Like many people, you may want to change the world, but might underestimate the powerful impact you can have through smaller actions in your local community. As anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.”
Spending more time at home has given many of us the unique opportunity to contribute and become more involved in our local communities. I know I am not alone in saying that I recently met some of my neighbors for the first time. I feel a sense of community I haven’t felt since I lived on campus during college and I feel excited to be contributing to the area where I live.
There are several ways to get involved locally. With so many businesses struggling to stay open, take the time to shop in your town or city and support small businesses. Whether you are getting takeout, buying a gift, or shopping for yourself, there is always an opportunity to make a purchase locally and support your community members.
At a time when Conscious Capitalism and social responsibility are on the rise, some businesses are going above and beyond to support their local area. One of those groups, helping the area where I grew up, is Mill Town Capital in the Berkshires. Mill Town is an investment group based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts with the mission to expand and improve the quality of life in the area. During the pandemic, in partnership with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Mill Town surprised area essential workers with pop-up concerts by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax as a thank you for their continued efforts. To keep music and the arts alive, Mill Town hosted Tanglewood in the City and Music on Main, and supported murals by Artscape and a virtual holiday market by IS183 Art School. In a time when outdoor recreation activities saw an uptick in participation, Mill Town, and several area partners, created an extensive outdoor recreation plan that highlights the area’s vast range of opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Volunteer efforts are still in full swing, and maybe you have some extra time on your hands without the daily commute to the office. Find something you are passionate about and a local group that supports a cause related to that passion and see if there are socially distanced volunteer opportunities. I love to read and found the Prison Book Program, an organization in the city where I live that provides books to inmates. Even though their volunteer program is on hold, they are still accepting book donations, so I cleaned out my bookcase and plan to donate several books to the organization. Do you enjoy being outside? Maybe your community is looking for volunteers to clean up the public spaces or plant trees. There are so many possibilities to volunteer in a safe way, and you will have the opportunity to meet others with the same passion who live in the same area.
Another way to support your community is to subscribe to your local newspaper at a time when media outlets need your help. According to research by the University of North Carolina’s School of Media and Journalism shared in The New York Times, more than one in five papers in the United States has closed in the past 15 years and there is half the number of journalists working for the papers. Local newspapers are the best way to stay informed about issues and events that affect your area. Getting coverage in local media outlets can also be a great way to raise awareness about the community organizations you endorse. Local outlets will be read by those in the community who can benefit from and support your efforts. Most newspapers have calendars where residents can post notices about upcoming events and many allow people to submit photos with information about events that have already happened. Many communities without local newspapers have online bulletin boards where you can share information.
If we all get involved in our local community and make even the slightest difference, it will all add up and the world will become a better place.
