It’s hard to believe that another month has come and gone. As we enter October and inch closer to the holiday season, year-end giving and volunteering also ramps up. That makes this the perfect time to find a cause you’re truly passionate about so you can consider lending your talents. Not sure where to start? Check out these tips to discover a cause you’re truly passionate about, along with some ideas to get started!
Involve Your Hobbies and Interests
Think about what you like to do or something that you’re passionate about. Those hobbies and interests can translate into helping an organization succeed. For example, if you love music, consider donating your talents to an organization that teaches children music who can’t afford lessons. If you’ve always been an animal lover, consider volunteering at your local shelter. The list goes on and on.
You can also consider what you’re good at and how that could translate into volunteering. If you’re great at sewing and knitting, you could help lend those talents to an organization that needs clothes. If you’re great at excel spreadsheets, consider asking an organization about administrative activities where you could lend a hand. These are all easy ways to get started and find a cause you love.
Talk with Friends and Your Community
Still stumped? Talk with a friend about organizations they support to see if you have any shared interests. Sometimes causes we’re truly passionate about come to us after learning new information. Open yourself up to conversations where you ask others what they’re passionate about in your community. Chances are, those conversations will lead to your own passion igniting to do more good.
Examples of Causes to Support
Still looking for some ideas on causes to support? October is full of important dates you can use to find a cause or remember to give back. Check out these examples of causes that have recognition this month:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Unfortunately, cancer has most likely touched all of us in one way or another. October is considered breast cancer awareness month. There are various walks and fundraisers to help mark the occasion to help spread awareness and raise money to fight this terrible disease.
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is an awareness month to help educate and help combat domestic violence cases and decrease the statistics. Sadly, too many people have been victims of domestic violence. You can use this month to research organizations helping domestic violence victims or educating yourself.
- World Smile Day (Oct 1)
Did you know that smiling can help boost your endorphins? Use this day as a reminder to be the reason somebody else smiles today. Use the tips above to find a cause you love and consider volunteering.
- National Be Nice Day (Oct 5)
Being nice is one of the easiest ways to spread kindness. While this isn’t an exact cause to support, it is a way you can spread the altruistic spirit. Go out of your way to perform random acts of kindness.
- Make a Difference Day (Oct 23)
How will you make a difference? Now that you’ve hopefully found a cause you love to support, use this day to volunteer or make a plan to make a difference. Consider setting up your yearly giving or volunteering plan.
Now that you have ample ideas to get started, it’s time to spread the love. The first step is always the hardest, so don’t be afraid to get out there and try something new today.
