Change the World
A society grows great when people plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
Make a Difference-
You never know what your efforts and actions will have.
Volunteering, raising money, and engaging in activities that drive change are powerful ways to make a difference, proving that one person’s efforts can ripple outward to impact the world. You can address critical global challenges while fostering hope and progress by focusing on sustainability, social justice, innovation, education, and service.
These actions not only improve the lives of others but also transform and inspire us—broadening our perspectives, deepening our empathy, and igniting our own sense of purpose. When we give our time and energy to meaningful causes, we become part of something larger than ourselves, sparking change that uplifts our communities and our own hearts.
Imagine being able to raise enough money to build a school—and it takes far less than you might think! Picture yourself teaching English in Cambodia or empowering women in business in Costa Rica. These are just some of the ways you can make an impact.
Below are a few organizations that have touched my soul with their efforts and accomplishments around the world. I encourage you to find a cause. Make it part of your resume. Make it part of your college experience. Make it part of you.
Raising money for a cause
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Use platforms like GoFundMe or JustGiving to create a campaign, sharing why this cause matters to you and your community.
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Instead of Birthday or Christmas presents, ask for donations to the organization you are working with.
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Partner with coffee shops, restaurants, or stores to donate a percentage of their sales on a specific day to the charity.
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Teach a skill you’re good at (e.g., painting, knitting, tutoring, or coding) in exchange for donations.
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Stream yourself playing video games, performing music, or completing challenges, encouraging viewers to donate.
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Create and sell branded merchandise, such as T-shirts or stickers, with proceeds going to the cause.
Tips for raising money for a cause you believe in:
Share a compelling story about why this cause matters to you.
Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or email campaigns to spread the word.
Thank your donors publicly (if they’re comfortable) and keep them updated on the campaign’s progress.
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Pencils of Promise
Pencils of Promise is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to quality education in underserved communities. Founded in 2008, the organization builds schools, trains teachers, and provides educational resources in countries such as Ghana, Guatemala, Laos, and Nicaragua. By focusing on sustainable solutions, Pencils of Promise ensures that each project has a lasting impact, empowering children with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their potential. Their mission revolves around the belief that everyone deserves access to education, and they work tirelessly to create a world where learning knows no bounds.
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Feeding America
Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, working to connect people in need with nutritious food through a nationwide network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs. Serving millions of Americans annually, the organization addresses food insecurity by rescuing surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it to local communities. Feeding America also advocates for policies that combat hunger and promotes innovative solutions to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and inequality.
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Rapha International
Rapha International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. Founded in 2003, the organization operates in countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Haiti, and the United States. Its mission focuses on providing aftercare for survivors, preventing trafficking through education and community programs, and engaging the public to take action against these crimes.
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International Volunteer HQ
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is a global organization that offers affordable and impactful volunteer programs in over 50 countries. Since its founding in 2007, IVHQ has facilitated projects that address various global challenges aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, including education, health, conservation, and community development. Volunteers can engage in activities such as teaching, medical outreach, wildlife conservation, and environmental regeneration. Programs are designed to empower local communities, with initiatives managed by locally registered organizations, ensuring culturally relevant and sustainable impact.
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Water is Life
Water Is Life is a nonprofit organization focused on providing clean, safe drinking water and improved sanitation to communities in need around the world. Through innovative technologies, like portable water filters and sustainable clean water solutions, the organization addresses the global water crisis, saving lives and reducing waterborne diseases. Water Is Life also emphasizes education about hygiene and sanitation, empowering communities to maintain healthier living conditions. Their mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to this essential resource, improving quality of life and fostering long-term health and sustainability.
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Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to eradicating hunger and addressing its underlying causes. Established in 1979, the organization operates in over 50 countries, providing life-saving assistance through programs focused on nutrition, clean water, sanitation, food security, and livelihoods. Its initiatives are designed to support vulnerable communities affected by crises such as conflict, natural disasters, and chronic poverty. By developing innovative solutions like Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Foods and community-based approaches to malnutrition treatment, Action Against Hunger has made significant strides in saving lives and promoting long-term sustainability. The organization also engages in advocacy and partnerships to drive systemic change, aiming for a world free of hunger
