The internet is an amazing thing. It’s a space where you can find anything your heart desires, connect with people from all around the world, and have conversations on any topic imaginable. But there’s more, so much more than that — for example, a growing opportunity to make a difference in myriad ways.
As the world becomes smaller and smaller, it’s easier than ever before to influence others. People are more aware of what happens in other places on our planet, but they often feel powerless to do anything about them. If you feel like this too, we want you to know that you have the power to make a difference.
From joining a cause to creating and leading meaningful conversations online, we’ve come up with several practical ways to make a difference from behind your screen.
Passion Creates Purpose
Undoubtedly, someone or something is affecting your life. People and events influence us directly and indirectly through daily interactions, news programs, online articles, social media — the list is infinite. Some of those things leave a larger impact than others, and if you want to make a difference, you need to find a subject that’s left a heavy impact on you.
Think about some issues that have influenced you recently. How did those things make you feel — and why? Do you want to do something? Is someone already doing something about that issue? Finding an issue that you’re passionate about gives you purpose in your online interactions.
You can then turn this purpose into action and use your online influence to make a difference. Whether it’s for animals, the planet, or any other movement you feel strongly about, find a cause.
Engage with Those Whose Passion is the Same as Yours
There are many amazing and inspiring organizations that can use your help. If you’re passionate about a specific topic, see if there’s an organization out there that is working towards the same thing you wish to achieve. You’ll be able to make a difference in real life as well as online.
If you want to do something meaningful from behind your screen, make a list of the people and organizations who are already fighting for what you stand for. If you’re not sure where to start, try getting involved on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
These platforms nourish communities and conversations dedicated to myriad social and political issues — and they’re a perfect place to learn more, reach out, make connections, and get involved.
There are plenty of organizations looking for people to rally behind them. No matter how physically far they are from you, the people you want to help are just a few clicks away—whether via donation, conversation, or education. Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to make a difference.
Share Content & Encourage Others to Get Involved
Sharing content online is a great way to bring awareness and momentum to your issue of choice, and it can often lead to real and lasting change.
If you want the people around you to get involved, make sure the content you share speaks directly to them. Make a call-to-action a part of your messages, whether it’s asking them to sign a petition or to retweet something.
Tell stories in a way that is relatable and simple. Explain why the cause you’re passionate about matters, who’s behind it, what they do, and how your readers can get involved. Think about reaching out to those who aren’t as aware of the topic as you are, and formulate your message to answer questions and apprehensions that they might have.
Donate or Start An Online Fundraising Campaign
Starting an online fundraising campaign is a great way to make a difference in your cause of choice. However, it is a large investment of time and effort. If starting your own online fundraising campaign sounds like too much, you can donate directly. Charities and NGOs around the world always welcome donations, and they’re a great way to ensure that your money is going to good use.
If you decide that you’d like to really accelerate your impact by starting your own online fundraising campaign, make sure to include a clear call-to-action on your campaign. It’s important to let people know exactly what their donation will go towards, whether that’s building a shelter for runaway girls or getting medical equipment to a struggling hospital.
You can start a website, set up a text-to-donate campaign, or even partner with an online business. The different ways to create a campaign are endless, and they’re just waiting for you.
Redirect Holiday Gifts
This holiday season (or for your next birthday), consider asking friends and family to donate to the causes you care about rather than giving you gift cards or physical gifts.
When your loved ones donate to your favorite causes, that action both contributes to the cause and educates them — making them more likely to get independently involved in the future.
To organize your gift transfer, use an online fundraising platform. These platforms allow you to create a personalized message explaining why you care deeply about your cause of choice (and why you’ve asked friends and family to donate to that cause instead of giving you a gift). Then, you can share your message across social media platforms and include a link that will take people directly to the donation page.
If you’re not comfortable with this approach, you can simply ask those close to you to donate in your name or make a post online encouraging people to support the same cause if they feel so inclined.
The internet has made it easier to make a difference. All that you need is a cause, others who share your passion, and an organization or two that advocates for your ideals. If no organizations exist, you can even gather like-minded people and create your own!
So long as you show up with consistent energy and commitment to your cause, you can easily make a difference in the world — all from behind your computer screen.
Looking for a place to start? Visit Anchored Purpose Box to learn more and get involved.