Northwest Hospitality alleviates suffering and shows compassion to all our homeless neighbors through simple, effective programs and by encouraging participation in other local services that can help bring people out of poverty. Connect with us today for more info!

If you are unhappy with the way things are going in your community, you can do something about it starting today. You don’t have to have an enormous bank account or unlimited time to start a grassroots movement that will have an impact on where you live. Northwest Hospitality explains that whether you’re upset about homelessness, local literacy levels, or neighborhood safety, as a citizen, it is your duty and right for your voice to be heard.

Preparation Is the Hardest Part

The most difficult part of organizing any community or environmental effort is getting prepared for your battle. This starts by clearly identifying your cause. If it is chronic teacher absenteeism, for example, take the time to understand why your schools’ educators don’t want to be in the classroom. Next, talk with community leaders about a potential resolution. In this example, it might be higher teacher pay or stronger support from the administration.

Once you know your problem and have theorized a well-defined solution, it is time to draft your message for supporters. Start by creating an online group. This serves many purposes, such as identifying how much support you’ll have in your community. Next, you should plan an event. This might be something as straightforward as a booth at a local health or safety fair or a more complex PR stunt. No matter what you choose to do, create your “marketing” materials to convey your message and garner attention. WeTravel explains that flyers are an inexpensive, high-impact, and creative way to spread the word.

Where to Canvas

Now that you have your materials together, it is time to begin spreading your message. Start by hosting a meeting with the strongest supporters in your group. NFIB notes that you can usually rent a conference room at your local Chamber of Commerce or the library for just a few dollars as long as you reserve it in advance. During the meeting, discuss areas where your message will have the biggest impact. In the above example, these might be neighborhoods that have a high number of students that attend under-performing schools.

Before you start sticking flyers under windshields or on mailboxes, get to know your local laws. It is a federal offense to open a mailbox, but your local laws may be laxer regarding what you can put onto people’s front doors. Some Seattle apartments might limit whether you can post fliers on your neighbors' doors, so check with your landlord or apartment manager before you start. Typically, public property, such as community parks, allow materials distribution as a matter of free speech.

Why Get Involved?

If you have never considered taking action within your own community, you should. Not only does this give you an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and, often, local law enforcement and county representation, but it can also help you make your world a better place.

Spearheading an effort is a tough undertaking. However, you do not have to quit your full-time job to have a lasting effect on the place you call home. Before you get started, be prepared with both support and supplies and, most importantly, know your local laws.

Image via Pexels