How to Get Involved in Your Community

It can be very comfortable and convenient to do the bare minimum and wait for things to come to you, but being involved in your community is important for so many reasons:

• A sense of fulfillment that can create a lasting legacy
• Collective action to improve the world around you for everyone
• Dependable support when times are hard
• Lasting social connections with any generation

“We have several work groups that meet once a month to discuss chapel services, life safety, dining services, environmental needs, all kinds of topics!”

-Marcia, Twin Lakes resident

Here are three easy steps to becoming more involved with the people and places around you:

1. Network

Whether you’re moving to a new town or strive to be more active in your community, the first step is to find the right network, which can be done by:

• Exploring nearby opportunities that would suit your time and expertise through AARP
• Going to local establishments like the grocery store or a small restaurant that may have a bulletin board of upcoming events and calls for support
• Using technology to stay up to date on local news, communicate with others in the community, and find nearby or remote opportunities to give back
• Visit charitable, educational, or religious organizations in the area that are mission-driven and schedule upcoming events and programs

2. Join Activities

Embrace a “yes, and” attitude by signing up and attending a variety of things that may pique your interest:

• Attending cultural events and festivals
• Becoming a patron of the arts by engaging in creative activities or attending local performances
• Joining a local government council or social club
• Kickstarting your wellness journey by signing up for a fitness class or a sports team
• Volunteering your time and skills to an important cause or unfulfilled need

3. Start Something

The most important lesson of being part of a community is not waiting for someone to get the ball rolling. You take initiative by:

• Looking around and seeing what hasn’t been accomplished yet that the community would benefit from
• Forming a group of like-minded peers who also want to make things come to life, such as a theatre program or conservation project
• Partnering with a local center to create a whole calendar of events, no matter how small
• Becoming a sort of influencer that gives positive ratings to local establishments, provides insightful testimonials, and spreads the word on great things happening in the area, so they can continue for years to come

Explore how you can make the most of retirement in our ebook, Lifestyle Opportunities in Senior Living Communities!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.