Some people are fine going through life never really accomplishing anything meaningful. While not everyone can be president or an astronaut, there are still things you can do that can make a big difference. One of these is certainly being a leader in your community.

Below are some of the different ways you can contribute to your community and make a difference.

1. Volunteer at Your Local Animal Shelter

Animal shelters are not for-profit businesses. Instead, they exist solely to benefit pets that have become strays and need help finding new homes. Most animal shelters rely a lot on the work of volunteers. Volunteering at an animal shelter is certainly a worthwhile project if you love animals and want to help them.

2. Obtain a Degree

One thing that can certainly set you on a path to becoming a leader in your community is obtaining a college degree. People still look up to those that have achieved higher learning. It can teach you trades and skills that can be used to contribute back to your community. Whether it is a nursing degree, law degree, or a civil engineering master’s degree, certainly investigate your options.

3. Join the PTA

If you’re a parent, one way you can take on a leadership role in your community is by joining the Parent Teacher Association of your child’s school. This will allow you to actually lobby on your child’s behalf in an organization that actually has sway with the school board and the local government.

It will also allow you to get involved directly in the community via fundraising ventures and volunteer work, such as a fundraising brick for your campaign. You can quickly raise funds for your campaign or school project by offering personalized engraved bricks for potential donors.

4. Coach a Children’s Sports Team

Sports teams for kindergarten and elementary school aged children are constantly looking for new coaching staff. Often times, these aren’t full time positions and you can coach a team on your time off from work. If you have a good background in baseball, football, soccer or other sports, consider coaching a team. It will instantly make you a leader and give you the ability to teach young minds about the value of competition, teamwork and sportsmanship.

5. Volunteer at Your Church

Churches are often the cornerstone of many communities across the United States. Becoming a deacon or treasurer in your church is one way to contribute. You could also take part in volunteer work with your church such as serving meals to the homeless.

Overall, there are many ways to become a leader in your community. However, all of them require effort. Consider the different ways you can give back to your community and make sure you take that responsibility seriously. In time, you will be able to see the difference that you made for those that are in your community. If you do it right, the difference you made will be a positive one and people will begin to give you their respect. So be a leader, and be that change you want to see in your community.