What It Is

Community improvement and capacity building are about helping neighborhoods and towns grow stronger, more connected, and more resilient. These causes focus on improving local spaces, supporting small businesses, encouraging civic participation, and giving people the tools to work together effectively. Capacity building means strengthening the skills and systems that help communities solve their own problems and thrive over time. For families, this means learning how to care for where they live, contribute to positive change, and inspire others to take pride in their community.

Why It Matters

• For everyone: Strong communities create safer, healthier, and more inclusive places to live.

• For families: Working together builds belonging and shared purpose.

• For kids: Learning to take care of their surroundings teaches responsibility and teamwork.

Everyday Impact

• Individual: Get involved in local events, cleanups, or civic meetings.

• Family: Support local businesses or volunteer for neighborhood projects.

• Group: Start or join initiatives that improve parks, streets, or public spaces.

Family Challenge Pack (Tiered Learning Path)

🟢 Tier 1: Discover

• Learn what makes a strong and healthy community.

• Visit your local library, park, or town hall and talk about what makes your community unique.

• Research how neighborhoods benefit from people working together.

• Learn about local challenges such as access to parks, clean air, or safe sidewalks.

• Reflection prompt: What do you love most about your community, and what could make it even better?

🟡 Tier 2: Do

• Help improve and strengthen your community.

• Participate in a community cleanup or tree-planting event.

• Volunteer to help with a local food drive, fundraiser, or community festival.

• Support small businesses or farmers’ markets that give back locally.

• Reflection prompt: How does giving your time and energy change how you feel about your neighborhood?

🔴 Tier 3: Lead

• Encourage others to take part in community improvement efforts.

• Organize a neighborhood cleanup, mural painting, or recycling drive.

• Work with a school or nonprofit to improve accessibility or resources for families.

• Start a “family impact project” focused on improving one aspect of your community.

• Reflection prompt: What can your family do to inspire others to take pride in your community?

How to Learn More [click for link]

• Points of Light

• National Civic League

• NeighborWorks America

Spotting Real vs. Fake

• Real community organizations show visible results and clear partnerships.

• Avoid groups that make vague promises without showing progress or impact.

• Look for local involvement, transparency, and volunteer opportunities.

Youth Role Models

Marley Dias – Created #1000BlackGirlBooks to improve access to diverse literature in schools, helping communities celebrate inclusion through reading.

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez – Youth leader who connects environmental sustainability with community resilience, empowering young people to take local action.

Khloe Thompson – Founder of Khloe Kares, helping people experiencing homelessness and improving neighborhoods through compassion and creativity.

Ryan Hickman – Began Ryan’s Recycling to promote recycling awareness and environmental responsibility in his community.

Tiana Day – Leads youth-driven community projects focused on civic engagement, education, and social inclusion.

Reflection Prompt

After engaging in a community improvement action:

• What did you notice about how your community works together?

• How can families make their neighborhoods more welcoming and supportive?

• What is one small improvement you could start right now?

Cause-to-Action Pathways

• Individual: Participate in community service or local planning events.

• Family: Support neighborhood projects and small businesses.

• Group: Start initiatives that make your community stronger and more connected.

The Big Picture

Communities grow stronger when people care, connect, and collaborate. Every small act of improvement, from planting flowers to mentoring youth, helps build pride and resilience. When families take part in community improvement through LiveImpact.io, they show that lasting change begins right where you live.