How to Give Back to the Community This Summer?
- Druthi Jammula
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Importance of Giving Back to the Community
It is significant for individuals to give back to the community, as it is an opportunity to address local problems, help people in need, build a network of connections, strengthen the community bond, and make the community a better place. By contributing to the community, you are becoming an active member in sculpting a positive and better future for all.
Our communities provide individuals with various infrastructures, such as schools, hospitals, restaurants, and libraries that support our wants and needs. For a community that gives us so much, it is vital to give back. You can learn various things about the world around you by contributing and building a unique sense of purpose. In the end, giving back to the community comes back to you because one way or another you're making your home a better place to live.
Giving back to the community spreads a ripple of happiness across everyone, which grants them a sense of belonging. A study has shown that the more people volunteer, the happier they are compared to the ones who barely volunteer. In addition, less fortunate neighbors are also able to feel relieved from the stress of their problems knowing that their community has their back.
Giving back to the community brings people together and makes a significant difference in the lives of people and animals. When you volunteer you make one percent of a difference in helping your community and the people in it.
How Can You Help Your Community This Summer?
There are many ways to make an impact this summer, whether you have an internship, a job, or at home, you can contribute to your community for a few hours every week or every month. Volunteering is also a great way to be productive this summer, as it benefits the community and you. The list below is a few examples of how you can give back to your community this summer.
Volunteer at Senior Centers
Seniors can sometimes feel lonely or have a hard time doing what they enjoy, but this summer you can make a senior happy by helping them get around and listening to their conversation.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Taking care of animals and reading to the shelter pets is a great way to focus on the animals in your community that are in search of a home.
Makes Cards for the Children’s Hospital
While this is a simple gesture, it is an extraordinary way to spread kindness and raise the self-esteem of children who are sick during the summer.
Volunteer at Public Libraries
From sorting out books to holding activities for all ages is a remarkable way to organize local libraries and bring people with similar interests together.
Volunteer at Parks
Picking up litter and planting new plants can help keep parks in the community clean and fresh for everyone to enjoy.
Coach Youth Sports or Assist with Tournaments
This summer help someone learn a sport you enjoy or assist during games, such as being the referee or passing out water to players. This opportunity helps individuals contribute to their community, while enjoying their hobby.
Volunteer at Local Nonprofits
Local nonprofits offer various activities and opportunities to make a difference in the community this summer. These organizations are always open for help and provide consistent and flexible hours for volunteering.
Volunteer at Hospitals
Patients are always in need of help and love, assisting the staff and patients in hospitals can help give back to the community for the service of doctors and nurses.
Volunteer at Food Drives
Help a family have food on their table by donating non-perishable food and delivering food. Food banks and food pantries are also a few of the other ways to help.
These are only a few of the many ways to give back to the community this summer. There are many opportunities to volunteer that match your morals and interests. Summer is a great time to help the community and learn new skills while doing it. Moreover, giving back to your community can also help you earn service hours and grasp the necessary skills for college and jobs later in the future.
The Benefits of Giving Back to the Community
There are many benefits that come with giving back to the community. For instance, when an individual positively contributes to the well-being of their community, they have been shown to boost happiness, increase their self-esteem levels, and reduce stress. This is because it triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain, like dopamine (a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the brain’s reward system), which leads to “helper’s high” and that feeling of doing something good, eventually contributing to the overall well-being and satisfaction. Community involvement and volunteering will also lead to an individual’s personal growth, such as gaining confidence and building new perspectives on life. Giving back to the community is also an opportunity to build strong relationships with others and reduce feelings of loneliness. It is a chance to fit into your community and find the people you enjoy being around.
Moreover, it is important to give back to the community because it helps the community itself grow and prosper. When people come together to help their community, it creates a special bond, unity, and a positive impact that makes communities safer, vibrant, and healthier. Furthermore, by working together, individuals can address challenges within their community and support the people around them.
In addition, giving back to the community also has future benefits. For example, volunteering can help an individual advance a specific career, teach valuable skills, and provide the needed career experience.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Volunteering
As mentioned earlier, giving back to the community has been shown to improve the mental health of an individual. Studies have shown, specifically from the University of Alabama, that participating in acts of giving back fosters positive emotions and strengthens social connections. Additionally, volunteering combats depression, as it provides a solid support system, which protects against stress and depression.
This summer, giving back to your community will help you physically and mentally grow, and assist you with understanding the world around you through different perspectives.
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