If giving back or paying it forward one of your goals for 2018, but you’re a little unsure on how to actually accomplish this philanthropic plan, don’t worry. With the following suggestions, you’ll be inspired by a variety of small, big and in-between ways to pay it forward, making your 2018 goal of giving back easy to do.
Participate in “Pay it Forward Day”
In 2018, Saturday, April 28, is set as the official “Pay it Forward Day.” On this day, you can join other philanthropic-minded folks as they give back and work to achieve the organization’s intention to “inspire 10 million acts of kindness around the world.”
All you have to do to participate, according to PayItForwardDay.com, is perform one to three selfless good deeds. For the people you help, encourage them to “repay” your good work by doing their own act of kindness for someone else.
Perform small (but mighty) acts of kindness
A simple smile can brighten someone’s day; so “smile more (like all day),” recommends Wanderlust.com Writer Zuzu Perkal.
Coffee is what fuels a lot of people’s days; when you grab your favorite cup of java, pick up the tab for the next person in line, suggests PayItForwardDay.com.
Acts of kindness don’t have to be limited to helping humans, either; the Earth and its furry critters would be supremely grateful for some loving attention. Be kind to Mother Earth with Perkal’s suggestions of planting trees, tending a garden, spreading local wildflower seeds or upping your recycling game.
To help the four-legged members of society, contact your local animal shelter and ask about volunteer opportunities or donation needs. No one is more grateful for attention than canines and (some) felines.
Execute medium (and definitely mighty) acts of kindness
Breaking bread with your loved ones, friends or coworkers is one way you can give back while nourishing your relationships. Perkal suggests whipping up a home-cooked meal, but if cooking isn’t your strength, you can always order in.
Speaking of dinner, food pantries are always in need of donations. If you are able, consider adding some designated food pantry items to your list on your next grocery run. Contact your local pantry for their much-needed items and to ask about their volunteer needs.
Carry out big (and impressively mighty) acts of kindness
Connecting with others is a big way to pay it forward, and that’s why PayItForwardDay.com recommends reaching out to elderly neighbors. If you pride yourself as a DIY-er, ask if they need something fixed around the house. If carpentry is not a skill you possess, ask if they need any errands run. Stopping by for a chat and a cup of coffee are also perfect ways to better someone’s day.
If there is a cause close to your heart, consider supporting it with a monetary donation or by donating more of your time. If you’ve been meaning to clean out your closets, garage, attic or basement, now is the time to do it — passing on what you don’t need to someone who does is a wonderful way to pay it forward.
Whether your act of kindness is big, small or somewhere in between, it matters. By sharing your time, attention, expertise and money, you can make a big difference in the world and in the lives of those close to you.
