Smalls things you can do to have a positive impact on your community.

September 19, 2021

We all want to live in a kind community, where we feel safe and are surrounded by like-minded people – but is this really possible?

Perhaps the steps to creating a kinder community are obvious. To create the community we want, we need to recognise the importance of giving and that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect around us.

Of course, there are some incredible individuals who have or continue to dedicate their whole lives to others. You’re probably thinking: ‘What good can I do? I am only a small fish in a big ocean’. But even the smallest gesture can be all it takes to improve your day or someone else’s.

It doesn’t need to have monetary value but simply stems from kindness. It could just be a small part of your day or sharing something you may already have with others.

Our small acts can not only benefit others and the wider community but also ourselves too. Making small changes or carrying out acts of kindness can help give us a sense of fulfillment as humans. And at the end of the day, we all get to live in a kinder community.

Here are some small things you can do that will have a big impact:

  1. Say ‘hello’ to a neighbour
  2. Donate blood
  3. Share your ideas
  4. Pass on a good book
  5. Let the other person lead the conversation
  6. Turn off the cold water tap when brushing your teeth
  7. Use names more often when speaking
  8. Let someone go first or in front of you in a line
  9. Donate used items
  10. Encourage others
  11. Write a letter to an old friend
  12. Let someone have your seat on the bus
  13. Show appreciation for something
  14. Offer to tutor someone
  15. Donate money to a local charity
  16. Hold a door open for someone
  17. Support a local business
  18. Carshare
  19. Volunteer
  20. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
  21. Donate your time
  22. Smile at a stranger
  23. Recycle
  24. Put your phone away at dinner
  25. Try to do one selfless act per day
  26. Say good morning/afternoon to a stranger
  27. Ring a friend unannounced
  28. Send a handwritten card
  29. When you feel road rage ensuing, take a breath and simply give way
  30. Give someone a compliment
  31. Take a break
  32. Random act of kindness
  33. Pick up rubbish you pass
  34. Cook for someone

Are there any simple acts of kindness that can make a big difference, which you think should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

To find out more about Guild Living’s commitments to Serving Our Communities click here.