Take local action: Ways to help your community right now

It’s the everyday people in local communities that experience the struggles and challenges that legislators in Washington deliberate and debate. They feel the impacts of the policies and systems that are in place and how that plays out where they live.

It’s these same people who can focus their time, effort, and energy into helping their own communities. Community members know local problems and areas of need better than anyone. They can use their voices and channel their concerns to communicate, listen to each other, and take action where it’s most needed.

Volunteering to help your community has a range of benefits. People over 60 report better physical and mental health from volunteering, and research shows it can reduce depression and anxiety. In addition to improving the health of individuals, community engagement actually works to solve problems and positively impact social, economic, and environmental issues.

The following are 30 concrete actions you can take to support your community. Learn how you can make a real, positive difference in these key areas.

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Support schools, education, and the learning environment

There are many ways that you can support accessible, equitable, and safe learning for children and adults both in and out of the classroom. There are nonprofit programs in different cities that organize volunteer opportunities, like New York Cares to investigate. Here are some key opportunities for you to get involved:

• Student tutoring: Offer your time to tutor students who need extra help with subjects like math, reading, or science. Many schools, libraries, and community centers have tutoring programs where you can support students one-on-one or in small groups.
• Help with English language learning: Support non-native English speakers by volunteering with ESL (English as a Second Language) programs. You can help children and adults improve their reading, writing, and conversation skills, making it easier for them to thrive in school and daily life.
• Collect and donate school supplies: Many students lack basic supplies like notebooks, pencils, and backpacks. Organize a school supply drive in your community or donate directly to local schools, shelters, or nonprofits that support students in need.
• Volunteer to help in the classroom or library: Schools often welcome volunteers to assist teachers with classroom activities, reading programs, or organizing books in the library. Even a few hours a week can make a big difference to support educators in the current teacher shortage crisis. 
• Organize and provide educational workshops for children and adults: Share your knowledge by hosting workshops on topics like financial literacy, computer skills, or career development. Libraries, community centers, and after-school programs are great places to offer free learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Support healthcare needs and health initiatives

One of the biggest challenges affecting communities in America right now is the lack of healthcare access and affordability. Homelessness, which is at an all-time high, is another major problem. Unhoused people and those who don’t have health insurance struggle to get medical care, treatment, and healthy food that they need. Here are some ways you can help:

• Donate blood: Blood donations are essential for hospitals and emergency care, helping patients who have undergone surgeries, accidents, or illnesses. Find a local blood drive or donation center through organizations like the Red Cross or a local hospital to give a lifesaving donation.
• Assist at free clinics: Many communities have free or low-cost clinics that rely on volunteers to help with administrative tasks, patient check-ins, or even medical services if you have the right qualifications. Some include Federally Qualified Health Centers and Planned Parenthood.
• Donate hygiene products: Access to basic hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, and menstrual products is a major challenge for many people experiencing homelessness. You can collect and donate these essential items to shelters, outreach programs, or mutual aid groups that distribute supplies to those in need.
• Volunteer at soup kitchens and food banks: Food insecurity affects millions of people, including children and seniors. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen to help prepare and serve meals, or assist at a food bank by sorting and distributing groceries to families in need.
• Start or contribute to a community garden: Community gardens provide fresh, healthy food to neighborhoods while also fostering a sense of connection. If your community has a shared garden, volunteer your time to help maintain it. If not, consider starting one to improve food access for those facing hunger.
• Support mental health initiatives: Many crisis helplines and peer support groups need volunteers to provide emotional support or help connect people with resources. You can volunteer with organizations that focus on mental health awareness, crisis intervention, or suicide prevention.

Protect, improve, and rebuild the local environment

It’s no secret that local communities and the planet as a whole are facing a climate and pollution crisis. We can see the impacts in increasing natural disasters that wreck towns and cities every year. Here are some ways you can do your part to support your local environment:

• Advocate for green policies at the local level: Support initiatives that promote renewable energy, sustainable city planning, and pollution reduction. Attend city council meetings, start or sign petitions, or work with local leaders to push for environmental policies like plastic bag bans, improved public transportation, or green infrastructure projects.
• Help with emergency preparedness and response efforts: Join or support local disaster response teams, such as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), to help prepare for and respond to wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. You can also assist with relief efforts by donating supplies, organizing fundraisers, or volunteering with organizations that provide aid to affected communities.
• Join or start neighborhood and parks cleanups: Litter and pollution harm local ecosystems, wildlife, and public spaces. Participate in or organize community cleanups to remove trash from parks, streets, and waterways. Many cities and environmental groups host cleanup events that anyone can join.
• Volunteer with a local environmental advocacy organization: Many nonprofits work to protect green spaces, restore habitats, and fight pollution. You can help by planting trees, restoring wetlands, educating the public, or assisting with community sustainability projects. Look for groups that focus on conservation, waste reduction, or climate action in your area.

Help fight crime and promote community safety

Crime prevention starts with strong, connected communities. By working together, residents can help deter crime, support victims, and advocate for safer neighborhoods. Here are some ways you can take action to make your community safer:

• Support violence prevention programs: Volunteer with or donate to organizations that provide mentorship, conflict resolution, and resources for at-risk youth to prevent crime before it starts.
• Advocate for better street lighting and security measures: Poorly lit areas can invite crime. Push for more streetlights, security cameras, or community patrols in high-crime areas.
• Help victims of crime: Offer support through crisis hotlines, shelters, or victim advocacy groups that help survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or other crimes.

Support traffic and pedestrian safety 

Safe streets benefit everyone — whether you’re walking, biking, or driving. Communities can help reduce injuries and damage caused by accidents by taking steps like these:

• Advocate for traffic calming measures: Push for speed bumps, stop signs, bike lanes, and better crosswalks to slow down cars and protect pedestrians.
• Volunteer for a Safe Routes to School program: Help kids get to school safely by organizing walking groups, advocating for safer crosswalks, or assisting crossing guards.
• Be a bike safety advocate: Advocate for protected bike lanes and other bike safety infrastructure and policies

Help marginalized groups in your community

Members of the LGBTQ community, older people, people with disabilities, and People of Color are just some of the marginalized groups that experience inequalities and injustices. Here are ways to help marginalized people where you live: 

• Volunteer or donate to organizations that support marginalized groups: Nonprofits and community groups provide services like legal aid, housing support, mental health resources, and job training for marginalized people. Find a local or national organization that aligns with your values and offer your time, skills, or financial support.
• Advocate for policies that help marginalized people: Call for policies that promote equity, such as anti-discrimination laws, accessible healthcare, and affordable housing. Contact local representatives, start or sign petitions, and campaign for candidates that support these policies to establish them. 
• Support DEI programs at work or school: Even with DEI restrictions in the second Trump administration, employees and students can still advocate for DEI initiatives and values.

Strengthen your local economy

A thriving local economy creates jobs, supports small businesses, and improves overall quality of life. Here are some ways you can contribute to a better economy:

• Shop local and support small businesses: Instead of buying from big-box retailers, shop at farmers’ markets, local boutiques, and family-owned restaurants. Keeping money in the local economy helps small businesses grow and create jobs.
• Support workforce development programs: Help people access better job opportunities by volunteering with job training programs, mentorship initiatives, or resume-building workshops. Many community centers, libraries, and nonprofits offer services to help individuals gain skills and find employment.
• Advocate for fair wages and worker protections: Support policies that ensure fair wages, paid leave, and worker protections in your community. Attend city council meetings, contact legislators, or join organizations that fight for workers’ rights.

Protect and support animals

Animals — whether pets, wildlife, or farm animals — are an important part of the community, too, and often need our help. Here are some ways to promote animal welfare and safety in your community:

• Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue: Animal shelters always need extra hands for feeding, cleaning, socializing animals, and helping with adoption events. You can also foster animals in need of temporary homes until they find a permanent family.
• Advocate for stronger animal welfare laws: Support legislation that improves animal welfare, such as banning puppy mills, preventing wildlife habitat destruction, or strengthening anti-cruelty laws. Contact local representatives, start or sign animal rights petitions, or join animal advocacy groups.
• Help reduce stray animal populations: Support or participate in local trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs for stray cats to help control populations humanely. If you see stray animals, report them to a local shelter or rescue.

Take action wherever your community needs it with a petition

One way you can help your community in all of these areas is by starting a petition. 

Petitions help bring awareness to urgent issues, rally community support, and push decision-makers to take action. Whether you want to improve education, safety, or health where you live, your voice can make an impact.

If you see a problem in your community that needs attention, don’t wait for someone else to fix it—take action. Start a petition today and be the catalyst for meaningful change.