Give Back & Get Involved

  • By Abby Smith
25Jan
Give Back & Get Involved

We all want to make a difference. We all have that little bit of an “I can change the world” attitude inside of us.


But where do you begin?


Here are tips and resources to take your give back game to a new level:

 

  1. Pick a cause that motivates or inspires you.

Yes, this can sound cliché. But it is true.

Picking something close to your heart means you are emotionally invested. This ensures you won’t flake after the intro meeting or only help when it’s convenient for you. If you love animals, find out what help your local animal shelter currently needs. Hey, you might even get to pet dogs or cats all day (who doesn’t love that?) Maybe your great aunt has MS or your neighbor is a Veteran, either of these are worthy causes to spend your time helping.  Volunteermatch.org is a fantastic resource that helps connect you to volunteer opportunities nationally and right in your neighborhood.

  1. Make it an attainable goal

As motivated as you can be, you are not going to save the rainforest and end poverty overnight. But, you can make little donations of time or money that can make a big impact. Helping at a senior living facility by reading or spending time with residents one Saturday a month might not seem like much, but to the person you are spending time with it could make their month.

  1. Realize sacrifices might be involved

Let’s remember the world does not revolve around you and your social schedule or Netflix binging schedule. Volunteering involves compromises and sacrifices, but they are totally worth it. Maybe you don’t go out one night because you’re waking up at 7am the next day to help clean local beaches or parks. Instead of that $5 latte one morning, you donate that money to a local food pantry.

  1. Spread the give back vibes!

Get your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors etc. involved! Volunteering is possible quite literally by having people involved. Start by inviting one friend and then next time invite that friend plus one more. If people ask you how to get involved invite them to join you at the next event or meeting. Be friendly, but realistic. You’re going to have some people straight up say no and they might not be nice about it. Don’t get discouraged, just take it as a learning moment and keep working towards your give back goals.

xo

The La Clé Team