The smallest actions make the biggest difference. Feel good, make friends, and build a meaningful community around you with ease.

It's scary out there lately. You don't have to look far to find online posts about taking care of ourselves and forgetting about our neighbours. What happened to what we as Albertans (and Canadians) have always been proud to embrace: a strong sense of community? The good news is that it hasn't gone anywhere. Ask anyone you meet if they want their community to flourish and succeed and their answer will be a resounding "Yes!"

If that's true, then why aren't more people doing it? Well, there is this mentality that you need a lot of free time, a lot of money, and the heart of a saint to make a difference. This is so far from the truth. There are lots of ways you can make a meaningful impact on your community doing something you enjoy with little investment of both your time and money.

Animal Lovers and the Great Outdoors

If you have a sixth sense when it comes to animals or are blessed with a green thumb, there are a few hands-on activities you can participate in with organizations like B.A.R.S.,  Barrhead 4-H, or the Community Garden. Whether it's playing with animals, getting your hands dirty, or doing some research on places to buy vegetable seeds, there is something your skills are invaluable for - with very little time invested.

People Persons Wanted

If you have a knack for connecting with fellow humans, there is no shortage of fun and rewarding groups awaiting your arrival. Unleash your inner child and spend a night showcasing something new to the kids at FCSS Youth. Maybe you love a good game of cards - the folks at the Hillcrest Lodge have countless opponents to challenge. The impact you can have on your neighbours can change the world, even if all you have to offer is a few meaningful hours on a single day.

Anything Less People-y?

So maybe you don’t want a lot of face time with new people. No problem! The Barrhead Public Library can't wait to give you a solitary project. They are always working on new events and activities for the community and they would welcome someone who wants to do a bit of research or event planning. So is the Barrhead Museum & Historical Society.

I’d Rather Call The Shots

Your leadership skills can absolutely be used to make big decisions while other agencies or volunteers do the grunt work. Every major event in Town has a committee that does the planning and organizing like the Pumpkin Walk Committee. The SDAB needs people to hear appeals and render decisions on future development in Town - and they meet twice a year at best. Decide how to showcase Barrhead to international guests as a member of the Twinning Committee. The list of power positions available is almost endless.

If nothing else, take with you that volunteering in your community is so much more than ladling at a soup kitchen (unless you love it in which case, carry on!) There are many easy ways to enrich your community while doing something you actually like. Check out the organizations linked above or search for something completely new in our Town Directory.

 “Great things are created by a series of small things brought together.” -Vincent Van Gogh