April 21, 2017
Spring is a time for beginnings. Nature brings new life, and life brings new opportunities. As the weather warms and the windows open, there are endless ways to make 2017 the year you become active in your community. Here are six ideas for getting involved this spring:
- Join or start a community garden. Community gardens allow people to grow together as they grow food. The vegetables harvested from a community garden are sometimes shared among members, sometimes donated to local food banks or sometimes just taken home by the members who grow them. Regardless of your garden’s mission, it can be a great way to get outside, meet new people and share your green thumb with others.
If your area doesn’t have a community garden, find some like-minded friends and approach your city or town council about starting one. Local governments often have unused plots of municipal land near trails and parks that are ideal for this purpose.
- Host a 5K supporting a local charity. Many avid runners brave the snow and bitter temperatures in pursuit of their passion. Others may be kicking the dust off their running shoes and getting back into the swing of things. Either way, the cool spring weather is ideal for 5K runs.
By charging a registration fee, you can generate funds for a local charity of your choosing. You can also solicit donations from local grocery stores for post-run snacks and water to help cut costs. As with any athletic activity, keep safety first. Local police can help you determine safe routes for your runners and keep those streets clear on the day of your run.
- Shop locally. Small businesses are a big part of your community’s local economy. By being a patron of these businesses, you are helping to promote a strong, vibrant community for everyone around you. Consider taking a break from big-box stores and purchasing food from a small grocer.
To make an even bigger impact, organize a "cash mob." A cash mob is an organized group of shoppers who descend on a store at once and spend an established amount of money, usually $10 to $20. This gives an economic boost and a surprise to a local business while providing a fun, organized event for shoppers who want their economic community to thrive.
- Get your paws dirty. If you have a tender heart for animals, consider donating your time and affection to a local shelter. Pet shelters often have a need for people who can help exercise and play with the animals. These shelters are always thankful for any physical resources you can donate as well.
If you’re already a pet owner, consider putting him or her to work in the community. Many schools and nursing homes welcome therapy dogs to help people deal with stress, loneliness and other problems. Organizations like the American Kennel Club even have certification programs for therapy dogs.
- Get to know your neighbors. You probably know a handful of your neighbors, but do you know them all? Strong, supportive communities are built on social ties. The more people you know, the more needs your community will be able to meet. Don’t forget to connect with the original social network — your neighborhood!
Consider hosting a block party or a backyard barbecue, or even delivering bags of homemade baked goods to everyone on your street. By simply introducing yourself, you’ll be making your neighborhood a friendlier, more welcoming place.
- Connect with a Gleaner arbor. Getting involved is a rich part of the Gleaner tradition. As a Gleaner member, you are part of a local Gleaner service club, or arbor. You can find your arbor online by logging on to the member portal at www.gleanerlife.org. Arbors provide volunteer opportunities throughout the year, impacting individuals and organizations in need of assistance. Many of them even plan events like those outlined in this article.
If there isn’t an arbor in your area or you aren’t a Gleaner member, email us at forum@gleanerlife.org to learn more.