Small Acts, Big Impact
As the holiday season approaches, November serves as a reminder to focus on gratitude, kindness, & giving back to our communities. Volunteering not only makes a positive impact on those around us, but also offers countless benefits to individuals who choose to give their time. In fact, the act of volunteering can significantly improve mental & physical well-being, foster a sense of belonging, & create lasting change within society. But how do we get started? And how do we ensure that our efforts are truly making a difference? Let’s chat about it all…
The Ripple Effect of Volunteering
Volunteering is often seen as a way to help those in need, but its reach goes far beyond that. When individuals volunteer, their actions spark a ripple effect that strengthens communities, inspires others to get involved, & creates lasting social change. While it’s clear that volunteering benefits the community, it’s equally important to recognize how much volunteers themselves gain from the experience. Data highlights the profound personal benefits of giving back that many may not realize until they experience it firsthand. Volunteering is truly a two-way street. Here are some of the most impactful ways that giving back can help the giver:
Learn New Skills & Gain Valuable Work Experience: Volunteering allows you to develop skills that can enhance your career or open new doors. From project management to leadership development, the hands-on experience gained while volunteering can directly translate into career benefits. In fact, 82% of hiring managers are more likely to choose candidates with volunteer experience, according to a study by Deloitte.
Make New Friends: Volunteering brings people together with a shared purpose, fostering strong social ties. It's a great way to connect with others in your community, build friendships, & expand your network. This is crucial in an increasingly isolated world where many struggle with loneliness. By engaging in community activities, you’ll not only meet new people but also build relationships that can provide emotional support & a sense of belonging.
Physical and Mental Health: Research has shown that volunteering is beneficial to both mental & physical health. Volunteering is known to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, & stress. A study published in BMC Public Health found that people who volunteer regularly have lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction, & improved longevity. One study from Carnegie Mellon University even found that individuals who volunteer at least 200 hours a year are less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who don't volunteer at all.
Give Back to Your Community: There's a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’ve made a difference. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to directly support your local community. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Improve Your Confidence: As you take on new challenges & contribute meaningfully to a cause, your self-esteem & confidence naturally grow. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new roles, & achieve personal goals.
Foster a Sense of Connection: Volunteering fosters a sense of belonging. It connects you to others who share your values & passions, creating a powerful network of like-minded individuals. Studies have shown that volunteering promotes a sense of purpose, especially in older adults, which can have positive effects on overall wellbeing .
Contribute to Positive Change: Every volunteer effort helps improve how things work in our world, whether in small ways like keeping a local park clean or in larger efforts like disaster relief. Volunteers are the backbone of progress in many communities.
Show Commitment: Volunteering is a testament to your values & dedication. It demonstrates your commitment to making the world a better place, one step at a time.
How to Give Back in Meaningful Ways: Actionable Steps
If you’re inspired to start volunteering but aren’t sure where to begin, here are some actionable steps to ensure your efforts are both impactful & sustainable:
1. Identify Your Passion: Volunteering becomes more fulfilling when it aligns with your values & passions. Take a moment to reflect on causes that resonate with you. Whether it’s education, environmental preservation, or social justice, choosing a cause you care deeply about will make your volunteer experience more rewarding. For example, if you’re passionate about education, you could mentor students or volunteer with organizations that provide after-school programs. On the other hand, if environmental causes speak to you, you might join a local park clean-up or volunteer for wildlife conservation efforts.
2. Start Local: While global causes often receive the most attention, local communities are where you can make the most immediate & tangible impact. Research local nonprofits, schools, & shelters that need assistance, such as the Salvation Army. A simple online search or a visit to websites like VolunteerMatch.org or Idealist.org can connect you with organizations that need help in your area. By starting small & local, you’ll also have the chance to see the direct impact of your efforts, which can inspire you to continue giving back.
3. Make Volunteering a Group Activity: Bringing others into your efforts to give back can increase your overall impact. Whether it’s organizing a workplace volunteer day, joining a community group, or getting your family involved, volunteering together can strengthen relationships while multiplying the impact of your time & efforts. In fact, studies have found that people who volunteer with friends or family are more likely to continue volunteering long-term due to the social support & shared experience.
4. Think Beyond Time - Donate Skills or Resources: If your schedule doesn’t allow for regular volunteer hours, consider donating your skills or resources instead. Many organizations need expertise in areas like marketing, web development, accounting, or even legal support. These "skill-based" volunteering opportunities can have a massive impact without requiring a large time commitment. Alternatively, you can give back by donating supplies, food, or financial resources to support local charities, shelters, & food banks—especially during the holiday season when needs often surge.
A great example of this is my friend Heidi Cser. She’s involved with ISE, International Exchange Student, helping high school students have the opportunity to become culturally-informed citizens of the world. Below are a few photos are from a recent “Welcome to America” cruise she did.
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a host family, check out her Facebook page or contact her directly.
Heidi Cser
(916) 749-2283
Heidi_cser@yahoo.com
Volunteering in the Age of Technology
In today’s digital age, volunteering has evolved to include virtual and remote opportunities. If mobility or time constraints are barriers, consider volunteering online. From tutoring students virtually to contributing to open-source projects, online platforms offer a variety of ways to contribute to causes you care about without leaving your home. According to a 2021 survey by Points of Light, 92% of volunteers believe that virtual opportunities are just as impactful as in-person ones. Whether it’s managing a nonprofit’s social media account or helping with administrative tasks, virtual volunteering can be a great way to give back from anywhere in the world.
The Lasting Impact of Giving Back
At its core, giving back is about building a better world—one act of kindness, one hour of volunteering, & one connection at a time. While the personal benefits are profound, the greatest reward is knowing that your efforts contribute to the collective good, creating positive change that ripples outward. This November, consider how you can make giving back a part of your life, not just for the holidays, but year-round.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Are you ready to start making a difference?
Doing things that are small often make a bigger impact than you think. Here are some small ways you can start making an impact today:
Share your leftovers with a homeless person
Donate time at church or your local school
Smiling at a stranger
Pay off kids school fines
Be a mentor
Donate blood
Going global
Now that you’ve got the ball rolling, there’s no reason to stop there! We know our ReBelle’s think big! So for those of you who are looking to make an impact on an even greater scale, here’s a couple ideas near & dear to our hearts for you to check out:
Hurricane Helene Relief
The recent hurricane across our southeastern states has been nothing short of tragic & overwhelming. Here are a few organizations who are boots-on-the-ground & doing great work in the most impacted areas:
Maui Fires
A friend of mine has a few employees who tragically lost their homes in the fire in Lahaina. Here are their stories:
Ruth Lei Blando
Lei is a single mom with a teenage son. In 2018, Lei won a small plot of land in Lahaina through a lottery for low income Hawaiian families. Lei & her son spent years helping to build their new home with Habit for Humanity. They lived in that home for less than two years before it burned down on August 8, 2023.
Lei & her son are currently living over an hour from Lahaina through FEMA’s rental assistance program & commute to Lahaina daily for work & school. Currently, their property has been cleared of all debris & they are hoping to start the rebuilding process in the next year so they can return to their hometown.
If you’d like to help Lei & her son, you can find her on CashApp: $blando77
Kahelelani Alipio
Kahele worked as a manager in Lahaina. She lost her home, place of employment, & her car that she had to ditch to flee the fire on foot with her boyfriend. The two of them, along with his sisters, lost everything in Lahaina & relocated to the south side.
On September 4th, Kahele & her boyfriend Zeff had their first baby, a healthy baby boy. They are looking forward to moving back to Lahaina in the future to raise their son.
You can send your support to her PayPal: KaheleAlipio@gmail.com
Masaka, Uganda
Another friend of mine has been helping improve the lives of homeless children in Uganda through Masaka Lights Canada Foundation. For over 20 years, this foundation has worked tirelessly to provide funds for education, medical care, & mental health support.
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We highlight a great charity each month that will inspire you & keep the giving spirit alive all year long! Let’s make a difference, together!