9 Ways You Can Change The World — Yes, Really!

When you work for a nonprofit organization, it's important to buy into its mission. Making sure it speaks to you on a personal level ensures you go to work every day feeling good about what you contribute to your job and to the world. It gives you a personal edge — natural motivation toward furthering the mission, simply because you connect with it.

That's how I feel about the Points of Light Civic Circle®.

The Civic Circle is made up of nine pathways to civic engagement, which is what the world needs, considering that 66% of people don't believe they can make a big impact in their community and 44% are not sure where to find opportunities to engage in the first place.

Points of Light was founded by Republican President George H.W. Bush in 1990 as a nonpartisan organization focused on volunteerism. Today, its mission has evolved to become more inclusive by offering nine ways to take action rather than just one. This shift brings people together so that we, as a collective, can build a better world. It's something everyone can get behind, regardless of their political leanings, and something I and my coworkers strive to make accessible to every single person. The ultimate goal is to make doing social good so approachable that it's easier to make a difference than it is to sit on the sidelines.

Start with any single element or engage with all nine — it's up to you how you make a difference. The truth is, when you look all nine pathways of the Civic Circle, you quickly begin to see that you may already be making a difference without even realizing it. 

The Points of Light Civic Circle®: Helps individuals connect to opportunities and understand that doing good comes in many forms. It's your system for changing systems.

1. Volunteer: Give your time and talents inside and outside of your home to help your community or a cause you care about.

2. Purchase Power: You can make decisions that reflect your values or advance a social cause or issue by choosing where you do and don’t spend your money.

3. Service: You may commit your time, energy, & talent to public, national or military service and civic work.

4. Vote: Voting is your opportunity to support causes and candidates aligned with your positions.

5. Work: Make choices about your employment based on the organization’s values and the purpose. 

6. Voice: Use your voice to speak out about the causes that matter most to you.

7. Donate: Contribute money, services or goods to support the welfare of others or to advance a social cause you care about.

8. Listen & Learn: Stay informed, think critically and educate ourselves before acting. 

9. Social Entrepreneur: Identify a need that has not been met by traditional institutions, structures and systems, and be able to lead creative and innovative solutions that drive change.