30+ Things YOU Can Do To Make a Difference in Tucson

Here are 30 things you can do today to make a difference in Southern Arizona and beyond.

Let's all work together to create a cleaner, friendlier, and more livable Tucson!

Make a Difference:

1. Pick up litter. Grab a trash bag and pick up debris for 30 minutes in your neighborhood, at a local park, or along a major street.
2. Deliver cookies to someone on your street. You can even print out a free "Welcome to the Neighborhood" tag for brand new neighbors.
3. Give blood. You can schedule an appointment with the Red Cross of Southern Arizona or find a blood drive near you.
4. Vote. If you haven't already registered, today is your day. It's fast, easy, and free with EZ Voter Registration online.
5. Shop local. Whether you're buying groceries or clothing, consider purchasing from a small business owner in Tucson.
6. Attend a non-profit fundraiser. Secure your seat at a ball or charity event that supports a cause you care about.
7. Pay your mortgage/rent and maintain your property. Let's all work together to increase property values in Tucson. Pay on time, every time.
8. Take a hike. Get outdoors and enjoy the nature trails that abound.
9. Give a child a book. Rich or poor, any child will benefit from the gift of literacy.
10. Run in a race for a good cause. Sign up and train for a one-miler, 5K, 1/2 marathon, or full marathon event.
11. Become a foster parent. There are thousands of children in Arizona's foster care system and you can make a huge difference by welcoming one of them into your home.
12. Volunteer. Brainstorm causes you care about and then search for an opportunity that fits your interests.
13. Quit smoking. Clean up the air - for our kids, for our environment, for yourself. Get help from the Arizona Smokers' Helpline.
14. Walk instead of drive. You'll be healthier and trimmer - plus, you'll be decreasing traffic and increasing the air quality in Tucson.
15. Befriend an elderly person. Find the time to chat with a senior citizen in your neighborhood or visit a nursing home.
16. Give feedback to the businesses you frequent. Did you receive excellent service at a certain breakfast diner? Were you appalled by the state of the restrooms at the mall? Write a letter. Send an e-mail or a tweet. Offer constructive, gentle criticisms and honest compliments.
17. Turn off the TV. It will do wonders for your mind and body...plus it will give you more time to do the other 29 things on this list.
18. Take a kid to the library. While you're at it, get a library card for each person in your family.
19. Pay attention when you drive. Put down that cell phone and be observant.
20. Grow a garden (or participate in the Tucson CSA). Eat fresher foods at a lower cost, while increasing the sustainability of our city.
21. Start a business. Stimulate the economy. Pursue your dream. Support entrepreneurs.
22. Invite someone over for a meal in your home. It doesn't have to be perfect. All you need is a table, some food, and a warm smile.
23. Smile. Let's become known as the city that smiles.
24. Get more education. If you never graduated from high school, pursue a GED or start an internship. If you've never been to college, consider enrolling. If you have your undergrad or grad degree, read a book every week.
25. Report suspected child abuse. If you think a child may be in danger, call CPS at 1-888-SOS-CHILD.
26. Know who your political representatives are (and talk to them). Enter your zip code on Project Vote Smart for a full listing. As issues arise, send an e-mail, make a phone call, or write a letter.
27. Do a random act of kindness.
28. Love your spouse. Work on having a marriage that lasts.
29. Love your kids. Give them the gift they crave the most - your time and attention.
30. Think the best of people.

What other ideas would you add to this list?