The more people you have surrounding you, the more support systems you have in place to keep pushing yourself forward. That is why it is important to build a community wherever you are, at whatever age you find yourself.
But how do we really go about building that kind of community, and what types of projects can you work on?
Here are just a few ideas to get started:
Start a garden on your school grounds and share the food with the students
A community garden is a fun project that can help you get your school’s green thumb club started. It is also something that the student body can get involved with, which gives them more of a sense of ownership in the space they are learning in every day.
There are different gardening projects, but remember, at its core, it is about sharing the fruits of your labors with those around you.
Community gardens can also provide some income for those who participate as well.
Run a bake sale and donate the profits to a local charity or pet shelter
By doing this, you can bring awareness to local problems and needs. Many schools run fundraisers like this regularly, and students really enjoy participating in making their own fundraiser successful.
Making the community a better place isn’t just about supporting people who are worse off than others but also helping animals in need or protecting an environment that you believe needs saving.
Sometimes schools don’t have the money to run many fundraisers, so this is another fun way to get involved and bring the school community together.
Start your own school club and fundraiser for something big
Many schools have tons of clubs that students can join, but if there isn’t one that fits their interests, it can be challenging to start one on your own.
This is where you can step up and do something about that. You can create a club centered around a topic you are passionate about and use that as a springboard to bring people together.
Spreading your interests among others will allow them to find their own passions within it and ultimately grow the community exponentially.
Host regular meetings for community members to talk about what they are struggling with
The best way to show people they belong is to realize it is a safe space to speak about their problems without fear of judgment.
People will often have a hard time talking to others about issues going on in their lives, and this kind of outreach can help them overcome some of those feelings of isolation or loneliness that might be affecting them.
You can have counselors or community mentors attend these meetings to give advice or just be there for people. The youth is also a vulnerable sector, and they often don’t know where to turn or who to talk to about their feelings.
Create an educational access point like a library or computer lab for students who may lack those resources near their homes
Learning and education are key to breaking the cycle of poverty or violence in many communities, which is why providing access is a great way to help those who may not be able to afford it.
Having one place people can go outside of school for books, a Wi-Fi signal that isn’t spotty, and computer programs will give them a good chance at building a better future for themselves.
You can begin with advanced mini PCs as your best option. A mini PC is not as expensive as a full-sized desktop computer but is still a powerful tool. You can install Linux on them, and they will be able to run tons of great learning tools.
You can also offer tutoring services or advice on studying for tests. Having one place to go where students know they are guaranteed to have a good experience is an incredible resource to have.
In the end, all these projects come down to creating a happy and healthy environment for people. This way, everyone can have the best chance at success.
Programs like this are more than just a charity effort or a way of giving back; they are a respite for people who might not have many other options. We all matter, and the best way to show that is by creating communities around us.
Final Thoughts
Community building projects are also enriching, both for those who participate in them and those who come out to support them. There’s something powerful about coming together with like-minded people to make a difference and knowing you are helping improve the lives of others.
