Everyone – no matter how busy you are or how little extra income you have to give – can make a positive impact on their community and the world.

Giving back to the communities and people who have given us so much goes far beyond the individual people you aim to help. Being of service to others ripples throughout the entire community and even bounces back on ourselves.

There is no better way to find meaning in our work and our lives than service. It’s human nature to want to contribute to our tribe, and doing so reinforces the sense that we belong.

We also get to step outside of our own lives when we serve and walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. This experience brings reflection, gratitude, and a connection with a person you might otherwise never get to know.

All of that said, many well-intentioned people struggle to find ways to get involved in their communities that fit into their schedule, budget, and lifestyle. So today, we’re going to talk about the 10 best ways you can serve so that you can choose how to make a more positive impact on the world.

1. Become a Mentor

The great thing about becoming a mentor is that it serves yourself as much as it serves your mentee. You get to sharpen your leadership and communication skills, and hone in on what values are most important to pass on.

Anyone can be a mentor. You can find an organization locally that pairs mentors with young people. You can look into your professional associations for mentoring programs for people new to your industry. Or you can reach out to your university or high school and see if they have a mentorship or tutoring program for students in need.

2. Share Food

If you have enough to eat, you are blessed indeed. So many people go hungry, even in our wealthy nation. Helping to provide more food security to those in need will truly change lives. Reach out to your local food pantry, homeless shelter, or church to find out how you can donate shelf-stable items, prepared food, or money to go towards meals.

3. Gather School Supplies

It’s back to school time, and far too many children struggle to fill their backpacks with the supplies they need to improve their futures. It’s easy to pick up a few extra office supplies when you’re already out shopping, so contact the local school board and see if they have a donation campaign or can point you to a local nonprofit that does.

If you are in the Atlanta area, Women of Community Impact is currently running a school supply donation drive. Want to contribute? Contact us via Facebook.

4. Volunteer Regularly

If you have the time to carve out on a regular basis, you can have the privilege of making deep connections at your local hospital, soup kitchen, animal shelter, school, or professional training organization. If you’re looking for local groups in need of volunteers, check out VolunteerMatch.org.

5. Donate Money 

You might be surprised to find out that the majority of the charitable giving in the United States is not donated by the wealthiest among us, but rather by middle, upper middle, and even working class Americans who want to do the right thing. Every nonprofit organization relies on its donors, so be sure to support your favorite causes before the year comes to an end.

6. Get Out and About

You have errands to run, and I would bet your elderly neighbor or the family at church who just had twins does too. Offer to run errands for them along with your own, whether it’s stopping at the grocery store, bringing dinner by, or taking return packages to the post office.

7. Donate Blood

There’s always greater need than supply, and what better way to give to your fellow man than to give life’s blood? If you’re able, contact the local Red Cross office and schedule a donation appointment.

8. Clean Out Your Closet

Whether it’s clothing you haven’t worn to the office in more than a year now, or that old desk gathering dust in your basement, someone else could use what’s taking up valuable space in your house. Look for local nonprofits or religious organizations that take donations for people in need.

9. Clean Up Your Neighborhood

Have you ever been out walking the dog and been appalled by all of the trash along the road? Organize a clean up with neighbors. Make sure to bring plenty of trash bags, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer.

10. Pay It Forward

Random acts of kindness make the world a better place too. Bring a friend flowers that would brighten their day. Pay for someone else’s coffee. Hand out water bottles when you see people who are homeless from your car window. Small acts of service add up in a big way!

Let us know in the comments how you intend to make a positive impact on your community.

At Celeste Giordano Coaching, we believe in businesses that make the world a better place. If you want to “double plus” your income, while also doubling your impact on your community, contact me today.