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Neighbor News

How To Give Back in NYC

Moshie Horn breaks down some simple and helpful ways to give back to your community.

Giving back to your community can be very fulfilling. Giving back creates positive momentum not just in your life, but also in the lives of others in New York City. Here are some ways to give back in NYC.

Take An Interest In Local Issues
Do not just live in your own little bubble while ignoring everything that is going on around you. Pay attention to the city's quality of life and various aspects that affect it. Read up on current events that are happening, and pay attention to the concerns that your neighbors have about the area. Take an interest in your local neighborhood and the rest of the city.

Volunteer
In a city as big as New York, there are so many volunteer opportunities. It can be overwhelming to choose which one you want to involve yourself in. There is a volunteer opportunity for every level of commitment. If you desire to volunteer on a gig-by-gig basis, New York Cares offers the lowest-commitment volunteer activities. New York Cares gives you the option to commit to separate, one-time gigs that usually last about one to four hours. Other institutions have more extensive commitments as well.

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Be Considerate and Mindful of Other People
One of the simplest and most direct ways of giving back in NYC is being considerate and mindful of people around you. If there is someone in front of you who is ambling because they have a handicap, do not just push them down to walk ahead of them. If there is a hefty door that you are walking through, hold it for the next person instead of letting it slam on them. Respect the different lifestyles of other people, and acknowledge the fact that other individuals may have different struggles than you.

Donate Unwanted/Unneeded Items
Donate any useful items that you no longer want or need. If you have any clothes that are still in good condition that you no longer want, donate them to local organizations that distribute clothing to the needy. The same goes for other reusable items such as toys and books.

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There are a plethora of ways that you can give back in NYC. Being considerate and mindful of the needs of others, donating unwanted/unneeded items, taking an interest in local issues and volunteering are great options. Change starts at your very own front door.

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