4 Easy Ways to Create Social Impact Right Now (+ 4 Tools That Can Help)

Looking at the current news cycle, it’s hard to be optimistic about the state of the world today. It’s become overwhelmingly apparent that things need to change—and they need to change for the better.

I’m not alone in wanting positive social change, either. For example, millennials, a.k.a. Generation Y, are now the largest generation in the United States. And what motivates this particular generation is creating change in the world, both at work and in life. And many more generations and people of all kind feel the need to drive positive social change.

But a fair criticism of this large rise of people wanting change is how it can lead to all talk but no walk. Especially with the rise of social media, it’s easy for impassioned change-wanters to fall into a trap of “slacktivism”, where people confine their passion for change to tweets, Facebook posts, and hashtags and rarely any real-world actions. (Although, there is evidence showing that slacktivism can cause significant real-world effects.) Still, it’s one thing to want change, but it’s an entirely other thing to actually create change.

Luckily, for those wanting to start walking the walk, there’s some easy ways to mobilize your passion to create a positive social impact.

4 Easy Ways to Create Social Impact Right Now

Put your money where your mouth is.

Taking action with your wallet is one of the easiest ways to start making a positive social change. We as consumers spend so much money on products or services that may not be ethical, humane, or in line with our personal values.

Instead, do research on what you’re spending on. Does the company have ethical practices? Does the company treat its workers humanely? Is the company environmentally sustainable?

There’s even an app that will help you with your research appropriately called “Buycott”, in which you can just scan the product’s barcode and it will tell you any issues others may have with that product.

Bottom line is that you should be informed on where your dollars and cents go, and refuse to add to the bottom line of companies that don’t deserve your hard-earned money.

Get involved in your community politically.

In this election year, more and more people are concerned with the issues at the center of the presidential candidates’ platforms. And while the future President affects those large issues, it’s not the only avenue where you can take political action.

Local, county, city, and state government officials can create a significant impact in issues that often affect more of your day-to-day life. Even the larger issues such as racism, income inequality, gun control, religious liberty, and many more need a measured approach. You have to urge action from all government officials, not just those in Congress or in the Oval Office.

Informing yourself on the issues that are in front of your representatives and urging your reps to take action is another way you can start making a positive social impact right in your local community.

As always, there are tools that can help you take the next step in local political engagement. One such tool is Countable, a website that aims to empower voters with information on who their representatives are and what issues are before them.

Donate to organizations you support.

There are lots of organizations that are already mobilizing their efforts to create positive social change. Another way you can create a social impact is to consider supporting these organizations.

Donating to organizations has become easier than ever with GoFundMe, Fundly, JustGive, and many more. But one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into donating is by using AmazonSmile.

More than likely, you’re shopping on Amazon already. By shopping at the AmazonSmile domain, Amazon themselves will donate to the organization you choose while you shop. Just choose your designated organization and shop through AmazonSmile and Amazon donates on your behalf.

Volunteer your time to good causes.

Lastly, volunteering is a great way to create a positive social impact in your own community.

By volunteering your time and effort, it can go a long way in making a local, actionable difference. Even putting together a couple of meals in a lunch-bag can go a long way in tackling hunger in your local community.

A great way to see where you can volunteer is through VolunteerMatch. It’s a website that matches the volunteer with the appropriate cause or organization. The site lists all the various volunteer opportunities in your area, based on what you care about most.

For those wanting to turn their passion into action, these are just four of the easiest ways to do so. But for those who want to take their passion to the next level and learn how to drive change through social and civil sectors and organizations, you might want to check out our Social Impact program, as well.

Either way, all it takes is one person to start making a social impact in your community. And there’s no better time than right now!

Header photo credit: © Freeprod | Dreamstime.com

Claremont Lincoln University offers the following graduate degree programs:

• Online master’s degree in Social Enterprise
• Online Human Resources master’s degree
• Online Healthcare Administration master’s degree
• Online public administration master’s degree
• Civic Engagement
• Online master’s degree in Organizational Leadership