"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." – John Wooden
The world is rapidly changing—socially and economically—highlighting the need for individuals who can create positive impact. Every person has the potential to be a changemaker, whether through small initiatives or by taking on influential roles within their communities.
The Five-Minute Service Rule
Many people have the desire to give back but feel constrained by time. To address this, psychologist and author Adam Grant introduced the Five-Minute Service Rule, which encourages individuals to be willing to do anything that takes five minutes or less to help someone else. This simple yet powerful concept enables people to create meaningful impact in the lives of others.
For example, you could connect two individuals who might benefit greatly from knowing each other or offer quick guidance that helps someone take a step forward.
Social Purchasing
Another approach to making a difference is through social purchasing—the act of buying everyday goods and services from businesses that support social causes. This practice promotes humanitarian efforts and environmental sustainability by directing consumer spending toward brands that not only meet their needs but also contribute to meaningful change, such as combating poverty or addressing climate change.
For a deeper dive into this concept, consider exploring the book Buy the Change You Want to See, which explores how everyday purchasing decisions can drive positive impact.
Joining an Existing Initiative
Through volunteer work, I have met many passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to solving societal challenges. Often, their initial instinct is to start a new initiative from scratch, which can be a viable solution in some cases. However, in many situations, there are alternative paths—such as joining an existing small or large organization and playing an essential role in its expansion and success.
Becoming an Ambassador for a Charity
If joining an existing organization does not align with your circumstances, another option is to become an ambassador for a local charity or establish a branch of a global nonprofit in your country. This approach offers several advantages, such as operating within an established legal framework, benefiting from an existing operational structure, and leveraging the organization's credibility and resources.
Advocating for Social Initiatives in the Workplace
Another impactful avenue is to become a social advocate within your workplace by encouraging leadership to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Strategic partnerships between the private sector and nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in amplifying social impact.
A company does not always need to create something entirely new—it can leverage its existing resources and capabilities. For instance, many companies have donated unused or surplus supplies to charitable organizations distributing food and essential goods to those in need.
A notable example is the "Noon Training Program," an initiative by Bunyan Charity Association in collaboration with Prince Sultan University. This program aimed to equip young women aged 16-25 with essential skills, with Intel supporting the initiative by providing the necessary technical curriculum
Leveraging Employee Skills for Good
Companies can also contribute by encouraging employees to donate their professional expertise. One way to do this is by engaging with platforms like Catchafire, which connects skilled professionals with nonprofits in need of their expertise.
For companies that prefer hands-on volunteering, organizations such as Companies for Good in the UAE and Impact with Deeds in Jeddah organize corporate volunteer activities, allowing employees to participate in impactful community projects.
The Power of Small Actions
Creating change does not always require grand gestures—often, it starts with small, consistent actions that generate real impact. Whether it’s offering a simple act of service, supporting a social enterprise, or encouraging your workplace to embrace community initiatives, every effort contributes to building a more conscious and engaged society.
True impact is not measured by its size, but by its sustainability and reach. Be the spark—be the beginning of change.
