The month of March is known for many things, like St. Patrick’s Day, spring break and even its unpredictable weather. However, one aspect of March which can often get overlooked is National Women’s History Month. Since 1987, the United States has honored Women’s History Month by recognizing the unique and significant contributions various women have made to society throughout history.

So, how exactly did National Women’s History Month get started, and how can you altruistically celebrate it? Today we dive into the history behind this month and how you can get involved, give back and build a better world by celebrating National Women’s History Month.

The History Behind the Month

One of the most important ways you can give back with National Women’s History Month is by learning more about the history behind the month. The famous month actually originated as just a week. It started out in 1978 as a weeklong celebration organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, recognizing women’s contributions to culture, history and society. Students in the district gave presentations at dozens of school, participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and even held a parade in downtown Santa Rosa.

Years later, other communities, school districts and organizations around the country started to catch onto the idea of a women’s celebration. Then, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. The following year, the U.S. Congress continued the decree by passing a resolution that established a national celebration. Six years later in 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March. They succeeded, and thus National Women’s History Month was born.

International Women’s Day

Part of the origin behind women’s history week and month began with International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day took place for the first time on March 8, 1911, as a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women. Countries around the world celebrated—and continue to celebrate—the day with demonstrations, educational initiatives and cultural customs. The United Nations itself has sponsored the global event since 1975. The weeklong celebration of Sonoma, California, originated because of International Women’s Day, ultimately contributing to the foundation of National Women’s History Month.

When the U.N. adopted its resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, they cited the following reasons: “To recognize that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”

Get Involved with a Women’s Organization

So, how can you live altruistically and celebrate National Women’s History Month? By getting involved with a women’s organization, of course. Take time to recognize the meaningful contributions women have made to society throughout generations. Learn more about female inventors, artists and politicians. Look in your community for women’s organizations you can get involved with, then see how you can volunteer or donate to give back. Support the women in your friend group, family and neighborhood to help recognize women throughout the community, society and history.

This March, celebrate National Women’s History Month by learning more and giving back. See how you can get involved, live altruistically and make a difference in the lives of girls and women around you.

For centuries, humans have used storytelling as a means of communicating, connecting and relationship-building. We create our lives and the world around us through the stories we tell each other and what they mean to us.

Living a full and altruistic life is about more than just doing your best. It’s about sharing your best with others around you and connecting with them through our inherent need to tell stories. Storytelling is powerful, and it has enormous benefits for you and those around you. Today we’re going to talk about how storytelling can impact your life.

What is storytelling?

This may seem like a simple question, but in today’s world of split-second graphics and 15-second videos, storytelling can actually be a difficult thing to define. It can be as simple as reading a book and as complicated as creating your own elaborate tale. No matter what, storytelling shares meaning, insight or value.

Where is storytelling useful?

Storytelling is useful for anything—from putting your children to bed to selling a product to establishing a political campaign. Think of how much of our lives are told through stories: movies, books, commercials, music, friendships, family and even social media are full of different stories. Storytelling is useful in virtually every avenue of our lives and builds up a life rich with connections and relationships.

How does storytelling build understanding?

Storytelling explains ideas because it promotes connections between various people and cultures. Through storytelling, we learn compassion, empathy, tolerance and respect. We feel connected to the protagonist of the story because we see his or her point of view. Once this is established, we start to understand their feelings, thoughts or emotions, and how society may impact them differently. This is why storytelling from different perspectives is so powerful and necessary. When we see and tell stories of other people from other situations, we link together across cultures and share in our mutual experiences.

How does storytelling impact how we think?

Telling and listening to stories benefits our mental and emotional intelligence in a variety of ways. Mentally, the connection between storytelling and literacy has been well established. Our vocabulary, comprehension, sequencing skills, memory and creativity all grow when we tell stories. It can also significantly improve our listening and focus skills by tuning into specific details. Finally, it stretches our imagination, encouraging us to delve into different ways of thinking.

Storytelling also improves our emotional intelligence by teaching us how to experience different emotions. We can personally learn about fear, heroism, love, hate, compassion, sorrow, grief and joy all from one story. For those struggling to express or understand their own emotions, storytelling within their own lives—journaling, blogging, video recording, etc.—can help process through these challenges.

In living an altruistic life, storytelling is powerful in learning about those in need and how best to help them. When we tell our own stories and listen to those around us, we subconsciously create connections and build more meaningful lives. Try telling your story this week and see how your life is benefitted.

So, you want to get involved in your community and make a difference, but you’re not quite sure where to start. There are plenty of causes you care about and important nonprofits that are working to change the world, but how can you find the right one for you?

While it might seem simple, choosing a nonprofit organization to volunteer with can actually be a very challenging decision. There are so many options to choose from, it might become overwhelming. Even if you care about a cause, how can you ensure you’re a good fit for the position? Here are some ideas to help you find the right fit for volunteering.

Find your passion.

The first—and most important—step to finding your fit for volunteering is to make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. There are a variety of worthy causes out there, but if you work with something you don’t genuinely care about, then you will waste both yours and the charity’s time. Make a list of groups, causes and issues that elicit a strong emotional response in you. For instance, perhaps you care a lot about the elderly because you were very close with your grandmother. Or, you love donating blood because you have a rare blood type. Write down the things you care about to evaluate your passions.

Consider your skills.

Next, consider what skills you have to offer in a volunteer position. Just because you have a passion for the cause doesn’t necessarily mean you would work well there. Nonprofit organizations want volunteers at their best, so evaluate what you’re good at and how you could use that in a volunteer role. For example, maybe you don’t love working with people, but you’re great with numbers, so you could help with financial services. Or, maybe you’re great at projects around the house, and could offer free services to fix up their building. Whatever your strengths are, you can leverage them to support a cause you care about.

Ask around.

Once you’ve identified what you love and what you’re good at, it’s time to investigate charities to work with. Of course, where’s the easiest place to start? With your family and friends! Ask the people around in your life to see if they know any nonprofits with valuable causes who could use an extra set of hands. If you’re still not sure, question those closest to you where they could see you volunteering. Sometimes an outside perspective is the best one we can gain on our lives, so ask where your loved ones think you should volunteer.

Search online.

There are a variety of online databases available for people interested in volunteering. Sites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist and HandsOn Network all have networks of organizations in need and volunteer positions available. Simply go to the site, type in your location and what you’re interested in, and surprise! You have a complete list of nonprofits in your area looking for volunteers like you. Give it a try to start you off on the right foot as you continue to pursue a valuable volunteer match.

Start small.

When you have connected with a charity, be sure to start small. You might not want to dive in right away. Instead, it’s perfectly fine to take some time to get your feet wet. Volunteer when and where you can, and see how you enjoy working with the organization. Once you feel more comfortable or confident in volunteering, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get more involved. And of course, always be sure to organize your time well and avoid volunteer burnout.

Finding a cause to volunteer with can be a challenging decision. Between all of the available organizations and opportunities, how can you choose? Keep these tips in mind as you explore the nonprofit arena and search for your right fit for volunteering.

Ah, love is in the air. When you think of Valentine’s Day, chances are you think of pink hearts, celebrating your significant other or gifts of roses and chocolates. However, Valentine’s Day can be much more than a holiday to spoil your loved ones. This February 14th, consider spreading the love in altruistic ways. Check out these tips to make your Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Make homemade valentines.

While Valentine’s Day is an exciting day for some, others may loathe the holiday. There are many people who feel lonely on holidays because they aren’t sure who they should be spending time with. Make homemade valentines for people in your life or even for strangers. Get friends together to make the valentines with you, and donate them to a local community center or senior citizen center. Give out valentines to friends, family, acquaintances… the list goes on! You never know who might need that little pick-me-up in their day.

Donate baked goods.

Valentine’s Day is full of chocolates and treats. Use this as an opportunity to bake up something tasty for a good cause! Organize a bake sale and donate the proceeds to your favorite organization. Or simply deliver the goods to somebody who could use a treat.

Volunteer your time.

There’s nothing more selfless or loving than using your own time to do something for someone else and expecting nothing in return. That’s what volunteering is about! Use Valentine’s Day to spread the love through giving back to an organization that is near and dear to your heart. If you don’t have one yet, use this as a reminder to follow your heart and find a new organization to support.

Donate blood.

Giving blood may not sound like the most romantic gesture, but the color red is often associated with Valentine’s Day! Plus, you’d be helping somebody in dire need of this lifesaving gift. Organize a blood drive or stop by your local donation spot. It just takes a small amount of your time for a truly needed donation.

Make a care package.

Care packages come in all shapes and sizes. You could make a care package for a friend or family member or put together a care package for our military overseas. Some organizations even send out care packages for a specific cause, like helping the homeless or a specific group of people in need. Brainstorm with your friends to get them in on spreading the love. You can even spend time with those you love assembling the care packages.

Although Valentine’s Day is traditionally known as a romantic holiday, it has increasingly become recognized as a day to simply spread love. Use these ideas to show others how much they mean to you during this holiday of love. Remember—a little bit of love can go a long way!

It’s nearly February—the shortest month of the year, the month of St. Valentine’s Day and the month of love. For many, February can bring it with some anticipation and even exasperation. What do you get for your sweet honey bee? How can you find the perfect gift? What if you don’t have anyone to celebrate with?

Well, fear no more, because not only is February the month of love but it’s the month of loving yourself—American Heart Month. Give yourself and your loved ones the greatest gift this American Heart Month by focusing on making heart-healthy decisions towards a happier and healthier lifestyle.

What is heart disease?

According to the Mayo Clinic, heart disease applies to a range of various diseases which affect the heart. Such conditions include blood vessel diseases, coronary artery issues, heart rhythm problems and congenital heart defects (among others).

“Heart disease” is a term often used synonymously with “cardiovascular disease,” which generally refers to conditions that include narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Blood vessel diseases can often lead to a heart attack, chest pain or even stroke. Despite the variation of heart disease a person has, it usually carries very serious side effects.

Why is it important?

Learning about heart disease and how to avoid it is important because it is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease every year.

Women especially are affected by heart disease, with their statistics being even higher. According to the American Heart Association, a woman dies by heart disease and stroke every 80 seconds. That’s 1 in 3 deaths every year. Thankfully, American Heart Month is taking steps to put a stop to this.

What is American Heart Month?

In an effort to fight cardiovascular disease, President Lyndon B. Johnson first declared February American Heart Month in 1964. Since then, the American Heart Association has dedicated the month to promoting awareness of heart disease and its risks.

How does American Heart Month make a difference?

American Heart Month makes a difference in our community and our nation by raising awareness for heart disease and how it can be prevented. It also provides a great opportunity to get involved, be vocal and help others who may not know of the potential risk.

How can you prevent heart disease?

If you’re interested in getting involved this February and promoting American Heart Month, the American Heart Association recommends you GO RED:

Get your numbers by asking your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

Own your lifestyle and commit to stop smoking, exercise consistently and eat healthy.

Raise your voice and advocate for more cardiovascular disease research and education.

Educate your family and friends by making healthy food choices. Take time to teach those in your life the importance of staying active and monitoring their hearts.

Donate. Commit to a better future for our nation by showing support with your time or money.

This February, find love with American Heart Month. Take care of yourself and promote a change in your community by being educated and proactive on the risks of cardiovascular disease. Because the best way to celebrate love is with a healthy heart.

Wintertime can make it difficult to want to leave the warmth of your home. That also means there may be a decline in the opportunities we seek out to give back! However, there are plenty of ways you can continue to volunteer your time and efforts to make the world a better place—even from the comfort of your home or inside the warmth of an organization! Check out these eight opportunities to give back during the winter.

1. Help shovel snow.

Unfortunately, with winter comes inclement weather. Use this as an opportunity to shovel snow for somebody in your community who may need a helping hand. Or, scrape off the ice from your neighbor or friend’s car to help give them a head start on their morning.

2. Donate warm clothes and blankets.

Who says you have to wait for spring cleaning to dust off the clothes in your closet? Winter is the one time of year where warm clothes are desperately wanted for those in need. See if you have any hats, mittens or winter coats you can part with to donate. Blankets are also a great option for donations!

3. Volunteer at a local shelter.

Local shelters are especially busy during the winter months due to the cold temperatures. Visit a local homeless shelter or animal shelter to see if you can provide assistance during these especially busy and difficult times.

4. Sign up for indoor desk work.

Even though it’s cold outside, that doesn’t mean you need to give up volunteering until spring! Find an organization that has indoor volunteer opportunities. Even seasonal organizations may have opportunities in the off-season. All you have to do is ask!

5. Look into virtual volunteer opportunities.

With the Covid-19 pandemic came many new ways of doing things—including volunteering! Many organizations don’t even need to come into their headquarters to help contribute. Ask your favorite organization if they have any virtual volunteer opportunities. For example, you may be able to help with administrative tasks or even mentoring virtually!

6. Call up an old friend or lend an ear to a stranger.

This may not seem like “giving back” at first thought, but it can be an incredibly easy way to offer something everybody needs—an ear to listen. You can also volunteer for various hotlines to help talk to somebody who is lonely or having a hard time.

7. Buy somebody a warm cup of coffee or meal.

Sometimes all it takes is a small, kind act to completely change somebody’s day or week for the better. Buy a warm meal or cup of coffee for a friend or a complete stranger! You never know just how much this small gesture can mean.

8. Plan your year of altruism.

January is the perfect time to plan out how you’ll give back and make a difference this year. Use this time to get your ducks in a row and to consider how you’ll give back to your community in the coming year. Make 2023 your year of giving.

These are just a few ideas to get you started with giving back in the wintertime. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Consider how you can give back both virtually and in new ways. You never know what you’ll come up with when you put your mind to it!

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent activist during the Civil Rights Movement, practicing nonviolent forms of protest. Recognized as a hero by many, the third Monday of every January is recognized as a federal holiday—Martin Luther King (MLK) Day. This year, MLK Day falls on January 16, 2023. There are various ways you can celebrate this holiday to carry on the legacy of Dr. King. Check out these ideas for the upcoming day!

Use your day off to give back.

Although you may have the day off of work, you can use it as a day to give back. Find local volunteer opportunities in your community. Dedicate a portion of your day off to making the world a better place in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You could organize a local community trash pickup, or volunteer at one of your favorite organizations.

Listen to the words of Martin Luther King Jr.

Use this federal holiday to listen to Dr. King’s famous speeches or read his quotes. Some of his famous quotes that still care great meaning today include:

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Find a new cause you love.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood up for a cause he strongly believed in. Use this day to pick a cause that you’re passionate about and would like to be an advocate for. Consider your passions. Consider injustices in the world. Consider needs in the community for organizations that may not even exist!

Educate yourself.

Use the day to educate yourself on the work that still needs to be done for equal rights. Even though the Civil Rights Movement was in the 1950s and 1960s, we still have work to do in order to celebrate equal rights to all. Use this day to read up on organizations that exist today to promote equal rights and the work that there is to still be done.

Go to an event.

There are parades, marches and celebrations held around the country every year on MLK day. Use this as an opportunity to show up in your community. If a celebration doesn’t exist in your community, use this time to create an event that can become an annual tradition.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped make the world a better place and advocated for equal rights for everyone. Use MLK Day as a time to honor his legacy by giving back or doing something good for somebody else. Even though MLK Day is one day of the year, you can continue these sentiments all year long!

A new year brings about an energetic buzz. We make plans to do better, to be better and to transform our lives with resolutions and goals. It’s important to recognize where we are in our current journey of life and to practice self love, but it’s also healthy to have goals in place for the coming year.

Develop short- and long-term goals.

The new year is all about resolutions. When inspected further, resolutions are simply goals. Start by developing your big, overarching goals that you’d like to achieve throughout the year. This could be a total amount of money donated or raised for an organization. It could be an amount of volunteer hours you’d like to log. Then, break down how you’ll get to those goals. Small steps will help you achieve the big goals this year.

Write down your intentions.

Journaling every day can help you not only keep track of those goals, but also help you reflect during 2023. Track all of the altruistic things you completed during the year. Mark down your challenges and struggles. Reflect on what you’re thankful for each day. At the end of the year, you’ll be astonished at everything you’ve accomplished. Three-hundred-sixty-five days is a long time, and you may not realize the magnitude of your altruism until you see how each day adds up!

Learn how to meditate.

To help reset your mind and intentions throughout the year, learn how to meditate. Even a small amount of meditation can have huge health benefits and help you stay on track with your goals. Consider downloading a guided meditation app to get started on your journey.

Give back by donating.

If you’re able to give back to organizations this year, consider developing a giving plan. Setting up recurring donations is a great way to easily set your plans into motion with minimal effort after setting up the donation—think of it as a Netflix subscription but for good! In addition,  you can even develop your own fundraiser to help involve family and friends with an organization or cause that you love.

Volunteer your time.

One of the best ways to help make a difference that doesn’t cost a dime is volunteering your time! Do research to identify a cause or organization that you share a common interest with and consider lending a hand. You can call the organization to set up a time to learn more before you decide if the organization is a good fit for you. Plus, there are often many different types of volunteer opportunities, so ask about various options to find the area you care most about.

Consider unconventional altruism.

Giving back through volunteering and donations are both tried-and-true ways to do good in the world. There are also ways you can give back that are a little more unconventional. It’s time to think outside the box! Is there somebody you know who could use a helping hand? Are there random acts of kindness you’d like to perform? Maybe you’re excited about starting your own organization this year to fill a gap in the nonprofit world. Take the time to think outside of the normal altruistic activities to come up with something that works for you.

With a new year comes new opportunities to give back and do more good. Remember that there’s never a bad time to start giving back. Even if you fall off track, there’s always time to get back in the saddle. Together, we can make 2023 an unforgettable year of giving back.

If you’re celebrating the holidays chances are you’re spending today wrapped in a warm blanket, curled up by the fire and sipping hot chocolate with loved ones. You may have spent the last weekend ice skating, baking cookies or opening up a present or two. But, what have you done for someone else this holiday season?

While the holiday season is a joyful time for many, it can also be a difficult time for others. If you live an altruistic lifestyle, you can give back and make someone’s holiday a bit more joyful. Here are six ways you can brighten someone else’s holiday season.

1. Call your loved ones.

One simple way to brighten someone’s holiday season is by simply calling. Some of your loved ones might live far away, have different plans or not be able to see you during the holiday season. Particularly for older family members with limited mobility, this can be difficult. However, you can brighten their day by simply giving them a call and checking in. A few quick words of encouragement and affirmation can make a world of difference this season.

2. Make extra dinner.

Food is always the perfect way into someone’s heart, especially through holiday dinner. You can spread love and brighten someone’s day by making a little bit of extra food to share. For people who may not be able to cook for themselves or can’t afford to buy the ingredients, this can truly be the greatest gift of all.

3. Invite someone over.

It’s often been said that the holidays are the loneliest time of the year. Unfortunately, lots of people find themselves alone during this season for a variety of reasons. Bring extra joy this year by inviting someone into your home. Share food, time and conversation with them to show how much they are loved and valued this holiday season.

4. Donate a gift.

Many individuals, families and children cannot afford gifts this year. If you find yourself with a little bit of extra income, time or gifts this week, consider donating extra presents to a family in need. Whether you give gently-used goods, or buy a brand new toy off the shelf, you can definitely brighten someone else’s day—particularly a child’s.

5. Volunteer in the morning.

We get it: holidays are time to spend with your loved ones, which makes volunteering a tough request. But, why not consider volunteering before the celebrations? After you open presents with family, create a new tradition by volunteering at your local shelter or nonprofit organization. A simple hour or two of your time can have a huge impact on someone’s day. Afterwards, you will still have plenty of time left to spend together eating, talking and celebrating.

6. Have a conversation.

Ultimately, one of the most valuable gifts you can give this is your time. Have a deep, intimate conversation with a loved one, neighbor or even a complete stranger, to share in the spirit of the season. While some people might feel alone or hurt during the holidays, you can share joy by listening to their stories and speaking affirmation into their lives.

The holidays are a wonderful time to spend together with family, friends and loved ones. However, it’s also an opportunity to give back. If you want to brighten someone else’s holiday season this year, keep these tips in mind to spread the holiday cheer.

Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

When it comes to living a positive lifestyle, our habits can either make or break us. Habits decide our physical health, emotional well-being and even our outlook on life.

But when it’s time to start a new healthy habit, it can be pretty difficult. If you want to start the new year with a habit that will actually stick, check out these tips to get started.

1. Use a trigger.

All habits—negative or positive—come from a triggering action. A trigger automatically initiates a behavior and leads you to do something else. Using cues like time of day, place and circumstance with your trigger will increase the likelihood that your habit will stick.

Use the trigger process to remind yourself when developing a new habit. A good reminder encodes your new behavior in something that you already do. For example, “Before breakfast and after I shower, I will meditate for five minutes every day.” By incorporating your new habit into behaviors you already practice, it will be easier to remember.

2. Start small with your habits.

Lasting change is a product of daily habits, not once-in-a-lifetime transformations. It’s important to start your habits small so they’re easier to manage and can grow through time.

First, decide what you want your new habit to be. Then, ask yourself how you can make this behavior so easy you can do it without thinking. Slowly build on that simple task, stick to a sustainable pace and be patient—big changes take time.

3. Keep a larger goal in mind.

Keep your immediate goals small but remember to dream big for the future. Decide on your ultimate larger goal, and then develop a plan with smaller steps to get there. Make bigger goals a reality by doing a little work each day to achieve them.

By establishing your larger goal, you’ll have something set in mind while working every day on small steps. For example, if your goal is to write a book, start by journaling 10 minutes every day, then incrementally increase the time and effort you put into writing.

4. Reward yourself.

It’s important to stay positive while creating new habits, and the best way to do this is by rewarding yourself for even the smallest of victories. If you complete an action and have a positive reward at the end of it, you’re more likely to do that same action again and form a routine. Repeat this routine enough, and it becomes a habit.

Reward yourself each time you practice your habit. This can be something as simple as congratulating yourself or getting yourself a treat.

5. Get back on track quickly.

Nobody’s perfect, and you won’t be perfect when you’re developing a habit. It’s okay to make mistakes, but it’s important to get back on track quickly when you do. Abandon the all-or-nothing mentality—instead, plan for failure. Missing a habit once or twice is OK, but be consistent enough to not do it repeatedly and return to the behavior as soon as possible.

Focus on building the identity of someone who never misses a habit twice. Examine where your habit breaks down, then incorporate an if-then scenario. For example, “If I forget to meditate in the morning, then I will meditate for five minutes when I get home from work.”

On average, a new habit takes 30 days to develop, so don’t be discouraged if you struggle at first. Stay positive, focus on the goal and your new habit will get easier. Good luck in the new year!