I am always looking for new ideas on how I can improve my community, I really like the area I live in and want to help make it even better! I think that every way we can help is important no matter how big or small we think the difference is someone will appreciate it. 
Some of the ways we have recently tried to help out in are making weekly donations of food and books to our local food pantry, collecting lip balm and socks for children with Cancer and toys for sick children. Years ago when I was a single mom I had to visit food pantries for help and noticed there wasn’t much in the way of things for kids to do when visiting so I always include some books when we donate and make sure to include some organic baby food along with fun snacks for little ones. My niece is a Cancer survivor and throughout the year we collect lip balm and socks to donate to current inpatients at the hospital where she (and Tates) were patients during treatment. Although Tates wasn’t a Cancer patient he did receive treatment (and surgery) at the same phenomenal hospital which is where the toys come in. We donate tons of toys to the hospital to be used by the inpatients, I know with a little one being sick toys can make a huge difference and even a moment of fun while in the hospital is a blessing.
Community Action feels like an adventure and is something we carry with us everyday. That said, use the Community Action Pack that outlines the best of the resources on the web that exist to drive community engagement and action no matter what issue someone is facing. Below are the digital platforms that are highlighted:
• POPVOX: Find out what issues are being addressed in Congress through an easy-to-use website
• All For Good: Volunteer matching service no matter where you live or how much time you have to offer
• MindMixer: A platform that makes it easier to share ideas with city leaders
• Story of Stuff’s Changemaker Quiz: Find out what type of changemaker you are
• SeeClickFix and CitySourced: Allow you to easily connect and report civic issues directly to your local officials using the camera and GPS in your smartphone
• Sunlight Foundation’s Call On Congress: An 800 number that allows you to track bills in Congress
• Ashoka Changemakers: Get the tools and resources for your idea that can better the world
• Care2: empowering citizens through creating and signing petitions
• NationBuilder and WordPress: The tools to create a website and outreach platform for an issue that’s important for you
• MeetUp: Find or start a meetup group to discuss the issues your community faces and the solutions and change making that is possible
• Neighborgoods: Connects people to save money and resources by sharing goods in the hopes of building stronger communities
• Twitter and Facebook: Strategies to leverage social media platforms to make change in your community. Check out the Facebook Connect Experience
Promised Land is the new contemporary drama directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk). Matt Damon plays Steve Butler, an ace corporate salesman who is sent along with his partner, Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand), to close a key rural town in his company’s expansion plans. With the town having been hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, the two outsiders see the local citizens as likely to accept their company’s offer, for drilling rights to their properties, as much-needed relief. What seems like an easy job for the duo becomes complicated by the objection of a respected schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook) with support from a grassroots campaign led by another man (John Krasinski), as well as the interest of a local woman (Rosemarie DeWitt). Promised Land explores America at the crossroads where big business and the strength of small-town community converge.
I would love to hear your ideas and how you and your family make a difference in your community!
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Looks like a great movie!!
We try to make a difference by staying involved politically on a small local level, trying to buy from local farms….we also donate to the food panty and toy drives!
JulieK recently posted..Cloth Diaper Bloggers: Switch to Cloth Free Event – Signups open!
That does look like a good movie. We help our community by donating and volunteering at local shelters.
Pam recently posted..Partying in the Kitchen With Wayfair
We try to make a difference by donating school supplies, toys, clothing, food pantry items, and things of that nature. My husband and I also make it a priority to be informed of all of the things going on in our community and what/who can help.
Whitney J. recently posted..Comfort-U Body Pillow
I’m really excited for this movie! &I love how you make such an effort to give back.
Shell Fruscione recently posted..If You Can Dream It, You Can Pin It Pinterest Contest & Giveaway! #DisneyWishlist
I need to look into things I can do within my own community. I haven’t put roots down here yet so I’m still learning the place!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted..Arby’s National Hat Day – Celebrate with Chocolate Molten Lava Cake!
This is a phenomenal post, and I’m so glad you shared Community Action Pack. It can sometimes be hard to figure out how to help a certain community, especially if you’re new in town, and I love the different ideas you offered. One project I’m really passionate about is Reach Out and Read- with the help of local healthcare providers, it gives books to underprivileged children and promotes early literacy. I was lucky enough to work with them at my last job and they truly make a difference, plus they’re always looking for volunteers and book donations. Just another idea if you’re not sure where to donate the books your kids no longer read.
Thanks again for the great info and a great blog in general!
I have never heard of this BUT am always looking for good places that need books! Thank you so much for sharing this, we literally have a box of books sitting in the dining room waiting for a home!!
Oooh that looks great!
Ashley – Embracing Beauty recently posted..Free Valentine Subway Art Printable
Oh this sounds like a great movie. I am always thinking of ways to improve my community too!
Stefani recently posted..D-Link Wireless N Day/Night Home Network Camera (DCS-932L) Review
Great post Bri! I think you’re right. Big or small, someone will appreciate it. We just never know when.
Tammy recently posted..The Road to Obama — How Volunteering Led Me Straight to the President
Bri,
Thanks for what you’re doing to make a difference in the community! My family is grateful! Interested in the Care2…
We love donating and helping our community! Got this on our must watch list! Thanks!
Cinella recently posted..Kidz Can Design *Shout-Out*
I <3 Matt Damon!
Heather Johnson recently posted..How Long Does Food Last? Infographic
I love the community action pack! I want one!
Lisa recently posted..Official LEGO YouTube Channel playlist and $1000 giveaway
Thank you for such an informative post! I help out where I can but it isn’t always easy, usually the best thing you can donate is time – there is always someone who can really use you for 10 mintes!
We are involved in many ways, nothing major or huge, but many ways. We try to give back at church, and donate to shelters and stuff. Clothing and items we can’t use go to Goodwill or I post them for others- we’re getting a new dishwasher this week and a friend is moving into a house without a dishwasher, so we’re giving to her. We do what we can with what we have. There’s always something we can give even if its just time
Brett recently posted..Mini Boden Starting At $10.99!
All these things are so wonderful, sound like your family have big hearts and you are setting a great example for your kids
I’m brand new to my community and I have a lot to learn about it! I like the idea of this movie. =)
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