Tag: community

Creating Community Change: Finding or Forming a Local Group

On September 6, 2018

Creating change in your community sometimes feels like an impossible task; without organization and clear goals, the prospect of enacting and maintaining a significant change seems somewhat impossible. However, if you believe your community is in need of change — whether you want to propose a sustainability initiative or a rehabilitation program — a local group of like-minded people might be the answer.

Finding A Group

Though you may feel inclined to jump in and create your own group, make sure you do a full sweep of any existing groups. Finding a group that suits your goals and needs will not only save you time and energy but will also provide an established platform for you to share ideas. You will also avoid creating unnecessary tension, should a group with your goals already exist. Make sure you exhaust all your resources in your search; it’s better to spend time researching what groups are in your community before going ahead and creating your own.

Look into your local newspaper or do a quick Google search to see what you find. There are a number of kinds of groups that might exist, from youth programs and university organizations to town councils and neighborhood associations, and while your community might not have all of these groups, it will be beneficial to explore what exists and engage with community leaders; even if the group you’re looking for isn’t out there (yet!), other leaders may be able to offer support and advice for starting your own group.

Forming A Group

If you find that there isn’t a group that fits your desires, that is when you will want to think about starting your own group. While the process isn’t necessarily easy, it will be rewarding. Arguably the most important step is the first step: Network. In order to have a functional group, you have to connect with other locals. This will require you to get out and talk to people, find those who are like-minded and those whose skills will help achieve your goals, and get them interested.

The next step after cultivating interest is to schedule your first meeting. You should choose a place that is easily accessible and make sure you spread the word; use social media platforms to create and share events, or hang flyers in your area.

Even if attendance is relatively low, keep in mind that you’re bringing people together who also want to enact a change. The process might be slow, but as long as you work on a schedule and objectives, your group will have goals.

Take notes and be mindful of everyone’s opinions. At this first meeting, some attendees might be intimidated or nervous, so encouraging everyone to share and creating a space that’s welcoming is important.

Once you have spent time discussing ideas and potential goals, the meeting will eventually draw to a close. Thank everyone for coming, and be sure to remind everyone of the next meeting; you’ll want to send a reminder, too, roughly one week prior to the next date. In the days between meetings, make a list of items to address at the next meeting and follow up with any lingering questions (typically via email).

It may feel like a tedious process, but the outcome is certainly beneficial. If you want to enact change in your community, finding or forming a small group of people who want the same things are great ways to get involved and foster community engagement.

Top 3 Ways You Can Help Your Community

By Jerry Swon

On July 13, 2018

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Reflect on the word, “community”. What does that word mean to you? For some community means the 5-mile radius surrounding their home. For others, it can be a group at church, to the neighborhood to the entire city. However you define community, you can play an active role in how it grows.

To make an impact in your own community you don’t have to be rich or powerful or even a certain age. Just wanting an willing to make a difference is enough. To make a difference in your own community here are few ways you can get started.

Support Local Businesses

One way to make sure you community thrives is to support local businesses. Too often do mom and pop stores close due to lack of business. Before you buy your produce from a chain store, check out your local farmers market or grocery store. Chances are, the product will be fresher and of a higher quality.

Volunteer

Sometimes saying that you will volunteer is easier than actually doing it. Although we all have busy lives, setting aside to help out the community can create a big impact. There are always plenty of opportunities available if you are looking hard enough for them. Some volunteer opportunities will require an ongoing commitment, and others times it may be a one-off project or event. Regardless of time commitment here are a few examples of how you can volunteer in your community:

Join a Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
Serve a meal at your local homeless shelter
Spend the day reading to residents of a retirement home
Clean up a local park
Build a house with Habitat for Humanity

These are only a few options on how you can volunteer! If you ever find yourself in the New Jersey area, you can check out these 5 great organizations to volunteer at.

Start Your Own Project

If you find that your community is has a need that isn’t being met, take the initiative and start your own project. If you find yourself passionate about a cause within your community, but no one is taking action, become the ambassador of the cause! Some projects you may orchestrate can include:

A bake sale, concert, or auction where all proceeds go to a charitable cause like an animal shelter.
Organize a back-to-school drive where members of the community can donate school supplies for the upcoming year
Adopt a Highway and clean up litter

Being proactive in your community is one of the most impactful things you can do. With that being said, take on the opportunity to make a difference in your community today!

How to Build a Mindset of Inclusion

By Jerry Swon

On June 8, 2018

In Community

Funding a cause can stretch across the global landscape, from arts to science to humanities and everything in between. Philanthropic work touches a variety of lives in a myriad of ways; it’s one of the unique blessings of grant funding in the first place.

One of those groups that are most often touched, but sometimes forgotten, are people with disabilities. Nearly 20% of people in the United States have at least some disability, whether a physical handicap that is evidenced by things such as a wheelchair, or a hidden disability like anxiety or depression. What’s more is that the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is a whopping 64%.

The statistics are in, and people with a disability feel more ostracized and stigmatized than ever. Part of the job of being a funder is not only to provide the means by which the world can grow but that people who may feel disenchanted by others can be included as well.

Here are a few ways they can do precisely that:

Encourage Organizations to Adapt. Although funders are not explicitly in charge of the organizations that they support, they still hold a considerable amount of influence on the operations that the entity partakes in. By encouraging – or, to take it a step further and mandating it as a condition of the grant – organizations to make themselves more accessible by providing ramps or socially-safe activities, they can influence a group to become more inclusive.

Communicate Accessibility. One of the struggles that many people with disabilities face is who to contact in case they need to make special accommodations. Provide a number or contact information on all event or program materials that will get people in contact with the proper people. Furthermore, communicate on your material loudly that this organization is striving to be inclusive: anticipate activities or accommodations that people might suggest and describe them in detail.

Prioritize Inclusion. Alongside the central goal of an organization – whether that goal is to spread education, combat poverty, or something else – the funder and the group need to prioritize inclusion among their own ranks. Actively recruit people with disabilities and value them for their vital contribution to their time. Once a group begins to break down the walls that divide us as humans, everything else falls into place.

Lending a Hand While Learning a Lesson

By Jerry Swon

On April 18, 2018

In Community, Volunteer

Life is not limited to what we gain, but what we give. More often than not, we get wrapped up in ourselves. We become self-centered, and sometimes we even think the world revolves around us. Lending a hand to your community gives you a jolt of reality. It helps you realize that you are not the only person that matters. When volunteering you not only are helping someone else out but are learning valuable lessons.

Volunteering Broadens Your Perspective

As mentioned before, we can often get wrapped up in ourselves. Our problems, our disappointments, they may seem like the absolute worse at the time. Sometimes it may even feel like the end of the world.

But, when you take a moment to reflect on the lives of others who are living with more significant problems, like homelessness or poverty, your perspective changes. It becomes easier to see your own life in a different light, and you have a lot more to be thankful for. Suddenly, those “big” problems, don’t seem to be that big anymore.

Even Small Changes Can Have an Impact

You don’t have to take on a big project like building a house, every single time that you volunteer. Like big projects, small projects can also offer an impact. Donating clothes, pulling weeds, or even walking an elderly neighbors dog may not seem like they would produce much of an effect, but even these little actions make all the difference.

Donating your old clothes can help someone keep warm. Pulling weeds improves the appearance of the community. Walking an elderly neighbors dog helps give “Fido” the proper exercise that he needs that his owner may not be able to provide. All of these actions produce meaningful reactions. The list of community service projects you can do is endless, and no matter the size they all create an impact.

We all have our own Narrative.

We all come from different backgrounds, with all different stories that describe who and why we are the person we are. As you volunteer, you will meet people from all walks of life. Your volunteer experience can be more fulfilling, by understanding the narratives of others. Not only that, but you become more compassionate and empathetic.

The stories of others help us to understand that all of us, no matter race, size, class, can experience hardships. We all need a little help sometimes that is why it is so important to create a community that is continually supporting each other.

These are only three lessons that volunteering in your community can help you learn. No matter how you volunteer, the experience will shape you immensely, and you will gain the satisfaction knowing that you made a difference in someone’s life.

5 New Jersey Organizations you Should be Volunteering at

By Jerry Swon

On March 14, 2018

In Community, Volunteer

Volunteering at organizations gives us a chance to give back to our community. By volunteering it allows one to connect with others as well as develop new skills and experiences. Whatever reason your reason for volunteering, it is an excellent opportunity to get yourself involved in the community. If you are ever in the New Jersey area and have some extra time on your hands, try volunteering at any of these organizations.

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

Location(s): 31 Evans Terminal Hillside, NJ 07205

40 years ago, Community FoodBank of New Jersey started in the back of a station wagon. Now over 200 employees dedicate their time to fighting hunger and poverty. Through its employees, community volunteers, and donors Community FoodBank of New Jersey aims to educate, feed, and empower those who need help.

How to Sign Up: You can fill out this form.

Market Street Mission

Location(s): 9 Market Street Morristown, NJ 07960

Since 1989, the Market Street Mission has served over 90,000 meals. The Market Street Mission makes it their mission to the meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through ministering to the homeless.By assisting individuals through Christ, the Market Street Mission aims to guide individuals out of poverty, addiction, and lead productive lives.

How to Sign Up: Contact Market Street Mission Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Kate Kelly, at

(973) 538-6337 or mkelly@marketstreet.org.

Friends of Linden Animal Shelter (FOLAS)

Location(s): Range Road Linden, NJ 07036

FOLAS is run entirely by volunteers and has saved over one thousand animals. Formed in 2000, its volunteers aim at finding permanent homes for animals. Volunteers help with fundraising as well as socializing and taking care of the cats and dogs.

How to Sign Up: Fill out a volunteer application.

Good Grief

Location(s): 38 Elm St, Morristown, NJ 07960

5 Mapleton Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

Good Grief aims to provide support to children, teens, adults, and families after the passing of parents or siblings. Good Grief utilizes education, advocacy, and interactive peer support programs. View an extensive list on all of the volunteer opportunities you can participate in.

How to Sign Up: To get involved fill out a form.

St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center

Location(s): Madison Adoption Center: 575 Woodland Ave. Madison, NJ 07940

Training and Behavior Center: 575 Woodland Ave. Madison, NJ 07940

North Beach Adoption Center: 3201 Route 22 East North Branch, NJ 08876

Noah’s Ark Adoption Center: 1915 US Route 46 Ledgewood, New Jersey, 07852

Open for almost 80 years, St. Hubert’s is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals. The organization offers many community services which include but is not limited to, a pet helpline, a pet food pantry, and spay/neuter options. As a volunteer, you can also foster an animal, walk dogs, socialize with cats, and lend a helping hand at any of the facilities.

How to Sign Up: First read these steps and then fill out an application.