“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Most of us have heard this quote by Mahatma Gandhi and perhaps even been inspired by it. It’s a beautiful sentiment that reminds us how everyone has the power to make an impact.
Our society continues to face various challenges like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, child labor, and much more. A famous quote says,” Great changes in society are always inspired and set in motion by one person. Be that person today”.
But sometimes when we hear about so many global issues on the news, it can be difficult to believe that just one person can make a difference. Luckily, social change doesn’t have to happen instantly or on your own. By working together with your community to change lives one day at a time, your actions can have a meaningful impact. Social change comes in many varieties. It’s not just setting up NGOs or making large movements. Much simpler acts, which might only affect one person, can have as much of an impact as larger actions.
You don’t have to be someone powerful or in a higher position to create change in this country. In fact, by thinking locally, you’re able to take immediate and significant actions, big or small, that benefit you and the people around you. And the best part is that there is nothing stopping you from starting today! For as long as humans have been around, we’ve been asking ourselves questions about our purpose in life and how we can best fulfill it. These existential questions seem to be a part of human nature and often drive people to start social innovation projects so they can leave a meaningful mark on the world. But sometimes, it’s hard to see what difference one person can make and how we can help our local and global communities.
So if, like us, you’re looking to positively impact your community but aren’t quite sure where to start, here are some ways you can contribute, along with some distinct examples to help you get started.
Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Small, random acts of kindness—like smiling at a stranger or holding the door open for someone—can be a great way to make a social change impact. Sometimes these random acts of kindness even start a ripple effect that can spread far beyond the first actor. The great thing is that it doesn’t take much effort or planning to create a positive impact. Studies show that simple acts of kindness can actually make the person doing them happier and can even have positive health benefits.
Use Your Voice
You have opinions. Why don’t you use them for good? You can use your voice to help people out, either by supporting their businesses, amplifying their needs, or making sure they’re aware of important happenings. Some ways you can use your voice are by writing positive reviews of local businesses, sharing important information with community groups, showing support for things that matter to you, etc.
Observe and Act
Another very vital thing that helps us in bringing about the required changes in our society is observation. You will not be able to bring about a positive transformation in society until and unless you have a detailed understanding of the problems and issues that society is facing. Therefore, it is very important for you to observe the various problems that the less privileged section of society is facing in their day-to-day lives. You must act only after having a detailed understanding of the various issues our society is facing. Your keen observation will enable you to plan efficiently and act accordingly to make this society a healthier place to live in.
Create a Mission-First Business
Mission-first business is a way business owners can make a social change impact. A mission-first business can still operate as a for-profit enterprise but is oriented around a socially impactful mission. The business emphasizes making a positive impact on society and not just on profits. The more a mission-first business grows, the larger the social impact it can make. Combining business success with social change can prove good for business.
Give Your Time
It takes a lot of people to help a town or city run smoothly, and not just the ones who are employed to do so. Volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute and it can simultaneously provide you with valuable experience. Think about what skills you have (or want to build) that could be useful to others. Some ways that you give your time are cleaning up a park, organizing a food drive, building a free library, etc.
Vote With Your Wallet
Any business knows buyers have power. This means that consumers can create a social change impact by only buying goods from socially conscious companies. Companies will notice if many consumers stop buying their products. When enough people support socially conscious companies, the unethical companies will be forced to acquiesce or risk going out of business.
Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
It is very important for you to connect with like-minded people if you wish to do something for society. Interact with people who have the mindset to bring about a positive change in the lives of the less privileged people in society. Work together in order to spread happiness among the people who need it.
Positive social change can be accomplished in large and small ways. Regardless of the size of the gesture, big social change impacts are possible. So now that you have an idea about the ways you can bring a change in the lives of the less privileged section of society, start working for the society because even a small effort on your part can light up someone’s life and can spread happiness, love, and peace in their lives.