5 Ways to Get Involved in Your Community – and Benefit

1. Go for the Obscure– What I’ve learned in years past is that the best opportunities often lie in unexpected places. Instead of volunteering at a popular spot in your community, shoot for the places that mean the most to you. Is there a park in your town that you love to go to? Do you always find yourself shopping at a cute farmer’s market? These are the kinds of places that can often use a lot of help. Whether you’re offering to pick up litter or hand out flyers, you’ll experience immense gratitude and feel proud of what you’re doing.

2. Get Involved Politically– Even if you find politics complicated or boring, becoming politically active can boost your confidence and leadership skills. I recently joined a congressional campaign in my district, making phone calls and knocking on doors to encourage people to vote. I even got to speak with the candidate I support! This type of experience is rewarding in that you can truly see yourself making a difference — and whether you’re super political or not, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring attention to issues that are important to you.

3. Shop Locally– Supporting your community with your wallet is an excellent way to get active. If you’re looking for a place to have lunch with your pals, try a small diner or café that is well-known in your town. If you need to buy your mom a birthday present, try going to a local boutique instead of the mall. Small businesses are very appreciative of their customers, and buying from them more often can personally connect you to both the products and the people behind them.

4. Go Exploring– Simply enjoying the unique nature of your community can be meaningful. Instead of going on a day trip to another city, try going somewhere in your town that you have never been to before. Not only is vacationing in your hometown inexpensive, but you’ll feel a greater sense of belonging and pride in your community

5. Get to Know Your Neighbors – Even if you already have a solid friend group, have a chat with your fellow community members! Whether it’s a book club at the library, a religious youth group or a running club, joining organizations will help you connect to those around you. Putting yourself out there and trying something different will increase your confidence and ability to meet new people in the future!

About the Author: Claire Akins

Claire was born and raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, although she’s moved around a bit. Claire and her family drove across the country in 2009 to move to San Francisco, California, for no particular reason, seeing places she had never seen before along the way. Although they moved back to Georgia before she started high school, the major changes ignited Claire’s interest in traveling. Claire has visited Japan, Canada, and 9 countries in Europe since the move back to Georgia, all on school trips. Now a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia, she is combining her globe-trotting personality with a major in advertising, hoping to someday work for an eco-friendly company that protects the world she loves. When she isn’t traveling, Claire can be found running with friends on UGA’s club cross country team, watching Star Wars movies, or playing with her adorable pug, Pickles. She is looking forward to expanding her horizons and leadership skills through Get Smart’s intern program, as she wants to use her experiences to encourage others.