Oprah’s Angel Network

Simply getting involved in and supporting your community may be one of the easiest ways to make a difference.

Here are some ideas:

• Are you a small business owner or know someone who is? Give local art students a place to show off their talents by offering to exhibit their artwork on your walls and around your shop.
• Support the students and schools in your community. The next time the local school newsletter comes in the mail, check out the calendar of events. Then, make plans with a friend or your family to go to a play, basketball game or other event.
• Redecorating your child’s room? Consider having a local art student paint a mural on one of the walls. It’ll give the student a chance to practice their skills, and the finished wall will be a beautiful, inspiring addition to your home.
• What’s your hobby? Is it sewing? Board games? Reading? Walking your dog? Once a month, make it a point to connect to your community through your hobby. Whether it’s playing board games at a senior center or reading to young patients at a hospital, connect to others through something you love.
• Interested in starting your own nonprofit organization? Get a list of websites, books and articles that can help on the Foundation Center website.