How to make a positive impact in 2022

As we turn the page on 2021 and get ready for 2022, many of us are working on our goals for the new year. And for most of us, our goals usually fall into one of a few different categories. For example:

• family and relationships
• health and well being
• financial health
• and career-related goals

Another goal area that many of us are exploring right now is the area of community service. But with so many community service paths to consider, it can be hard to know where to begin. 

If you're feeling a little unsure about how to begin yourself, we have an exercise for you that will help you get started with your service journey. With this simple exercise you'll be able to choose your path by reflecting on 3 simple questions. 

Three questions to help you start serving in 2022

#1) What activities do you love to do? 

Think of this in terms of both work and non-work settings. Which activities do you love immersing yourself in and love doing? Whether it is writing, photography, videography, research, graphic design, teaching, mentoring, immersing yourself in the outdoors, collaborating on group projects, practicing your particular form of art, or any other activity...Take a few minutes to reflect on the activities that give you an intrinsic sense of fulfillment. Then write all of them down in your notebook.

#2) What causes are you most passionate about? 

Most of us have at least one important cause or initiative that we care deeply about. For example, our team members have interests that center on the environment, social justice, affordable housing, mental health, animal welfare, food insecurity, learning and literacy, and supporting local businesses...Once again, take some time to reflect. Think about the causes that matter most to you, and write all of them down in your notebook. 

#3) Now, how can you combine your activities and causes and start serving? 

Here's your chance to imagine the possibilities.

For instance, if you are someone who loves immersing yourself in nature and you're passionate about protecting the environment, then joining a local environmental group and participating in outdoor service projects could be the way for you to launch your community service work. 

Or maybe you love to write and you care deeply about food insecurity in our community. Then donating your writing skills to support a local food bank's social media and community outreach efforts could be the perfect way for you to get started.  

Or perhaps you love teaching and your are passionate about learning and literacy. Then using your teaching skills to mentor and tutor children could be your niche for making an impact. 

Take some time to reflect on all of the different ways that you can begin serving, and write all of them down in your notebook. Then listen to your heart and choose the activity and the cause that you feel will help you make your most meaningful impact. 

You don't need an invitation to get started. 

Each of us has our own unique and valuable contributions to offer, and many local groups are still building their infrastructure and are in need of help right now. So getting started can be as easy as reaching out to a local non-profit and letting them know you'd like to contribute. Based on our experience, you will be received very enthusiastically as long as you are clearly committed and sincere about your desire to make a difference. 

If you'd like some help thinking through your community service options, please reach out to us. Sometimes it can be helpful to have a conversation partner as you consider your next steps. We'd be happy to serve in this role for you and share more about our journey, too.