Guest Blog by June Duncan from Riseupforcaregivers.org

Ways to Take Action in Your Community for Causes You Believe In

For every group in need in Minnesota, there’s another to help. Giving and compassion work together for the less fortunate. The question that remains is: How can I provide genuine help? You can help the most by focusing on whatever cause is closest to your heart.

Start a Nonprofit

You can help your community by starting a nonprofit, which makes applying for public funding and grants easier. Keep in mind that nonprofits need to have a list of bylaws. These are requirements that govern how it operates, determine its voting guidelines, and stipulate how board meetings are held. For your nonprofit to be successful, it should also avoid conflicts of interest.

Become a Teacher

You can also make a lasting impact in your community by becoming a teacher, which requires a bachelor of science degree in education or BSED. A BSED can create opportunities to work with children in the elementary and preschool grades. Teaching continues to see job growth, so this can be a reliable way to build a career.

You can obtain some degrees through online programs. These allow you to study at your own pace, which better suits busy schedules. With an online degree, you can achieve your goals while maintaining work-life balance.

Make an Impact With Others

There’s strength in numbers, and that holds true for making a difference. Some options that need other people working together are creating a community garden, upholding safety through a neighborhood watch program, and speaking for human rights. Build a more inclusive community by speaking with the heads of different community councils in Minnesota.

Practice Small Gestures

Random acts of kindness can mean the world to someone needing them. Greet a new neighbor with a cake or bouquet, chat with a lonely senior citizen, pick up trash at a local park or pay for a stranger’s morning coffee. Being a positive role model for family and friends can inspire them to do the same, which creates a ripple effect throughout the community. Creating a community feeling is one step that generates positive change. 

Promote Environmental Awareness

If sustainable living is a cause close to your heart, focus your attention on creating a like-minded group to help you spread the importance of green living. Encourage neighbors to recycle, organize a tree-planting celebration, and volunteer to pick up litter. Film yourself going through your own trash and demonstrate how to reduce waste by composting food-related refuse. 

Start With Established Organizations

If you're unsure where to start, promote nonprofits that are creating positive change. Help spread the word for organizations that find solutions for the lack of access to drinking water. Contribute your time to learning how you and others can help stop human trafficking. There are good causes that educate people on the behavior of specific dog breeds or the importance of literacy. You can inspire others to donate gently used shoes to be recycled or repaired and given to the needy. 

Making a Difference in Minnesota

Look at established causes in Minnesota for inspiration, spread random acts of kindness throughout your community, or start a garden to make fresh produce more accessible. Visit Chris Brazelton to learn how you can help with issues such as mental and physical health.