup group.

Maybe you've found enjoyment in a solitary activity like gardening or gaming but now it could be time to expand your world. Look for local groups to join (or start one yourself) to meet new people with the same passions and collaborate on exciting new opportunities and build community rapport. 

6. Leave a positive review for a local business.

Build up the essential businesses in your community and write five-star reviews for all your favorites. A few words and kind praise are all it takes to have a huge impact. That sort recognition will warm the hearts of business owners and continue to bolster the success of their establishments.

7. Pay it forward when you can.

Leaving your change in the vending machine, paying for the coffee of the person behind you, taking your elderly neighbor's heavy trash can to the curb? Any little bit of love on the part of an individual put out into the universe helps build a stronger and more connected community.

8. Lead a neighborhood initiative.

An afternoon cleaning up the streets? Or something as simple as throwing a gathering for the people whom you call your community? If you've got the skill and organization savvy to make any goal you set your sights on a reality, there's nothing stopping you.

9. Coach a youth sports team.

Be the Most Valuable Coach you wish to see in the world. Coaching is the perfect way to get a little active and see your hard work pay off over the course of the sports season. Lead by example with all the young, eager minds ready to hit the field.

10. Don't be a bystander.

In order to actively bring positivity to your community, you can't be passive. Stand up for the causes you believe in, step in if you see someone in need of help, and take action when you can. One little moment can spark a lifetime of change.

11. Participate in a mentorship program.

Whether they're young or old, everyone could use some one-on-one time. Seek out mentorship programs to mold young minds or see how you can bridge connections with peers in your community. You have skills and life experience that deserve to be shared with others.

Simple acts of kindness can bring about the best in any community. Check out how #TDThanksYou celebrated some amazing customers and the inspiring work they do every day.

Imagery from Getty.