I think most of us want to be a positive force for society. We all strive to be the best person we can be, but it can be difficult to know what we can do that will actually make a difference.
It’s easy to see this struggle by visiting any social media network. Thousands of people will pound out angry responses to a controversial message on Facebook, or start a petition on a site no one has ever heard of that isn’t going to go anywhere.
Truly it’s a sad thing because it’s obvious that people are trying to influence people – they just don’t understand the correct way to do it.
Keyboard smashing or internet trolling does not change the world. In fact, it tends to add to the negative energy that exists on most of these social platforms.
Here I wanted to give you three things you can do today to start making a positive difference in the world. These ways tend to take a little more work – but we promise it’s a lot more satisfying when you KNOW you’re making a difference.
Go to a Town Hall Meeting or Join a Political Organization
If the change you want to see is local, attending and being active at your town hall meetings can go a long way.
The changes you can inspire during a town hall meeting will directly affect you and the people you care for, but it also has the potential to instigate changes in other communities.
I have a good friend who is a leader in Wolf PAC, which is an “American progressive political action committee formed in 2011 with the goal of ending corporate personhood and publicly financing all elections in our country, to include the restriction of large monetary donations to political candidates, parties, and groups.”
Throughout her work, she has been able to raise awareness and create real change.
Start a Blog
More and more people are turning to influencers around the world to help them through their day to day life.
It’s not only their day to day life you can influence either. By approaching the topic correctly and in a non-combative way, you can change people’s perspective on different social issues.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start a blog, maybe it’s time to give it a chance! Although it’s going to be rocky in the beginning, it’s well-worth the change it can create in people’s lives.
Volunteer
Volunteering is one of my favorite ways to help create change. If you ever find yourself in an emotional slump, providing service to others can work wonders to get you feeling better again.
Volunteering benefits you just as much as it benefits who you are doing it for. There are probably tens of organizations within your area, so it’s definitely something to consider.
For me, I love engaging with people. That means that a positive volunteer experience for me is to help out in the local homeless shelter.
Wondering how this creates change on a larger scale?
Volunteering in any organization (especially one recognized by the government) can help you make connections with powerful people. Once you become familiar with those in charge, you can help organize rallies or fundraisers around the cause.
Wrapping It Up
Remember that regardless of who you are, ranting on Facebook or Twitter is unlikely to change the world (even you, Mr. Trump) . If you want to create real change and bring awareness to the things you are passionate about, reconsider before you write out that angry comment to someone’s post.
Starting a blog, joining a political organization, or volunteering are a lot more effective in creating the change you want to see in the world.