How to Be a 1 Girl Revolution in Your Own Community!

Here at 1 Girl Revolution, we firmly believe that EVERY woman is a 1 Girl Revolution!

Every story we share is the story of an everyday woman – just like you – making a difference in the world in her own way, in her own community. You, too, have the power to change the world through your life.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find a few ideas of ways to get involved in your community.

VOLUNTEER! This is the absolute easiest way to make a difference in the world. Your time is the most valuable thing you can ever give. It is pretty much a guarantee that there are hundreds of places in your own community or in a local community that could use your time. Need a few ideas? Reach out to you local Salvation Army or Humane Society to see what opportunities are available. See if there is a Meals on Wheels in your community or reach out to the local homeless shelter to see if there is an opportunity to make and/or serve meals. Is there a hospital or hospice center in your area? They could probably use your help. Here are some other organizations that are in most communities: Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, United Way, Better World Books.

Don’t want to volunteer at an organization or with a group? Look for opportunities in your own neighborhood or in your own community to make a meal for an elderly person, run an errand for a new mom, or mow a neighbor’s lawn or shovel their sidewalk.  The opportunities are truly endless when it comes to volunteering, and it is a win-win for all parties involved. Every little act can make a difference.

Shop local. Often times, small, locally owned businesses search for ways to give back to the communities they operate in. By shopping at these businesses, you are contributing to the causes they care about. Companies that give back, like Rebel Nell and ABLE, can be found all across America. Shopping local also contributes to the health of the local economy and allows your neighbors to keep living out their dreams and providing for themselves and their families.

Can’t find any local businesses that have what you need? Check out the 1 Girl Revolution Shopping Guide for more ideas on companies that give back. Take the time, do the research, and be conscientious with your dollars.

Organize a sale and donate the proceeds. Bake sale, yard sale, it doesn’t really matter. You can make a difference! Prefer to bake? Great! Round up some of your friends and get to baking. What a great way to spend time with those you love, while contributing to a good cause. Need to clean out your house? We’ve been there. Get to organizing, and encourage others you know to do the same and join you. Donate things you don’t need or host a yard sale and donate the proceeds to an organization making a difference in your community. Every bit counts. Donate your goods, donate your dollars. It doesn’t matter. You can make a difference.

Pay it forward! The next time you’re  in line buying a coffee for yourself, let the barista know that you want to pay for the person behind you. Going through the drive-thru, go ahead and pay for the next person in line. Out to lunch? Pick a table and let your server know you want to grab their tab. It is such a simple gesture, that can have a massive impact – and truly brighten someone’s day. And who knows, it may even inspire them to do the same for someone else. Nothing feels better than spreading a little joy.

Use your talents. We know you are talented, use it! Do you like to sing? Play an instrument? Great at painting? Get some of your friends to go caroling, or put on a show at the local senior center. Donate your artwork to a silent auction or send little hand-painted cards to people at the local retirement home. Like sports? See what opportunities are available at your local rec center or with the Special Olympics. Good with animals? Call your local animal shelter and volunteer your time and talent.

Everyone is good at something. Think about what your talents are, and share them with others and your local community.

You have the power to change the world through your life. Now, get out there – and change the world!

Do you have other ideas? We would love to hear them! Send us your volunteer ideas at: info@1GirlRevolution.com or tweet at us: @1GirlRevo!