Have you ever wondered how you can make a difference in your community? Maybe you have that spark of inspiration or a calling in your heart telling you it’s time to Make Impact, but you’re not sure where to start. You’re not alone!
You may have even asked the question, “What can someone like me do to make a difference?” Don’t fall for the misconception that philanthropy is defined by grand gestures or enormous events. You can Make Impact at any stage of life, regardless of income or social status.
Before taking steps to make a difference in anyone else’s life, it’s important to get your mindset in the right place.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. Focusing on what other people are doing to change the world and wishing you had the resources or personality to do the same is counterproductive. What you have to offer is uniquely beautiful. We all have different gifts to serve our communities.
- Know that you have a purpose. If you have a desire to do good for others, then you have a purpose to make it happen. Harness your talents, go out into your community and take action.
- Realize that you may not see the impact you make. Think of your act of kindness or service as a seed. You can plant the seed, but you may not always see the tree that grows.
- You can independently do things to practice everyday philanthropy. It’s so easy to have a mindset of helping humanity in whatever is revealed to you. I recently heard about an act of impact that warmed my heart. A little, abandoned dog wandered into a park, and up to a man who was there playing basketball. This sweet guy had an open heart and welcomed the dog into his home. The pup was infested with fleas, and in need of some medical care. His rescuer took him to the vet, lovingly got him medicine for his fleas and a check-up to ensure his health. Bravo to this precious man for opening his heart to this abandoned dog, healing him and giving him a loving home.
Take Steps to Make Impact
The best way to become a Changer is to simply get started. Small acts of kindness can have a great impact on others. Simply holding the door open for a stranger or sharing a smile is all you need to start on your journey to everyday philanthropy. After that, your opportunities are endless.
Here are other ways you can spread kindness and Make Impact:
- Donate: When we hear the word “donate,” we typically relate it to finances, but if you think outside of the box, you’ll realize many of us have a surplus in a variety of areas, including:
- Clothing
- Food
- Blood
- School supplies
- Pets (Nursing home residents would love a furry visitor)
- Volunteer: What is the greatest currency? Time. We may not all have endless income or resources, but we do all have twenty-four hours in a day. There’s just something about volunteering that’s good for your health. In fact, studies show that helping others helps to reduce anxiety and depression. So, if volunteering helps those in need and it benefits your health, what are you waiting for? Make a list to get started:
- Do you want to volunteer in a small or large group?
- Do you want to start a volunteer initiative or join an established organization?
- Do you wish to volunteer locally, nationally or internationally?
Answer these questions, and you’ll be well on your way to Making Impact.
- Become a Mentor: Do you have a skillset that others might benefit from learning? Maybe you play piano, sing, play a sport or have a unique talent someone would love to learn. Take the opportunity to help someone younger and less experienced, or those who have fewer resources to hone a craft. You can even Make Impact in someone’s future by assisting with a job resume and interview techniques. Mentoring possibilities are endless, and at the end of the day, being a friend just might be the best mentorship someone needs.
We hope you feel encouraged and motivated to take a step (or three) toward Making Impact. There’s no right or wrong way to get started — Just don’t forget to have fun! You just never know, the seed you plant with your time, talent and unique skills might flourish into a beautiful tree that blooms flowers of kindness for others.