Building an Altruistic Plan for 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the season of giving! People far and wide go above and beyond during the holiday season to give back to those in need, and it is greatly appreciated by nonprofit organizations around the world. While you may have made a plan for the holiday season, now is also the perfect time to make your altruistic plans for 2023. Studies have shown that small, actionable steps can help you achieve a larger goal.

Reflect on your past

First, let’s celebrate all you’ve achieved! No matter how big or small your altruistic contributions were for 2022, give yourself a pat on the back. Even if you’re just getting started by reading this article, you’re on the right track. If you contributed to various organizations, ask yourself the following questions:

What charitable activity made me feel most fulfilled? A specific volunteer opportunity? A fundraising event?
Which contribution of mine has impacted the most people? What positive impact did I have?
What cause am I most passionate about that I’ve already helped?
What is a cause I would like to explore, and I haven’t dipped my toe in yet?

Think through your responses for each question, and write down your answers! This will help guide you on your altruistic journey for 2023.

Do the research

Now that you’ve considered what worked well last year and what causes you care about, it’s time to do the research. Call up organizations in your community to get more information about how their funds are used and what volunteer opportunities exist. Many organizations will invite you to come to their location to speak to current donors and volunteers about their experiences. This will give you first-hand experience to decide if you’d like to spend more time with the organization.

Set a specific goal

What would you like to achieve in 2023? Maybe it’s a certain number of volunteer hours. Maybe you’d like to raise a certain dollar amount. Or, maybe it’s as simple as finding an organization you’d like to commit to long-term. Whatever your altruistic goals, write them down. Don’t be afraid to dream big!

Start small

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are altruistic tendencies. Consider a larger giving goal or number of hours you’d like to spend giving back. Then, break that big goal into smaller goals that you’ll work toward. Break down your yearly goals by months and maybe even weeks. Set tentative dates for when you’d like to achieve altruistic milestones.

Make a plan to reevaluate

Plans change. Causes you are passionate about may change. Life happens. Set a calendar reminder every few months for the next year to check in on your altruism goals. It’s okay to change the plan, and sometimes it’s necessary! Setting a reminder to check in now will help keep you on track throughout the year.

Giving back should be fun and worthwhile. The best way to get the most out of giving back is to set your giving goals with intention and to choose organizations you’re passionate about. The new year is right around the corner, and with a solid altruism plan, you’re sure to have the most successful giving year yet!

We Are Here to Answer Your Questions

What does your organization do?

EmpathyHQ provides counseling to individuals, groups, and families and empowers communities to live authentically and thrive. We break down barriers to accessing care, offering comprehensive and accessible mental health support on your journey to health and self-discovery. We are here to pave the way to a better you—and a better community.

With over 12,000 individuals benefiting from 100,000 hours of evidence-based mental health care and case management in the past four years alone, EmpathyHQ is making a tangible difference in the lives of Texans.
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For a list of specific programs and services we provide, visit our Get Support section.

How can I get involved?

We welcome individuals who are passionate about mental health support and increasing access to resources. If you care about these issues, we'd love to have you join us. We support remote and in-person volunteer opportunities.

Visit our Get Involved section to find out ways to learn more, donate, or volunteer.

If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?

We take our responsibility to our community and donors seriously, striving to ensure EmpathyHQ's long-term sustainability. Our funds are used to provide mental health services for clients in need.

What is your organization's privacy policy?

Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and protects the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our clients, volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations—public, private or nonprofit. For more detailed information visit our Privacy Policy page.

Do I have to have custody agreement or court order for my child to receive services?

YES. If your child does not live with both biological parents and there is any court order or custody agreement in place, it must be on file. In order for a counselor to see your child, they must have obtained and reviewed the MOST RECENT custody agreement or court order, and any applicable part of a divorce decree that mentions custody. When federal or state statutes provide an exemption to secure consent of a parent or guardian prior to providing services to a minor, the counselor must follow the protocol set forth in such federal or state statutes. If documentation is not provided, your child cannot be seen by a counselor.

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