In addition to making the standard self-improvement New Year’s resolutions—like fitting into your skinny jeans again, sticking to the paleo diet or finally color-coding your closet—why not resolve to make your city a better place in 2016? Here are a few surefire ways to make the City by the Bay better than ever this year.
1. Help a Tourist
We’ve all seen them lingering near the driver on a bus counting their change while trying not to fall as the bus lurches forward, or checking their maps on a corner, their faces blank and lost. Instead of popping in your headphones, quickening your pace and lowering your head as you walk by, offer to help. Rather than being annoyed by tourists, take it as a compliment that people travel from all over the world to see our beautiful city. Help them get where they are trying to go, and maybe share some of your favorite local spots while you’re at it.
2. Give Up a Seat on the Bus
Yes, while the wheels on the bus go round and round, the rules on the bus require you to give up certain seats to seniors, pregnant women and those who are handicapped. But what if you gave up your seat just because you could? Call it a random act of kindness. It could be for anyone. Maybe they have grocery bags so full they’re about to burst or sky-high heels that have got to be killing them. Or maybe they just look like they’ve had a long day and could use a seat. Stand up, hang on and let someone else enjoy the ride.
3. Become a Foster Pet Parent
In addition to dog- and cat-adoption programs, there are multiple programs looking for people to house animals while they wait for their forever home. The SPCA has several foster programs to choose from. You can foster an animal until it’s adopted, though there are also programs for animals too young to be put up for adoption and hospice-like care programs for animals with noncontagious life-limiting diseases. Open your heart and home to a temporary friend.
Local organizations: Humane Society of Silicon City, Rocket Dog Rescue San Francisco
4. See the Invisible
In San Francisco, your closest neighbor might be sleeping on your stoop. Instead of averting your eyes and ignoring someone living on the street, every now and then give them the spare change that is ever-present in your wallet, or at the very least say hello. People are people, regardless of their circumstances.
5. Recycle/Compost
This should go without saying, but it’s an easy and affordable way to make our city a better place. The little effort of dividing and conquering (so to speak) makes a world of difference. Also, please don’t be a litterbug—use trash receptacles and encourage others to do the same. Even better, if you see trash around the city, do something wild and crazy—pick it up. It probably won’t kill you, but even if it does, you’ll die a better person.
6. Smile
Practice walking down the street and smiling at complete strangers. Just a simple smile—please, no need to be intense or creepy. Whether they smile back or not doesn’t matter; positive attitudes and gestures are infectious.
7. Volunteer
There are so many different ways you can give back to the city. Choose a cause that interests you. Or donate your time or services if you have a specific skill set that is beneficial to others.
Here are some organizations that can help you find a great way to give back: