Giving Compass' Take:

• The author offers insight for young people in their 20s ways to give back through evaluating values, researching, networking with stakeholders, and making commitments to donating time. 

• Why is it important for young people to understand giving back can happen at any time, and that no one has to be an established philanthropist in order to effectively give back to communities in need?

• Find out why millennials will be the biggest philanthropic donors in history. 

Giving back should not be confused with the common misconception that you need to be established or successful in order to start making a difference.

1. What are your values?

When you’re considering how you want to give back, it is important to determine what you value. Is is education? Sustainability? Make a list, detailed or not, simply write down thoughts that first come to mind. Next, you need to consider what makes you passionate about those values

2. Dive into the research.

Instead of mindlessly scrolling though Instagram and Facebook while sipping your coffee, use that time to research charities and organizations (there are tons!). This will help you figure out exactly how you can help make a difference; It may be a small first step, such as making an Instagram post and using a hashtag to support a charity, or taking a few hours out of your Sunday to attend a meeting.

3. Network with like-minded individuals.

Tied in with the importance of research, get in touch with those already involved, or reach out to friends who are interested in giving back. Email, follow social media pages and attend open events or meetings. When you surround yourself with people who have the same or similar goals and outlooks on life, it makes it easier to reach yours.

4. Commit and prioritize.

A 20-something’s schedule can sometimes look a bit crazy and all over the place. However, committing to something that you want to do will cause you to have to make a set schedule. The last step is to make sure that you’re making giving back priority. Through blocking out time in your calendar for making efforts towards giving back, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and follow through.

Read the full article about easy steps to giving back by Meghan Pues at Medium