Tag: volunteering

Changing the World One Small Action at a Time

(Family Crossings) – You can change the world. That’s what the people behind the movement “We Are What We Do” believe. People like you taking small actions that add up to big change.

It started with the question, “What would you ask one million people to do to change the world?” Thousands of ideas from around the world came in. The ideas weren’t sweeping policy changes – they were small and unexpected everyday actions that anyone can do:

  • Keep a promise.
  • Read a story to a child.
  • Learn something new.
  • Run an errand for an elderly neighbor or single parent.

Fifty of the best suggestions were published in the book “Change the World for Ten Bucks” (Chronicle Books 2009). This little book has had a big impact, selling over 1,000,000 copies in the U.K., Canada, Germany, Spain, New Zealand and Australia, and now this will be the first time it’s available in the U.S.

“Because it’s not just politicians and business leaders who change the world,” says the book’s editor Eugenie Harvey. “Each of us, through the hundreds of tiny actions we take every day, shapes the world we live in.” In other words, small actions x lots of people = big change. “This project carries a much-needed message of hope for people everywhere,” says Harvey. “Love yourself, cherish life, protect our future.”

It’s not simply about being green, Harvey says. “We are about bringing the kinds of lasting change which will positively affect our environment, our local, national and international communities and ourselves.” For example, the book includes a postcard to send to someone who inspires you (Action 35), two pages stuck together as a reminder not to throw gum in the street (Action 24), tear-out tabs to make introductions to the neighbors (Action 45), and dozens of other creative prompts for positive change.

Connecting Online

In addition to taking the actions in the book, people can visit ChangeTheWorldForTenBucks.com to inspire and track their progress. On the site you can:

  • Submit your own ideas for change.
  • Update your Connect with Facebook with an application that lets you view all 50 actions from the book and update your newsfeed with the ones you complete.
  • Buy another copy of the book to give to a friend (Action 47).

The site also provides a unique way to connect people to finding volunteer work in their communities, via VolunteerMatch.org. Enter your zip code, select an area of interest – everything from animals and arts to justice and seniors – and you’ll get a list of local organizations that will welcome your time and efforts.

To find out more about how you really can change the world, visit ChangeTheWorldForTenBucks.com.

Action 02 – Spend time with someone of a different generation.

Action 43 – Be resourceful.

Action 30 – Bake something for a friend

Next time you need to buy a friend a present, don’t. Make them one instead.

Gingerbread Men

1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 cups plain flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cream together butter and sugar.
  3. Beat in the egg and syrup.
  4. Sift in the dry ingredients and mix.
  5. Chill the dough before rolling onto a lightly floured board, to a 1/8 inch thickness.
  6. Cut into shapes, using a gingerbread cutter.
  7. Bake on a lightly greased tray for 8 to 10 minutes.
  8. Give away immediately. 
From “Change the World for Ten Bucks,” Chronicle Books 2009

“We must be the change we want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Making a Difference!

In these tough economic times, people throughout the country are looking for innovative ways to get involved in their local communities, enrich lives and make a real difference. Fortunately for everyone, as the charitable spirit continues to spread throughout the U.S., getting involved has become easier and less expensive than ever as corporations, nonprofits, schools and even our own administration have actively encouraged citizens worldwide to volunteer their free time to those who need it most.  

When it comes to volunteering, there is no right or wrong way to get involved. Rather, there are a number of ways to incorporate it into your everyday life and really make it count. Here are a few small things to consider when looking for opportunities that make a big impact.

Find an employer that fosters volunteerism.
Many corporations are moving towards the trend of offering their employees volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For example, team members at Target have volunteered millions of hours to community projects, from assembling and distributing disaster relief kits to reading to young people and helping makeover local school libraries. When researching a potential employer, look to see if they have an organized volunteer program. Or if your current employer doesn’t offer a company-wide volunteer program, consider starting one.

Make it a family affair. 
As family vacation and activity budgets shrink, find a fun volunteer event that’s not only free but allows your family to play their part on making the world a better place. Many people find that giving to the community can be a rewarding and exciting way to instill values in children, encourage teamwork and foster a positive attitude within the home. Working together as a family is especially rewarding when you choose to support an organization that has special significance or meaning.

Find a cause that inspires you.
Identify an organization or cause in your community that matters to you most. To find a great place to volunteer in your area use Web services, like VolunteerMatch, which are dedicated to bringing together good people and good causes. VolunteerMatch offers an array of programs to support community and civic service 365 days a year, and any nonprofit organization can join its network.

Change the world…one simple act at a time.
The old saying ‘no good deed goes unnoticed’ is true to its core. It’s not about a huge cash donation, but rather finding those small, yet everlasting ways to touch people’s lives, like grocery shopping for the elderly or driving the local neighborhood kids to their sporting events. Truly no effort is too small.  

Grow your skills.
The great thing about volunteer work is that it’s not only good for the cause, but also for the people who donate their time. Volunteerism is a way to develop new skills, discover new areas of interest and connect with other people in the community.

Don’t over-commit your time. 
Remember to let volunteering be a fun and rewarding part of your day. If you’re short on time, consider virtual volunteering. Utilize your online skills to help students with homework questions, electronically visit with someone who is homebound or in the hospital, or design a newsletter or brochure for a nonprofit. Whatever you do, make sure it’s a choice – that’s why it’s called volunteer work!

For more information on Target’s volunteer program, visit www.target.com/community. Or to find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit www.volunteermatch.org.