Whether you’re a college student, high school student, or not even a student at all, getting involved is so important. However, it's pretty common to become a member of an organization and feel as though you’re not doing anything significant. It might be that the leaders aren’t taking the initiative that they should be, or maybe that the organization just doesn’t have the resources you were hoping it would.

When you join a new club or organization, it’s important to know what you’re going into. Make sure you’re becoming a member of something you’re truly passionate about. That’s step one, and although it seems simple, it can sometimes be the biggest mistake we make. Choose something you know you’ll be engaged in, not something that just seems cool from the outside. When you love what you’re doing, it’ll be so much easier to want to get involved.

Secondly, it’s important to talk about the confidence we have in ourselves. Something people are often afraid of is having an honest conversation with those who are in a higher position of power than they are. It may seem intimidating to let them know you have a suggestion or a problem. However, great leaders (hopefully the ones leading your organizations) look for this in other people. They need and want that insight that other members have. It’s important to keep organizations growing and changing, and that starts with you. No matter what position you hold.

Above all else, the best thing you can do to make the most of your time is to check your mindset. You shouldn’t be thinking of what you’re doing as work or a burden, but rather the opposite. Look for the opportunities in what you’re a part of, and find ways to build up those around you. Get them just as excited to do something great in this world. When you’re doing good and having fun while doing that, you’re going to accomplish so much more than you thought you would.

You’ve taken the right step by joining an organization because it’s clear you want to help make this world a better place. Don’t stop there, though. Your time on this earth is short, why wouldn’t you make the most of it, no matter where you are or what you’re doing?

What's your favorite way to make a change in the world? Tell us in the comments!