We know what you're thinking, I'm so young, how can I make a difference? Many kids think that making a difference is a hard thing to do when this is just not true!
First remember, starting small is the key. Even on your own you can make a difference. Volunteerism and helping others is easy and seriously fun! Think of something you are passionate about, whether it be education, music, sports, politics, religion, the environment, or animals and figure out a way to make a difference.
"Helping others and making a difference is not about raising millions of dollars, having famous people advocating for your cause, being on TV, or having 500 volunteers. It's about changing peoples lives, 1 person at a time!"
Everything helps and youre never to young to get started!
Below are a few ideas on how you can start to make a difference.
#1: Start giving back today, tell someone thank you!
Giving back can be as simple as brightening someones day!
A few ideas...
Practice random acts of kindness: hold the door for someone, say thank you, or pay someone a compliment
Practice the 3 Rs: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse
Share a smile to cheer someone up
Organinize a recognition program for volunteers
Design a campaign to promote tolerance and the understanding of differences
Volunteer as a counselor at a local summer camp
Volunteer to do office work for a local nonprofit agency
Volunteer to lead a club of youth
Share a talent through teaching a class
Make a Valentine for a Veteran
Run or walk for a charity face with friends
Volunteer to be a museum guide
Plan an ethnic or cultural awareness day
Ask your mayor to sign a proclamation for an important community event
Stand up for something you believe in by peacefully protesting
Plant a tree
Organize an exchange between rural and urban kids to promote understanding
Recognize veterans in your community
On Thanksgiving, have your family share what youre thankful for
Organize a coat drive in which gently used coats are then donated for to a shelter
Offer safety tips for youngsters during Halloween
DJ on a community radio station
Explore history by interviewing a nursing home resident
Read a book to someone (maybe even a little sister or brother)
Create a website about youth volunteering
Make a public service announcement
Celebrate a birthday by asking friends to donate items for a cause rather than gifts
Become a pen pal with someone from another country
Collected unused toiletries for a center for abused women
Donate your gently used glasses, clothes, books, coats, or toys!
Take a CPR class
Ask your fire department how you can help others learn about fire safety
Make a Halloween Safety Kit for youth
Collect money for a good cause
Start a campaign against teen suicide
Organize a drug free pledge campaign
Talk to your school about fire and tornado safety
Organize a self-defense workshop
Create and distribute a list of hotline for kids who might need help
Paint a mural over destructive graffiti
Dont litter!
Set up a buddy system to match new students with current students
Start an anti-smoking campaign
Encourage the cafeteria to donate leftover food
Feature community minded people on a school bulletin board
Collect school supplies and give them to kids that need them
Be part of your schools student council!
Volunteer at your church, synagogue, or place of worship
Say thank you to your teacher!
Volunteer to be part of a school flag raiding ceremony
Assist an after-school or sports program for younger children
VOTE and encourage others to vote!
Contact your legislator about an issue close to your heart
Help cook or serve a meal at a homeless shelter
Food drive- set up collection bins at your school
Volunteer to help at Special Olympics events
Clean a neighbors yard who cannot do it themselves
Organize a community chorus, orchestra, or band
Plant a community garden
Encourage people to check batteries in their smoke detectors
Join the service club at your school. If you dont have one, start one!
Organize a blood drive with the American Red Cross
Be a family energy watchdog, shut off lights and TVs when not in use
Clean up trash at a park or along a creek
Test the health of the water in your local lakes, rivers, or streams
Got places to be? Ride your bike instead of taking the family car
Sponsor an environmental slogan contest at school
Collect Aluminum cans and donate the money to your favorite charity
Start a compost pile and encourage your family to use it!
Learn about and Purchase Free Trade items
Start an environmental protection club
Teach a senior friend how to use a computer or the internet
Volunteer at an animal shelter
Foster a dog for persons with disabilities
Adopt a Zoo Animal
Volunteer at a local wildlife sanctuary or park
Join the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or any other club that is focused on youth
If you would like to get involved with Grandma's Gifts please let us know! We are always looking to create educational partnerships with schools and talk to kids about making a difference!