Strong communities are important. They help sustain the local infrastructure and economy as well as foster strong bonds that will be essential in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. What surrounds us contributes to who we are. Who and what we surround contributes to what others become.

Participate

15 percent of American students participate in some sort of structured, supervised program outside of school. So why not get involved by becoming a mentor or instructor of some sort? You can join the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) or other mentoring programs. Grades have been shown to improve among elementary and middle school children participating in after-school activities at Boys and Girls Clubs and similar other programs. Imagine how personally fulfilling it would be to be a part of something like that!

Pass It On

Do you play guitar or another instrument? Studies find a link between music instruction and academic achievement as measured by standardized tests for school-age children. In other words, kids involved in music are getting better grades. Why not share your talents and teach others in your community? You could pick a few easy guitar songs and teach them at a local community center once a week.

Volunteer

There are a lot of on-line resources to find opportunities to help out your community. At idealist.org you can search a variety of volunteer opportunities and internships in your area. If you are still a student you might even be able to gain school credit participating in some internships. The amount of academic credit you receive will depend on the school or courses you are enrolled in, but it is possible.

Whether it’s participating in the community garden, helping build a holiday float, teaching music, or coaching the neighborhood T-ball team, being a part of the community that surrounds you is what makes it a living breathing thing.

Get Involved

Attending town hall meetings and public hearings for new construction in the neighborhood will help you understand the diverse people and issues that make up your unique community. Look through the local paper or contact the Chamber of Commerce to get a calendar of upcoming events. You can find other fun opportunities to participate in like concerts or movies in the park as well.

Maybe you’d like to encourage a community barter system or host a “National Night Out” for your neighborhood? This annual block party is a great way to meet and bond with your neighbors and the organizations’ website provides everything you need to make it happen.

Participating in or building a community can be hard work, especially for those who have never tried before. You may initially find yourself out of your comfort zone. But like anything else, the more you do something the more comfortable you become doing it. Soon, one connection leads to another and what better reason to get involved in your community than to help make it what you want it to be?