Get started doing good.

This ongoing post is for those who want to do more good – but may not know where to start. We’re compiling thoughts from experts around the country (although hey, we’re partial to the Austin area) to help give you all the advice and insight you need with just one click.

Liz Kelly, founder of the Los Angeles-based Goody Awards, recommends three things you can do right now:

1. Support charities that you care about by promoting their good news
2. Take time to do a good deed per day by holding the door, paying for someone’s groceries/coffee, and/or volunteering
3. Recognize your everyday heroes who make our lives better immediately (don’t wait for a major award presentation, share on social media)

“We are all so busy, and yet you can make someone’s day, year and life sometimes just by stepping up and honoring them for making a difference. And by the way, it feels GOOD to give back. By making a positive social impact, it can reduce stress and anxiety, create a sense of self-satisfaction and bring joy to both you and the person or group being honored.”

Story: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/social-impact-heroes-how-liz-h-kelly-founder-of-the-goody-awards-is-helping-to-to-empower-people-and-projects-that-positively-impact-the-world/

Heather McKissick, Senior VP of Community Impact at University Federal Credit Union, talks about how to fully give back to the community while expanding professionally and personally.

Here in Austin, it is possible to have a progressive, lucrative, fulfilling, growth-oriented career in the not-for-profit sector. McKissick’s experience either in the for-profit or not-for-profit sector has directly influenced her career when it comes to her own growth, skills, development​.  She has brought the knowledge gained from these experiences back to the organization​s ​where she works.

McKissick encouraged guests at Concordia University’s IncubatorCTX to follow these 5 steps/tips:

1. Clarify Your Cause
2. Drive Your Development Plan
3. Ask For Help
4. Leapfrog the Ladder
5. Mutual Gain

Story: http://www.incubatorctx.com/heather-mckissick-move-forward-give-back-advancing-career-and-community-through-service/

I Live Here I Give Here stands with Central Texas nonprofits who diligently serve our most vulnerable. They work with over 760 local nonprofit organizations and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they have implemented many programs to continue their mission:

• Along with their partners at Austin Community Foundation and United Way for Greater Austin, they have created #AllTogetherATX, a new philanthropic fund that provides flexible resources to a range of local nonprofit organizations working with people who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the economic consequences of the outbreak. Learn more about this initiative and donate online at AllTogetherATX.org.
• Search virtual volunteer opportunities at VolunteerMatch.com and see a list of ways you can take action while physical distancing from GivingCity Austin.
• Challenge yourselves and your friends and family members to daily acts of generosity. See GivingTuesday’s April “Do Good” calendar for inspiration, or sign up for Daily Generosity text messages by texting “GivingTuesday” to 33777.

Story: https://ilivehereigivehere.org/blog/support-local-nonprofits