Community service has many potential benefits. Not only can it improve your community and your environment, but it also helps forge bonds between community members and rewards volunteers with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The term "community service" suggests starting small, within your own town or even your own neighborhood, and letting those ripples of change spread out to the larger community, or even your state or nation. If you’re interested in making a difference in your community, consider the following tips from Land Rover Cary to get your neighborhood involved in community service.
Getting Started
Before you call a neighborhood meeting or organize a block party, you should take a little time to get yourself organized. The first thing you need to do is develop a clear sense of your goals. Think of community service projects like you would work projects—if you give your boss a bunch of vague ideas about getting new business, she’s not going to be impressed. Likewise, if you bring your neighbors some vague ideas about volunteering opportunities, they might be intrigued, but you’re probably not going to get any firm commitments.
Of course, you want your neighbors to have some say in the matter, but you should be ready to present your ideas, as well as details about some of the community service opportunities in your area. These could be programs that are already up and running, like your local food pantry or animal shelter. You can also search for local community service programs on the Corporation for National & Community Service website. On the other hand, you might have observed practices or places within your own neighborhood that leave room for improvement, such as the lack of a recycling program or a neighborhood park that could use some serious beautification. Projects like these are a good place to start because they’ll have an immediate impact on your own neighborhood.
Getting Together
Once you have gathered some information and perhaps a few recruits, it’s time to set up a neighborhood meeting. How you go about this depends upon how friendly you are with your neighbors. Perhaps it’s just a matter of starting up the phone tree or knocking on a few doors. You may also want to ask to present your community service idea at the next homeowners’ association meeting or place fliers around the community. However you do it, be sure to spread the word; when it comes to community service, the old adage, "the more the merrier," definitely rings true. The larger your group, the more you’ll generally be able to accomplish and the wider the movement may spread throughout the greater community.
With that said, don’t be discouraged if initial interest is low. People are busy, and community service activities often rank low on their priority lists. However, history has shown time and again that even a small group of very passionate individuals can accomplish great things. As others see the changes you’re making and how much fun you’re likely having in the process, they’ll be inspired to come on board.
Making It Work
Keep in mind you might generate more interest if you keep commitment requirements low and allow your neighbors to volunteer when they have time and in ways that work for them. You can’t expect everyone to be able to put in the same amount of hours or meet for projects or volunteer opportunities at the same times. The more flexible and open you make things, the more people will likely get involved. And finally, remember that new connections and good feelings forged between volunteers stand to strengthen your community almost much as the community service projects themselves—so be sure to enjoy the time spent with your fellow neighbors and community members.
