Caleb Deason of Texas is an individual who has made it his life’s mission to give back to society, devoting his time, energy, and resources to help others. In the following article, Caleb Deason discusses how the power of volunteerism can make a positive impact on the world, and how acts of kindness can touch the lives of countless individuals and communities.
Giving back to the community is a powerful way to positively impact the world around us. While volunteering is one excellent way to give back, there are also many other ways to contribute.
From donating to charities and non-profits to supporting local businesses, there are countless ways to make a difference. Direct giving, disaster relief aid, and even strategic investing can have more of an impact than some may realize.
Here, Caleb Deason of Texas digs deeper into the ways that people can effectively give back to their communities and help keep them strong and thriving.
Direct Giving
One way to give back is by making charitable donations – direct giving. According to a report by Giving USA, Americans gave over $410 billion to charity in 2017, with the majority of donations going to religious organizations, education, and human services.
Caleb Deason of Texas says that donating to charity is a powerful way to support causes you care about, and there are many excellent organizations doing important work in a variety of areas.
If asked, any honest food kitchen employee will say one thing: money. While your canned goods are helpful, food banks typically have deals with farms and producers to get special prices on products, meaning that two dollars can buy several meals worth of produce for a hungry person. Direct giving has a massive impact on these organizations.
From environmental causes to social justice initiatives, there are many charities working to make the world a better place. Caleb Deason of Texas also explains that donating to these organizations can be a powerful way to make a lasting, impactful difference.
Supporting Local Businesses
Local businesses are an essential part of our communities, providing jobs while supporting the local economy. By providing these services and shops with patronage, we can help them thrive and contribute to the vibrancy of the communities they exist in.
Caleb Deason of Texas says to skip a chain restaurant and try something new at a local spot. Enlist a neighborhood service to help fix a leaky sink or cater an event. Shop for gifts at community swap meets or craft fairs before browsing the massive online shopping sites. Strong, resilient communities are built on small businesses.
Invest In Social Impact Funds
Another way to give back is by investing in social impact funds. Social impact funds are investment funds that prioritize social and environmental impact, in addition to financial returns.
Caleb Deason explains that these funds can be an excellent way to invest in causes you care about – with the additional boon of a return on investment.
According to a report by the Global Impact Investing Network, the size of the impact investing market was estimated to be $715 billion in 2019. By investing in social impact funds, you can help to support important causes while also generating a return on your investment.
Aid in Disaster Relief Efforts
Caleb Deason of Texas says that when natural disasters or other emergencies occur, it’s crucial for communities to come together and provide support. This is a time when individuals can make a difference by volunteering time or resources to help those in need. Usually, in times of wide-scale disasters, having all hands on deck is desperately needed.
Caleb Deason of Texas reports that the type of donations needed will depend on the extent of the disaster. Donations ranging from clothing and blankets to rebuilding homes and infrastructure can be especially helpful. If a disaster response team is not on the scene already, consider forming one to help meet the immediate needs of those who require help.
Seek Out Opportunities to Serve
Sometimes, finding the most effective way to serve the community is to simply ask. Every community is different, and has unique needs and wants.
Caleb Deason of Texas says to reach out to a local organization representative and express an interest in helping. Those looking to help should specify what they are capable of. Consider options like volunteering time, providing in-kind donations, or offering direct financial support.
Conclusion
There are many ways to give back to the community. Whether through charitable donations, supporting local businesses, or investing in social impact funds, we can all make a difference in the world around us.
By choosing to give back, we can help to build stronger, more vibrant communities and contribute to a better world for all.