Take Meaningful Action In Your Neighborhood With These Ideas

by Sheila Johnson

Joining your community to get involved is a great way to help others and uplift your neighborhood, and there are several ways to go about it. Whether you want to volunteer your time to a local organization or pull together a group of people to take action for a cause, there are many ways you can show up for your neighbors. Today, Transition To Success is here to share a few ideas on how you can more actively help others.

Boost Your Education

If you’ve ever wanted to go back to school or are thinking about a new career, consider how you can make it work for both you and your community. Teaching is a wonderful way to give back, and Education Corner points out that there has been a marked growth in available education jobs around the country. Earning a bachelor of science in education can help you pursue a career working with preschool or elementary-aged children, and these days there are several online programs to choose from that allow you to keep working or taking care of your responsibilities at home as you learn at your own pace.

Spread Awareness

There are many ways to be a teacher, including spreading awareness about important topics. Many communities could benefit from shared information on voter registration for young people, social justice and safety in regards to rallies or other organized events, and resources for low-income families.

Look online for upcoming events and talk to the members of your community about how everyone can pitch in. You might organize group meetings, either in-person or via video chat or a community app so that every voice is heard. You can also stay in touch with school leaders to find out more about clothing, food, and backpack drives throughout the year.

When it comes time to spread the word about upcoming events, try using this invitation maker to stand out. You can take advantage of the free templates and modify them to suit your needs. This is a great way to raise awareness about the issues you care about and connect with other like-minded people in your area.

Stay Safe

Neighborhood safety is another issue that affects everyone in a community. Many home security systems now come with mobile apps that allow homeowners to check on things from their phone or other devices, which can come in handy when someone is on vacation or just at work. SaferWatch notes that you might also put together a neighborhood safety watch program, partnering with local police to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Lend a Hand

Safety programs affect everyone in a community, but there are likely some neighbors that need a little extra help. Seniors and disabled individuals often need assistance with maintenance for their home or yard, or they may need rides to the grocery store or doctor’s office. One simple way to get active in your community is to rally around the seniors and make sure they have what they need.

Many older adults suffer from food insecurities, so rounding up volunteers to deliver meals is another great way you can be of service to your neighbors. If there is a senior center or nursing home nearby, talk to your neighbors about how you can help out, especially around the holidays. Elder care is a topic that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves in communities around the country.

If you know a senior who wants to downsize or purchase a new home, you can help them find resources to make this process easier. For example, if they need help with their down payment, there are assistance programs that can help them secure the money they need. You can also help them to decide whether it is best for them to rent or buy a home. Ask them questions about their lifestyle and whether they want to maintain a home on their own. If they want, you can also help them to determine which option is a better financial move, too.

Last but certainly not least, if you see a need in your community that isn’t being met, think about starting your own nonprofit. There’s so much that can be done to help those in need, and you’ll find that there are plenty of good people willing to help out – especially once they see you taking the initiative. Look for various ways to communicate, such as with a group text or video chat, so that everyone can stay up-to-date on the latest community news. The process of setting up a nonprofit is fairly simple, as well, and you can either navigate the legal steps yourself or better yet, enlist some assistance from an online formation service.

Enjoy Being a Part of Your Community

The best way to feel like you’re part of the community is to truly immerse yourself in it. Get active in your neighborhood and host events to raise awareness. By pushing for the things you believe in, you can get to know the people you live with who value the same things you do, even as you help to uplift the community as a whole.

Transition to Success is here to raise awareness about poverty and help those impacted by it. Let us know if you’d like to help!

Sheila Johnson is a wellness expert and founder of Well Sheila.  You can visit her website at www.wellsheila.net.