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Community Care

Community Care

Community care is self care! These tips are about how we can connect back to our communities and support one another in a broader way. When we give back to our communities, we give back to ourselves. 

If you're feeling low or disconnected from your community, consider volunteering. It may give you a sense of purpose and help you to meet new people.

If you don’t know what volunteer opportunities are available to you, see if your city or town has a website and start your search there! You can also contact non-profit organizations in your area to let them know you are interested.

Another place to seek out ways to make an impact on your community, or across the country, is through Canada Service Corps. This movement encourages youth 15-30 to give back to their communities in meaningful ways, learn more at Canada Service Corps.

Volunteering can take on many forms and can be both challenging and rewarding. Is there time in your week when you watch a lot of TV? Maybe that time slot can be shared with a volunteer opportunity? Or are there even a few hours a month you could lend to a good cause?

It feels good to support your community. Take 5-10 minutes to brainstorm ways you can give back to your city or town. You might surprise yourself with how much you come up with!

Do you already have a lot on your plate? Giving back to your community can include things beyond volunteering! Like going to events and supporting local businesses in your area.

Looking to make your community a greener place? Consider venturing outside to pick up garbage, or plant trees where permitted!

Random acts of kindness can make people's days brighter, as well as your own. Consider how you might show compassion to your neighbours or peers in small ways.

Do you have some clothes you're looking to pass on? See if there are organizations or programs in your community that take clothing donations for low income or unhoused folks!

One way you can support your community is by educating yourself about the different groups of people who live there. Ask non-judgemental questions, try different cultural foods, and show support and solidarity at events.

Sometimes when we're not feeling our best we choose to isolate ourselves from our loved ones. It's okay to take time for yourself but take a moment to let at least one person know that you will be doing so.

In your monthly calendar, make sure you pen out time for loved ones. Plan an activity that you can do together. This helps you look forward to something as the month progresses and keeps you connected.

Taking a mental health course is a great way to not only learn how to support others in your community but learn more about how to support yourself as well. Some certificate courses you can take are ASISIT, SafeTALK and Mental Health First Aid.

Take a moment to reach out to a friend that you haven't seen or talked to in a while. A simple, "Hi how have you been, I was just thinking about you and wanted to check in" could change their day for the better.

Ask someone you care about if they'd like help with a chore. Doing something together can not only make the task easier, but it also gives you more time to spend together and feel connected.

Sometimes all it takes is a smile to make someone's day. If you're feeling like giving back today, try smiling or saying hello while out and about.

If you are working this summer, look out for your coworkers. We all have days that aren't our best and supporting each other with tasks can be a helpful gesture.

Think of one person in your life and list 2 - 3 things that they do to make a positive impact and send them a text message. Let them know that you were thinking about them and share how they positively impact your life.

Looking for a creative volunteer opportunity to give back to the community? Write for the mindyourmind website! We're always looking for youth to write blogs, do interviews and share expression pieces with us.

Eventbrite has a lot of free community events that you can register for. Take a moment to look through the platform and add some social events that you'd like to attend onto your calendar. 

Search FB to see if your community has a Buy Nothing group. Members post either gifts, asks or gratitudes. An ask might be for a specific object, to borrow a tool, or even to get help moving something. A gift could be any item or offer that you'd like to give.

Have a smart phone & like outdoor adventures? Download the free geocaching app & use the clues with your navigation skills to seek out hidden objects, called caches, that have been placed by other community members. Give back to the fun by creating your own geocaches!

Are you 17 or older and in good general health? If you're okay with needles, one great way to give back to fellow Canadians is by donating your blood. Learn more at Canadian Blood Services.

Are you good with kids? Is there a sport you're passionate about and it's offered in your community? Reach out to its athletic association and see if they could use help coaching. It's okay if you're new to the sport, an extra body alone can be helpful for the coaches!

Is there a particular school subject that you've done well in? Look into whether there are tutors wanted for the summer school season and consider applying.

Think about what messages would make your day to see, then write them on post-it notes to stick in a public washroom for strangers to stumble upon.

Do you have a book you're done with? Look to see if there is a Little Free Library in your area where you can leave it and then take a book that's new to you that someone else has left!

One way to send positive vibes to your online network is by sharing good news stories! Some great sources on Twitter are @tanksgoodnews, @somegoodnews, @goodnewsnetwork, and @goodgoodgood.

Do you have a knack for event planning? Maybe there is a local organization that you could help to organize a fundraising event for!

The next time you're out and have a thought about liking someone's clothing article, or maybe their hair, try sharing it out loud with the person - it might make their day!

Looking to buy a gift for someone? If you can, try to support artisans or companies that are local to your community!