The 10 things that I need to do to enhance my community:


1. Start a free cycle group. Do you ever imagine what it would be like to buy anything again? Hooking up with a free cycle group is a great step in that direction. Our family has been free cycling for years and we love it. While most of the action takes place in online forums that connect people far and wide, some communities actually have brick-and-motor buildings where the give-and-take magic happens.


2. Spread head a Transition Town initiative. This is a bit bigger than a breadbox in scope, but well worth it. While its roots is in the United Kingdom, the Transition Town movement has quickly spread across the globe. It's a structured and empowering way of bringing ordinary community people together to figure out solutions for combating the effects of global warming and peak oil right in their own neighborhood.


3. Join or start a Common Security Club. This is a bit smaller in scale than spearheading a Transition Town initiative, but no less important. Common Security Clubs got their start by people wanting to figure out ways of better understanding and weathering the uncertainties of our economic and ecological times. They come together to talk to through and figure out ways to weather the proverbial storm.


4. Volunteer at a local school, senior center, hospital or animal shelter. These are four places that are always looking for a few extra hands. Whether its to share a skill or experience, help with simple tasks or just to lend an ear and laugh a bit, connecting with your neighbors int this way is priceless. You can never under-estimate the order of simple interactions between two beings.


5. Start (or join) a DIY learning group. As time goes on, more and more people are rediscovering the value of self-reliance. Everything from growing and storing your own vegetables to building and fixing things to getting off the grid. One of my favorite examples of DIY in action is the Dever Urban Homesteading Group.


6. Give blood. This is one of the easiest things you could ever do to help someone. Blood banks are always in need of more. As the American Red Cross says, "Give the gift of live".


7. Coach a youth sports team. Being able to help shape a young mind is one of the best things you could ever do. Good thing your local youth leagues are always looking for volunteers. Often it's for coaching but there are lost of  other ways to get involved. Sure, some experience with the sport is handy if you're going to coach, but many times, leagues offer coaching clinics to help get you prepared.


8. Organize a documentary film series. These are especially popular as we head into winter. What are you passionate about? The environment? Social Justice? Food issues? Likely there are others in your community who care too. A film series is a great way to bring like-minded people together and spark conversation about taking action. If you don't charge a fee for the viewing, many times you can get around copyright viewing issues.


9. Organize a food drive. According to Feeding America, the number of Americans receiving food donations is up 46% since 2006 to 43 million, including 14 million children. Worldwide, the U.N. World Food Programme estimates 925 million people face hunger each day.


10. Get involved in town/city government. Most municipal governments are helped by a network a volunteer commissions and boards that tackle everything from recycling to economic development to arts & culture. These are often very important elements of community living that don't always get the time and attention they need. Don't think you're qualified? Your passion for an issue cam often offset any direct experience you might not have.