10 more ways to give back.

My quest is to blog about 101 ways that almost anyone can give back. My last entry started with 10, and today I'm giving you 10 more. I won't stop until I get to 101! Not every idea is for every person, but if there's one that resonates with you and causes you to do something differently, then I will be satisfied. Here we go:

11. Grow your own: For a few dollars, you can buy a packet of seeds, some soil and a planter. Grow something and give it away to your neighbors. It may be something big, that they will have to transplant out of the pot, or something that's happy in that same pot all summer. Just imagine their joy when they can grab some fresh basil from their windowsill or pluck a juicy melon from the yard. They are sure to think of you!

12. Start a campaign: Many non-profits will send you all the materials you need (except stamps) so you can mail out requests to family and friends for a donation. Even if you can send out a just few letters and get a few dollars back, you have raised awareness and money for a cause you care about. All for the cost of a few stamps.

13. John Hancock:  Sign a petition for something that needs changing. All those names mean something to our legislators. There are many websites that allow you to sign online, such as care2.com. Keep your eyes open for other websites or places in your community where you can sign one.

14. Just sit there: We love you Google. (We really do.) But next time you need to search for something, use www.goodsearch.com instead. They donate to a charity of your choice every time you search.

15. Link up: If you have a website, blog, or are on twitter or facebook, get the word out there about a cause or non-profit. Add a link to your page or write about a topic that means something to you. The more you help others become aware, the more you are making a difference. Try to inspire rather than preach. People who are inspired give back and people that feel obligated can often try to avoid.

16. Room to think: One of the keys to community is having a space to come together. Do you have a basement, a garden, or a living room that could be used for community building? Maybe members of a non-profit could use your space for something and save on the cost of renting a space. Call some non-profits and engage them in helping you to think creatively about how the space might benefit them.

17. Opportunity knocks: Be aware of what needs to be done in your community. Get involved with neighbors or a specific department. There can be volunteer opportunities in schools, at the park & rec department, or at your library. Think about what would make your community a better place to be, and then do something about it.

18. The Charity Yard Sale: Yes, you'd like to make a few bucks off of your old stuff. If you advertised that 1/3 of the proceeds from the yard sale were going to a specific charity, I wonder if people would be more willing to pay you top dollar rather than haggle over prices. Maybe you'd end up making more money in the end. . .

19. Grow your own #2: If you have long hair that you plan to cut off, donate it rather than throwing it away.
www.locksoflove.org/donate.html will accept a ponytail of 10" or longer to create a wig for kids who have lost hair due to a medical condition. Check with your hairdresser and they may do everything for you.

20. Offer wisdom: You have a lot of it no matter what your role. Are you a CEO, a stay-at-home mom, a factory worker? No matter what you do or have done in the past, there's someone out there who would love to know what you know. Be generous with people who ask and try to find avenues for it. That might mean mentoring new moms or responding to requests for informational interviews. No matter what it is, figure out how to pay it forward.