In this series, we’ve offered a variety of resources – from apps to documentaries to podcasts – that allow you to dive deeper into each element of the Points of Light Civic Circle. We know that different people have different learning styles, and these various types of content can help support you to understand concepts around civic engagement, from volunteering to voting to donating.
Now we’re offering nine blogs you can read over your morning coffee or tea to get educated and inspired to contribute to the greater good. Check out these blogs to stoke your passion for getting involved in your community and beyond.
Donate: GreenDrop Charitable Donations
So you want to support a cause that’s close to your heart but you don’t have the budget to spare. There are still many ways for you to give. This blog outlines eight accesssible, productive and meaningful things you can do to give back to a nonprofit organization that is making a difference in your community without spending a dime.
Listen & Learn: Notes From an Aspiring Humanitarian
This blog is made up of powerful and poignant posts on racial identity, diversity and inclusion. Delving into spheres of higher education, healthcare, entertainment and social work, articles provide opportunities for critical thinking and consideration of others’ lived experiences. Blogs are made up of quotes, personal accounts and reflections, news stories and other artifacts and discuss everything from Critical Race Theory to intersectionality.
Purchase Power: Earth911
Earth911 is on a mission to see “more ideas, less waste.” This blog dives into DIY projects, eco tech, sustainable energy sources, recycling and tax credits. If you’re interested in learning more about how to make greener choices with your wallet, this is a good place to start gathering ideas. (Psst – they also have a podcast if you’d like to listen to these topics on the go!)
Service: AmeriCorps
If you’re considering any type of national service – for instance, via an organization like AmeriCorps – it’s good to know what you can expect. Fortunately, with over 250,000 current members and volunteers plus over 1 million alumni, AmeriCorps has a wide array of stories to share. Their blog includes individual accounts from inside the world of national service to help you become more educated on what the experience of national service entails.
Social Entrepreneur: Mashable’s Social Good
Mashable’s Social Good section includes a host of stories on how technology is driving social change. This blog features up-to-date news articles as well as stories of individuals and organizations using tech to change the world, one issue at a time. The next time you’re feeling less than hopeful about social media or the state of the tech world, give some of these posts a read to find out how social entrepreneurs are using digital innovation wisely to advocate for the causes they care about!
Vote: Vote Smart
The Vote Smart blog equips readers with the research, tools and statistics they need to make more informed decisions during election season and beyond. They publish a weekly blog called, “This Week in Research,” keeping you informed about current events around voting and other key political issues. There are also blog posts on election fraud and security, voter eligibility abd absentee voting – all from a factual, nonpartisan perspective.
Voice: Voices of Youth
Everyone’s voice matters, regardless of age, experience or socioeconomic status. Voices of Youth offers young people between the ages of 13 and 24 to contribute to their blog in the form of written word, photography or video. These submissions are remarkably unique and tell stories about today’s biggest issues with compelling creativity. Topics range from gender identity to disability to human rights, with a refreshing youth perspective.
Volunteer: Daily Point of Light
Points of Light recognizes extraordinary acts of civic engagement through its Daily Point of Light Award program, founded by President George H.W. Bush in 1993. President Bush called these civically engaged individuals “points of light,” devoting very special attention to voluntary community service as a means of helping solve some of America’s most serious social problems. Read their stories to get inspired!
Work: TriplePundit
Looking for the latest research on corporate social responsibility and the tools and technology driving employee engagement on today’s landscape? Look no further than the TriplePundit, which has been reporting on the intersection of people, planet and profit for more than a decade. Believing that business can be a force for good, TriplePundit publishes a variety of blog posts on research data, consumer trends, leadership and transparency and activism – all related to CSR and sustainability professionals, as well as concerned citizens everywhere.
Once you give these blogs a read, tag us on social media to share your favorites and tell us how they motivated you to create the change you wish to see in the world.
This piece is part of a series that highlights the many ways you can activate the Points of Light Civic Circle using various tools. Check out all the ways you can live your best civic life.