In the first movie of the Hobbit trilogy: An Unexpected Journey (2012), when Lady Galadriel asked Gandalf why he chose to involve Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit, in the monumental mission of reclaiming Erebor, this was his reply:
“Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I’ve found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.”
As a young person and student, you might feel that you are too inexperienced or powerless to make a difference, let alone change the world. But just look at what Bilbo achieved on his journey. He recovered the Arkenstone, outwitted Gollum, outsmarted the mighty dragon Smaug, and upon his return, changed how hobbits viewed the world outside their quiet lives,
showing that even the smallest person (literally) can achieve greatness.
No Limits To Achieving Greatness
You don’t need a minimum age, fancy job title, or Nobel Prize to make a difference. If anything, you students have a secret advantage. You are energetic and creative and possess a rebellious determination to prove what others say cannot be done. You also wield one of the most powerful weapons to change the world: education.
Whether it’s inspiring change or simply spreading kindness, you don’t need to wait till graduation to get started. Here are simple, actionable ways in which you can make a difference in your community—right at this very moment!
1 Be Aware, Curious, and Empathetic
Awareness is the first step to change.
- Read the news, research, and stay up-to-date with local and global issues.
- Step outside of yourself and your usual environment. Observe, ask questions, and walk in the shoes of others.
- Reflect on your passions, skills, and capacity to contribute. Remember, no act is too small.
2 Volunteer
Volunteering is not just about giving; it’s also a chance to discover your talents while positively impacting others. Need ideas? Here are some areas to explore:
- Seniors: Assist as a medical escort for wheelchair-bound seniors or volunteer with NTUC Health at their nursing homes, active ageing centres, and day centres.
- Special Needs: Assist in training adults with intellectual disabilities to help them better integrate into the community at the TOUCH Ubi Hostel or volunteer with MINDS as a home befriender.
- Food Assistance: Help out at Willing Hearts or Food from the Heart by assisting with food preparation and distribution to beneficiaries.
- Women Services: Support AWARE’s Helpline for women in distress.
- Migrant Workers: Join befriending programmes with the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME). Volunteer with FAST or ACMI to provide counselling and training for foreign domestic workers.
- Animal Welfare: Help out at the animal shelters of Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS), Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), and SPCA, volunteer to foster rescued or abandoned dogs and cats, or join Acres Wildlife Rescue Centre in their rescue missions.
3 Advocate for Causes You Care About
Stand up for a cause, lead by example, and inspire change.
- Environment & Climate Action: Minimise waste by bringing your own grocery bag and using recyclable products. Plant trees, organise clean-ups at parks and beaches, or set up a recycling system for your home, neighbourhood, or school. Carpool with peers to reduce carbon emissions.
- Social Advocacy: Raise community concerns with your local Member of Parliament (MP). Write about issues you care about in the forum pages of local newspapers and school publications.
- Support Local: Share your favourite local spots with friends and family and leave positive reviews on Google or social media. Volunteer your skills in marketing or design to help struggling local business owners.
- Arts & Culture: Guide tours at museums. Organise cultural celebrations or gatherings at your university or neighbourhood. Host campus exhibitions to celebrate local crafts and heritage.
- Healthy, Active Living: Participate in charity marathons and sporting events, rallying your friends and family to join you. Organise initiatives to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
4 Mentor, Tutor, and Encourage Education
Empower others through knowledge. Break cycles of poverty and injustice through education.
- Mentor youth through organisations like Touch Community Services.
- Offer to tutor students at your local community centre or former Junior College.
- Read to children at libraries or teach literacy skills with ReadAble or Singapore Children’s Society.
- Support peers in distress by training as a peer support counsellor with the Singapore Emergency Responder Academy or National Council of Social Service (NCSS).
- Charity begins at home. Read to your sibling and their friends or offer to teach your helper and her children.
- Participate in lectures or class discussions and contribute ideas to make learning more engaging for everyone.
5 Use Your Skills for Good
Identify your strengths and use them to help others.
- Marketing: Help local charities organise fundraising campaigns.
- Technology: Design websites or offer IT support for non-profits.
- Photography & Media: Help organisations with content creation.
- Education: Teach digital literacy to seniors or tutor underprivileged children.
- Sports: Coach a sport you excel in.
- Arts: Learn traditional crafts and host workshops to teach and share these skills.
- First Aid: Train in first aid to assist in emergencies.
6 Donate to Those in Need
If volunteering feels overwhelming, donate instead.
- Donate blood.
- Donate books to your local library.
- Donate your old clothes to the Red Cross or thrift store.
- Donate your old laptop to someone who needs one. (Remember to clean out your drive first!)
- Donate toys to patients aged 0 to 16 years at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- Donate money to your favourite charity.
7 Perform Everyday Acts of Kindness
Simple gestures can brighten someone’s day or even change a person’s life.
- Smile and greet others, even strangers.
- Offer a listening ear or words of encouragement to anyone who needs it.
- Show appreciation to teachers, mentors, or anyone who inspires you.
- Befriend a new student or neighbour.
- Ring up or visit a senior in your community for an occasional check-in. Go on walks with them and listen to their stories. You’ll learn more than you think!
- Offer to babysit or dog-sit for a family so they can enjoy an afternoon out.
- Surprise a family in need with holiday gifts.
- Return lost items.
8 Be a Responsible Digital Citizen
In this digital age, your online actions matter too.
- Stand up against cyberbullying and promote positive online behaviour.
- Respect intellectual property, avoid plagiarism in your work, and credit creators accordingly.
- Use social media to spread awareness for causes you care about.
9 Taking Bigger Steps in Your Community
Ready for a bigger challenge?
- Take on leadership roles in clubs or committees to influence decisions around community impact.
- Start a community project to address local needs.
- Start up a non-profit to tackle underserved needs and put your entrepreneurial and leadership skills to the test!
The Butterfly Effect of Small Acts
It’s a choice to want to take action or remain oblivious to the problems around you. As the future leaders of our world, every small act of yours for good can inspire others and create ripples of positive change. No act is too small. Quoting George Washington Carver: “Start where you are, with what you have.” The impact will follow, and the world will be a better place for it.