The First Steps to Getting Involved

Thinking about doing something good for the world? The power of individual actions can add up to something big. Here’s how to take your first steps toward making an impact.

Take Step One: Vote

With Members Project® from American Express, in partnership with TakePart, you can explore five different categories: Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Environment & Wildlife and Health & Wellness. Click on the category you’re most interested in, and you’ll find a list of charities, each one with its own TakePart profile. Read about the charities’ focuses, missions and goals, and find the one that speaks to your heart.

Anyone can cast a vote up to once a week for the charity that they think deserves to win its category, and every three months the winner of each category gets the funding from American Express. Just one small mouse click can make a huge difference for these charities and the communities they serve.

Take Step Two: Volunteer

To volunteer your time, you can also head over to Members Project’s site to find a charity you like through keywords that describe your interests. Do a location search via your zip code to discover local volunteer opportunities. If a volunteer opportunity doesn’t have a presence in your area, check out the “Issues We’re Tackling” box on their profile page, and use that description as a Keyword in your search. That way, you’ll find other opportunities within your field of interest that need volunteers in the area. Even just one hour of your time can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Bonus: Once you’ve begun a relationship with a volunteer opportunity you love, track your involvement on your own TakePart profile page. Under the My Actions tab, log your volunteer hours and you could earn Membership Rewards® bonus points for every approved hour – up to 10,000 bonus points per year. Cardmembers can redeem points for everyday expenses or fun extras, like gifts and travel. If you’re not a Cardmember, you can still earn Membership Rewards bonus points and redeem them once you’ve applied for a card and are approved. You can also choose to donate those points right back to the charity of your choice!

Take Step Three: Donate

If you’d like to donate, you can make a one-time donation with your American Express Card, donate Membership Rewards® points or even set up a recurring donation to spread your giving throughout the year. Just a few dollars a month can make a very big impact for these charities.

Take Step Four: Spread the Word

Now that you’ve found your favorite charities and a way to give back, you can start getting friends and family involved with just a few clicks.

Motivate people virtually by creating a banner to post on your website, blog or Facebook page. Or send a pre-written email from your favorite charity’s TakePart profile page that describes the charity of your choice—you can personalize it too. An easy link lets recipients click through to vote, volunteer or donate!

It’s also very simple to download one of five beautiful post cards on the Members Project site—each one illuminates one way in which a small step can help change the world. Pop them in the mail to loved ones, sharing stories about your outreach and involvement. And don’t discount the value of a face-to-face conversation: tell friends and family about how you’re taking steps to make a difference, or throw a fundraising get-together where you chat about your charity and ask for a small donation in lieu of a host gift. Remember, passion is contagious!

Whether you take one step, two steps or start walking a marathon of getting involved with Members Project, you’ll make a difference with every stride.