Whether you are looking for community hours or simply just participating in your community, here are seven ways you can get involved in civic engagement.
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Volunteering. The most obvious way to get involved in your community is by volunteering your time to a cause. You can volunteer at the local library, hospital, local events, animal shelter, nursing homes, at school clubs, organizations around the city and so much more. The options are endless! Taking time out of your own schedule to help other people out is a very rewarding experience.
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Participating in Local Events. The best way to get involved in the community is to take part in local events throughout the year. You get to meet local leaders, create a network, make new friends, and have fun! You can be a general volunteer, present a talent, or maybe set up a booth. There is so much that can be done at local events. Stay updated with what’s happening in your community through the newspaper, radio, or even just at school.
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Donate. If you don’t have the time or energy to get out there and volunteer or participate in local events, another great way to get involved is by donating. You can donate money or resources to organizations. Donating food to local food banks, books to local libraries, bed linens to homeless shelters, and clothes or shoes to the Salvation Army all really impacts the community in a positive way.
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Support Local Businesses. By shopping locally from local vendors and farmer markets, you are not only supporting entrepreneurship, which drives the economy forward, but also environmental sustainability. Local businesses help to reduce our carbon footprint, all while keeping dollars in our local economy. This is a great way to get involved.
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Support Local Sports Teams. Almost all cities and communities have their own fair share of sports teams. From Little Leagues to the Minor Leagues, and from high school teams to professional teams, nothing makes the players feel better than having people in the stands cheering them on. Just by staying active and supporting your local athletes makes a huge difference.
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Join Committees and Teams. Another great way to get involved in your community is to join boards, committees, and teams around the city. Many municipal governments have youth committees to give them feedback on what current issues need to be addressed. Other organizations, such as the Children’s Aid Society, also have boards you can join. By getting involved on a leadership level, you are able to create systemic change and help bring your perspectives to higher authorities.
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Be an Organizer. Do you see something that needs to exist? Maybe a youth group or a platform for minority youth? Maybe you think there needs to be more events focused on local art and music? Whatever it is, organize it yourself. It doesn’t have to be a grand production. Join up with some friends and local businesses to create an event or platform that you feel passionate about. Even hosting car washes, can drives, and tutoring sessions all makes a difference.
So there you have it! These are the seven ways that you can partake in civic engagement and make a positive difference in your community.
*Disclaimer: Featured image is not mine. Retrieved here.