Positive change starts with you

Every one of us has a unique set of skills that can lead to positive change in our community when used effectively. It's natural for anyone who feels a sense of service towards their people, community, and country to aim to be of value to those around them. The first step begins with finding your purpose and developing your skills in order to make a positive impact.

The energy of the youth of Saudi Arabia can be felt in many ways and there are many who desire to make a positive change and build a future for themselves and future generations through their skills, ideas, and creativity. You can be one of those who makes a difference in your community and inspire the youth around you as well.
You can start by attending the Innovation Diwan, which seeks to promote a culture of creativity and innovation among Saudi youth, by giving them the opportunity to share their ideas and solutions to challenges facing their society. The Youth Voice program on the other hand aims to engage young people from all over the Kingdom by teaching them communication skills and ways to become an active citizen. By giving them tools that enable them to pursue and reach their ambitions, Saudi youth will be able to be active participants in the nation's renaissance. 

These initiatives are all part of the objectives of Vision 2030, where the youth will be equipped leaders ready to support and develop the Saudi society. It’s evident that governmental initiatives are using all available resources to create an enabling environment that supports the youth to make a positive impact in their own lives and in the communities they live in.  

Here are some important tips that will help you make a positive impact in your community:

1- Become close to your community

You should always feel close to the community you live in, because it’s very important to understand what is happening in your local area. You need to know the challenges that your community is facing and be aware of the changes that need to be made to positively enhance people’s lives. You need to know who the main stakeholders in your community are, as well as the people in power you may need to persuade to bring about the needed change.

2- Rely on and inspire others

It’s important to be clear about what you want to achieve, but you certainly cannot do it alone. There is power in numbers, so it’s wise to team up to find innovative solutions to the societal challenges around you. With a team, you’ll be able to collectively choose to support a certain cause and bring together your different skills to ensure your efforts bring about positive results and enhance the quality of life of your community. When others see you in action, they’ll be inspired to join you. When they do join you, don’t just educate the youth about important societal issues, but encourage them to teach others as well.

3- Define your goals clearly

Your goals could be planning local beach cleanups or creating a healthy play area for children, or you may find yourself interested in larger goals, such as finding solutions for poverty or environmental problems. You need to define your goals clearly, and ask yourself these questions: What does community mean to you? Why is it important to serve your community? What impact do you want to have on your community and how will you achieve it? By answering these questions, you’ll be able to clearly set out a plan to make a positive difference.

4- Volunteer and learn by doing 

In the journey of making a positive impact in your community, you consistently have to keep on learning and that comes through trial and error. Also, volunteering in community programs is very important. You won’t only add experience to your resume but will be able to directly see the benefits of your efforts. You can get started by focusing on where you can extend a helping hand in your own city.

5- Develop your public speaking and communication skills

It’s crucial to master your communication skills to be able to effectively discuss matters with people or organizations who can help you achieve positive change. When faced with challenges, you have to be flexible, patient, and able to articulate clear alternatives that benefit everyone. When addressing the public, you need to make sure your tone of voice is clear and to focus on concise talking points. You can also take advantage of social platforms to connect with high profile people and ask them to raise awareness about your cause.

6- Enjoy what you’re doing and try to think outside the box

When you are truly passionate about making a positive change in your community, you have to remember to enjoy the process since effective change may take years. Be resilient, persistent, and never stop coming up with creative and innovative ideas that will someday turn into reality.

Stepping into the world of community service and embarking on a journey of positive impact will lead you to live a life full of purpose. You will be inspired by creativity and innovation to achieve a positive change for those around you. With perseverance, coordinated effort, and a deep belief in the importance of your work, you’ll be able to make a difference for the better.