How to Change Lives and
Get Involved in Your Community
The programs of University Settlement change lives every single day. That’s the power of getting and staying involved with local communities. With so much uncertainty in the world right now, lending a helping hand has become even more important.
But it can be hard to know how to get started. If you are looking for ways to help those that need it most in your own community, you can use the following tips and resources to begin.
Lending a Helping Hand
One of the most proactive ways to get involved with your community is to volunteer with local causes that truly mean something to you. Here are a few suggestions:
● Sign up to become a volunteer with one of University Settlement’s many programs.
● Look for places where you can volunteer with kids to help put an end to local hunger.
● Connect with your local United Way organization for even more volunteer opportunities.
● If you don’t feel safe volunteering in-person, you can also search for virtual openings.
Fundraising for Charities
Another way you can help causes and people in need is to raise money for local non-profit organizations. There are several ways to do so, including the following:
● Create a social media fundraising campaign and look for ways to boost donations.
● Work with a local non-profit to put together a fun and successful fundraising event.
● Use a formation service to start a small business and donate proceeds to charity.
● But know that only one state allows LLC’s to also operate as a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
● So if you want to start your own non-profit, you will have to take other steps instead.
Donating to Local Causes
Volunteering and fundraising are both efforts that require time and energy. If your schedule is too busy for either, that’s okay! Know that donations are also perfect way to show your support:
● Do your homework before donating to new charities, to avoid potential scams.
● If you’re a business owner, know that donating can provide a boost for your business.
● Individuals may also be able to take advantage of money-saving tax deductions.
● But really, the positive rewards of helping local causes extends beyond the monetary.
Whether you volunteer, raise money or simply give money, there are so many ways to create positive change in your community. Remember, no amount of help is ever too small when it comes to providing support for people and causes in need. Your compassion and actions matter so much to these folks, so find opportunities that will fit your abilities, needs and passions.