Make A Difference Day is the largest national day of community service in the United States. Established by USA Today and Points of Light, it has been celebrated annually since 1992 on the fourth Saturday in October. Millions of Americans get involved on this day by volunteering in their communities to make a positive difference. Use these suggestions to support your community and promote volunteering across all ages.
Plan to Participate
Often people want to help, but aren’t sure how or feel awkward volunteering alone. To facilitate volunteering, get the word out about specific events in your community and turn them into group efforts.
- Find local opportunities by searching websites like Engage.PointsofLight.org and JustServe.org.
- Inquire at local volunteer organizations, outreach centers, or schools.
- Organize your own community service project! (Get started with this list of 73 ideas from DoSomething.org.) Meet with your planning team to pitch ideas and discuss the pros and cons of each. Equip your team members with blank journals, pens, and other tools to help with the planning process.
Motivate Volunteers
Provide encouragement to get participants excited about the event. This will help make the volunteering experience an especially positive one.
- During the week leading up to the event, surprise participants with small, inspirational gifts that celebrate making a difference and volunteering, such as volunteer appreciation lapel pins.
- Send daily reminders and motivational messages via email, texts, tweets, and posts.
- Provide personalized T-shirts with your organization’s name for everyone to wear at the event.
- Help participants enjoy the day by providing plenty of drinks and snacks.
- Post pictures and short videos of the event on your website and social media channels, and share your story and photos with a site like VolunteerMatch.org.
Kids Making a Difference
Children and teens can make a big impact in their community and the world. Help them realize their potential.
- Empower kids by letting them choose volunteer opportunities and take leading roles in organizing an event.
- Inspire them by reading age-appropriate books and articles about young people who have made a difference.
- Talk to them about the importance of kindness and empathy, and offer them gifts with kindness messages.
- Give out fun socks to remind youth that every step they take can make a positive difference for others.
A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way
One of the most important things you can do for volunteers is show recognition for their efforts. While volunteers usually find that giving is its own reward, a clear message of thanks is affirming and helps promote continued volunteerism.
- Send out a thank-you card or note to each participant.
- Host a simple thank-you party or potluck. Invite party guests to share their positive feelings about serving.
- Remind volunteers how their service contributes to positive growth in your community by giving planters and/or seed packets as party favors.
- Show your gratitude and remind volunteers that they made a difference with thoughtful volunteer appreciation gifts.
Join in the power of Make A Difference Day by helping others answer the call to serve, and by then recognizing their participation. Whether it’s cleaning up parks, volunteering in a soup kitchen, or organizing a fundraising car wash, every effort makes the world a brighter, kinder place.
Need assistance inspiring hope and providing help in your community?
Speak with a Positive specialist today, call 877-258-1225 or complete the form here.
