43 Ways to Get Involved in and Improve Your Community

Getting involved in your community is a great way to meet new people, increase the safety of your area, and make changes you want to see. First and foremost, it’s important to follow a passion. Figure out what you’re good at and use that to your neighborhood’s advantage. Are you great at web design? Do you have a green thumb? Do you love dogs? Many of your talents and hobbies can be shared with your community.

It may seem difficult to get started, but just put yourself out there. You’re being both selfless and selfish by improving your community for the better! Here are 43 ideas to try.

Improve the Walkability

1. Participate in The Great American Cleanup.
2. Plant trees.
3. Plow your neighbor’s driveway.
4. Mow lawns for the elderly in your neighborhood.
5. Increase your curb appeal.
6. Build a community garden.
7. Keep your front yard clear of trash and abandoned toys.
8. Clear tree branches and other debris after a storm.

Meet New People

9. Attend a music and arts festival.
10. See a play or musical at your local theater.
11. Visit the farmer’s market.
12. Shop local.
13. Go to local art shows.
14. Attend a local high school or college sports event.
15. Join your neighborhood’s Facebook page.
16. Download the NextDoor app.
17. Start a book club.
18. Take a class in Zumba, art, or yoga.

Increase the Safety

19. Join your neighborhood watch.
20. Become a volunteer firefighter.
21. Get CPR certified.
22. Volunteer at the Red Cross during disasters.
23. Start a babysitting co-op.
24. Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
25. Turn on your porch and yard lights at night.

Help Out

26. Donate food to the food bank.
27. Donate clothes to Goodwill or local thrift shops.
28. Purchase new supplies for the local animal shelter.
29. Give books to your library.
30. Participate in philanthropic events through your religious organization.
31. Tutor a neighbor’s child.
32. Start a dog-walking business.
33. Run in an awareness race.
34. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
35. Attend or host a charity event.

Be Heard

36. Join your neighborhood association.
37. Attend city council meetings.
38. Start a “time bank”.
39. Design or submit content for your neighborhood’s website.
40. Join the PTA.
41. Be proactive.
42. Organize community meetings.
43. Suggest changes you’d like to see.