Your Top 4 Ways To Make a Difference
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Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from readers wondering how to make a difference in today’s world when our challenges feel so big and our plates are already full. The economic uncertainty we are dealing with can be so all-consuming that it feels hard to give our time and attention to anything besides making ends meet.
But despite those moments when we’re overwhelmed, this community cares about leaving the world better than we found it. A few weeks ago, I asked how you like to get involved when it comes to causes you care about, and your responses reminded me that there are lots of ways to make change.
40% of this community uses their dollars to support causes they care about and businesses that share their values.
Whether that means shopping locally, supporting fair wages for workers, or supporting businesses that donate to charity, every purchase we make is a chance to do some good. When money is tight, shopping according to our values can feel like a luxury. Check out some of my advice for a budget tune-up, becoming financially independent, and what this community has to say about dealing with hard times.
23% of this community rolls up their sleeves and gets involved.
We don’t wait for an invitation to take action to solve a problem, we make calls, drop off donations, and show up to lend a hand. Take this reader, for example, looking for ways to support disaster relief efforts.
20% of this community shows up to community meetings, gatherings, rallies, or protests that align with their values.
Connecting with other people who share your convictions and values is a great way to build community and amplify your impact. Not sure where to start? Read my advice on building community and tips from your fellow readers.
18% of this community contacts their representatives to tell them what they think.
Whether you’re talking to your neighbor or a member of Congress, sharing how you feel about an issue or how it impacts your community is key to actually creating change and making sure that everyone’s voices are heard. Read my advice for one reader eager to share her passion with others.
Share in the comments: No matter how you get involved, what is one cause that is close to your heart?
Addressing co-occuring addiction and mental health treatment is an absolute must. Honestly most addicts are trying to self medicate a deeper mental health disorder and if they was able to get proper mental health treatment they wouldn’t need to self medicate.
Hi, my name is ruth, and i love paying it forward in any way that I can and with the current economic situation, it seems that most of what I can do now is small. But that being said it doesn’t take a lot of money to pay it forward. Maybe you buy somebody a coffee that, you know. Has been having a hard time and might appreciate it or something to eat. Then whatever that’s one another way is helping a neighbor maybe with some projects they’re working on, if it’s out in their yard, take their trash out, roll the trash can in or out. Another is pick up trash through the neighborhood. That’s 3 and the fourth is volunteer. Somewhere, whether it be an animal shelter, if you love animals, which I do or visit folks at a at nursing facilities, maybe read to them. Play games with them if if they’re up to it, read at the library to children if they have that kind of program. Uh, little things. They don’t cost a lot of money, but they can make a huge impact. So that’s my input for today. Thanks the opportunity to share thoughts here.
I’m with Dawn, but I also really support my local municipal shelter and wish they had more resources.
Mutual aid is close to my heart!
If fear didn’t hold me back I would become involved in working with women and children. I would be teaching children empathy skills and about bullying. To help them to learn could social skills.. To help them to become more accepting of each other and to realize that bullying is not supportive and hurts others.
I would teach them through art and writing and singing and dance and acting and music.
I would work with children preschool to 3 rd grade.
I would be an advocate for women.
Have groups for self development skills.
Groups to empower women and support groups to bring women closer together. To help with boundaries and assertiveness.
I would like to start a center for women and children. Where these classes could be taught and it would be a place that was free to support the women and children.
Most dear to my heart is STOP EUTHANIZEING ALL ANIMALS. STOP THE KILL SHELTERS, . Way to many great family dogs and cats,kittens and puppies are Euthanized. To make room for more coming un. So they kill them for space. It’s since less, its dangerous,it’s inhumane. I LOVE all animals. ALSO stop doing lab experiments on animals,that is in NO way helping make cures for humans. It’s gotta stop. Everything I have mentioned is a HUGE PROBLEM. And only us can speak for the silent voices. We are their voice. They desperately need our help.