In this modern day, a community is much more than a group of people living in the same area, it’s a sense of belonging. We all need a community to lift us up when the going gets tough and support us in everything we do. Being apart of a community fuels us with purpose while inspiring us to make a difference.

However becoming apart of a community can be slightly challenging. It takes conscious effort and endless commitment to giving any way that you can. You have to step out of your comfort zone and think out of the box. Although it may be intimidating at first, once you get more involved with your community, you will feel empowered by the people around you, while bringing more good into the world.   

Here are 10 ways to start become more involved in your community and begin surrounding yourself with a tribe of uplifting individuals. 

1. Participate in a Cleanup 

Cleanups are not only an impactful way to prevent pollution, but they also connect us with like-minded people wanting to make a difference in the community.  Working together towards the common goal of making the neighborhood a better place, leads to a cleaner, more close-knit community — now that’s what I call a win, win.

2. Shop at the Local Farmers Market

Once a week local farmers, artists, and musicians come together to share their goods with the community. Farmers markets are a perfect way to connect directly with the source of your produce while helping boost the local economy. Show your support by shopping at your town’s farmers market once a week. 

3. Find a Community Yoga Class

You don’t have to sign up for a high-end studio to gain the benefits of yoga. There are plenty of passionate and well-trained teachers offer donation based classes as a way to give back. You can find flyers at your local health foods store, or even try visiting your neighborhood park and keep an eye out for a group of yogis. 

4. Read Books at the Library

Volunteering to read at the local library is both rewarding and inspiring. Reading to the children of your community helps shape their lives for the better while bringing the fun back into story time for you! With an endless supply of books at hand, there’s no better way to share wisdom and joy with others. 

5. Donate to an Antique Shop

Antiquing is a business that thrives off of local donations and offerings, help keep your local antique shop booming by giving away any items that you no longer need. Chances are you have a lot of clutter in your home, and you know what they say, one mans junk is another treasure. 

6. Drop into a City Council Meeting

What better way to become involved with your community than by understanding what is going on within your community. City Council holds open meetings to inform the public of changes happening in the city, as well as listen to any concerns local residents may have. Become a voice in your community by attending a meeting, asking questions and speaking your mind.

7. Visit a Local Brewery

With craft beer in high demand, breweries are becoming a big part of the community. Not only do brewers use local ingredients to brew their one of a kind beer, but they also bring the neighborhood together by hosting different events, festivals, and tastings. Next time you are headed out for a night on the town, grab a beer at your local brewery.

8. Run for a Cause

Participating in a run that raises awareness for a cause is a meaningful way to get involved with your community. Even if you don’t enjoy the sport of running, doing it for a charity that is important to you is enough motivation to cross any finish line. From cancer research to children’s programs and military support, there are plenty of reasons to run! Check local listings and search for upcoming runs in your area.

9. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

Most pet shelters are always looking for individuals to help with community outreach. These volunteers help distribute flyers, attend tabling events, bag dog food, perform data entry work and more. You can also give your time by stopping in to show the animals a little love and compassion. 

10. Be a Leader

If you are still having trouble finding ways to get involved with your community, then it’s time to step up and be a leader. Chances are there are people just like you, yearning to make a difference but not really knowing where to start. By organizing your own community event, or meet-up will bring the right kind of individuals into your life, and together you can build a community that supports, inspires and uplifts each other.