How to Change the World As an Individual

Co-authored by Direct Relief

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Changing the world is a noble goal, but sometimes it can be hard to feel like you are making an impact as an individual. You might not notice the impact of your efforts overnight, but you can make a difference with persistence and hard work. There are many ways to make a difference, such as choosing a helping profession, finding little ways to help people in your community, and increasing your efforts to improve the environment. Over time, you can have a big impact on your world.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Difference with Your Work

1
Identify your talents and interests. Take a good look at what you're good at and what you enjoy. By focusing on your skills and passions, you'll be more effective in your attempts to improve the world. If you're unsure of where your talent lies, try asking others or taking a personality or career test online.^{[1]
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- You can also consider your past work experiences to help you determine what you might enjoy doing. For example, if you enjoy working with people, then you might want to consider jobs and volunteer opportunities that will provide lots of social interaction.
2
Consider a career in a helping profession. Helping professions are those that have a direct impact on people's lives. To join a helping profession, you may need to return to school for some additional training. Consider your interests to determine if a helping profession is right for you. Some helping professions you might consider include: ^{[2]
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- Social work
- Teaching
- Occupational therapy
- Counseling
- Art therapy
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3
Work for a non-profit organization. If your skills and/or talents are not in a helping profession, you can still have a career that will serve the greater good. Non-profit organizations hire employees to do many of the same things that for-profit businesses do, such as bookkeeping, customer service, and publicity.
- If you want to work for a non-profit organization, then try searching for jobs with non-profit organizations that you believe in.
4
Volunteer your time. Keep in mind that you do not have to work for a non-profit organization to make a difference. Instead, you can volunteer at a non-profit organization for a few hours a week. Consider what type of organization you would like to volunteer at, and then look for an organization in your city or community where you can volunteer your time.
- Sites like Volunteer Match allow you to input your location and your interests to find volunteer options that are both interesting and near to you.^{[3]
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- For instance, if you're interested in animals you can volunteer at your local ASPCA. Or if you enjoy teaching, you can volunteer to tutor children in your spare time.
5
Share your other talents. Whether you sew a dress for a Make A Wish patient, or you write a hit song to raise awareness about a social issue, your talents can make a difference for one or many.^{[4]
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- For example, if you're a good writer, start a blog on sites like Blogger or Word Press to help spread information.
- If you're a gifted musician, you could write socially conscious songs that you can post on YouTube and share through various social media outlets.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting Involved in Your Community

1
Vote in elections. Although a single vote is unlikely to affect the outcome of an election, voting is still important.^{[5]
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Research source} It gives you the opportunity to take part in democracy and make your choices known. If you are old enough to vote, then make sure that you participate in your local, state, and national elections.
- If you want to have a bigger impact on elections, then you might consider starting a grassroots campaign to educate people about a new law or candidate.
2
Post about important issues and causes on social media. If you are good at utilizing social media sites like Twitter, Snapchat, or Instagram, you can always post relevant information about your cause and how people can get involved. For example, you can use Facebook to promote your local dog shelter, or use Twitter to voice your opinion on the current presidential race.
- You can also try starting a blog to raise awareness about issues and causes. For example, if you are a talented writer who cares about the environment, you can use Blog Spot to write about endangered species and how people can help. Or if your talent lies in art or photography, you can use Instagram to promote your cause.
3
Practice random acts of kindness. Many religions and faiths are built on the principle that rehabilitation of humankind can be achieved through pure and holy deeds. This is not to say that your act has to be a religious one, it simply means that it should come from the most wholesome and moral place in your heart. Be kind, just for the sake of being kind, without expectation of anything in return. One single act can result in many more.^{[6]
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- For instance, leave a bouquet of flowers at the hospital and allow the nurses to give them to a patient who could really use them. Or leave random sticky notes on the bathroom mirror offering kind words (like “you matter”) to strangers.^{[7]
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- Or you can try allowing someone to cut in front of you at the grocery store, or paying for someone's morning coffee to demonstrate selflessness.^{[8]
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4
Donate items you don't need. Donate items in your home that you no longer use, but that may be of use to others. This can be anything from furniture, shoes, clothing, electronics, and more. Make sure items are in working condition, contain all pieces, or are free of rips and stains.^{[9]
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- You can donate through your local church, agencies like the Salvation Army, or even through online donation groups through Facebook or Yahoo.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finding Other Ways to Make a Difference

1
Work for environmental change. You can't solve the world's environmental problems on your own, but you can do your part to improve the health of the environment. Little changes and efforts can add up to big changes over time. Some things you can do to help include:^{[10]
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- Switch to CFL lightbulbs to cut your energy costs and reduce energy usage.
- Cut down on your gas emissions, such as by riding your bike to work or getting a gas efficient vehicle.
- Reduce the amount of water you use, such as by taking shorter showers.
- Participate in local cleanup efforts, such as a local river cleanup or just pick-up litter during walks.
2
Donate money. There are thousands of charities worldwide that can always benefit from financial help. Whether it's a well-known charity like the American Red Cross, or a lesser-known charity like the Native American Heritage Association, your money will go towards helping many people across the nation or the world.
- Try a site like Charity Navigator to help you find charities that support causes in which you are interested.^{[11]
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- There are also lists online of fake charities, as well as the best and worst charities to donate to.^{[12]
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  Consumer Reports
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
  Go to source} Always do your homework to make sure your money is going to a reputable agency.
3
Learn as much as you can. Build up your knowledge base so that you can share your wisdom and try to help others. Learn about a variety of topics, and then delve deeper into the ones that grab your interest. The more you know about the world, the more you can affect change.
- Look around you for inspiration. For example, if you're part of the LGBTQIA community, you might educate yourself on laws to help with the equal rights push.
- Read from multiple sides of an issue. For example, if you're a feminist, don't limit yourself to only feminist blogs. Looking at the opposite side of the argument (e.g. ableism, trans exclusion) will help you strengthen your understanding and be the best you can be.
4
Share your books and other sources of information. Not everyone has access to books and other informative materials. Recycle any books, articles, and videos that have taught you interesting, and insightful information. You can do this through social media or in person.
- Try programs like Bookcrossing, in which you share great books instead of putting them away on shelves.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What are good jobs for helping others?

Direct Relief
Humanitarian Aid Organization
Direct Relief is an award-winning humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. They focus on helping people affected by emergencies and natural disasters. Direct Relief has been highly rated by Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at University of Pennsylvania, for their effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency.

Direct Relief

Humanitarian Aid Organization

Expert Answer

Go to work for a nonprofit! Working in a nonprofit can make a difference in the world. Nonprofits, and people who work at nonprofits, are only able to help address problems in the world because other people are generous enough to support their work.
Question

Can one person make a difference?

Direct Relief
Humanitarian Aid Organization
Direct Relief is an award-winning humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. They focus on helping people affected by emergencies and natural disasters. Direct Relief has been highly rated by Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at University of Pennsylvania, for their effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency.

Direct Relief

Humanitarian Aid Organization

Expert Answer

Absolutely, one person can make a difference. Practically every penny helps, and every single act to bring awareness about an issue helps.

Warnings

Thoroughly research charitable organizations whether you are donating time, items, or money.

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Always take your responsibilities seriously when volunteering your time. Failing to honor your commitment is unfair to the organization and the people you're helping.

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