Heard about this young guy Irfan Alam making waves with social work. Started “Samman” foundation when he was just 17? Amazing! Felt inspired, figured I should try something simple myself. But honestly? Felt kinda stuck on how to even begin. Decided to break it down into steps, keep it super basic.
Step 1: Just Look Around Right Where You Are
Remembered Irfan started by noticing something small – water problems rickshaw pullers faced. Looked out my own window. Saw the local park – litter everywhere, benches broken. Seemed like nobody cared. Thought, okay, maybe that’s my “water problem”? Needed a closer look.
Step 2: Talk, Don’t Guess
Grabbed my notebook, walked down to the park on a Saturday. Sat on the one decent bench. Chatted with a few folks walking dogs, a mom watching her kid. Just said, “Hey, what bugs you most about this place?” Answers poured in: “Can’t let the kid run, too much broken glass.” “Nowhere good to sit.” “Feels dirty, unsafe.” Jotted it all down. Way different than my guesses!
Step 3: Pick One Tiny Thing (Seriously, Tiny!)
Wanted to fix it all! But remembered Irfan focused really specific first. So, looked at my notes. Everyone hated the litter. Seemed super achievable. Goal? One Sunday morning clean-up, just one corner of the park. Didn’t need a fancy plan, just me, some bags, maybe rope off a section.
Step 4: Shout About It (Without Being Annoying)
Needed hands, obviously just me wasn’t enough. Put a simple message on the neighborhood Facebook group: “Fed up with litter in Oak Park? Helping hand (& trash bag!) needed! One hour, Sunday 10 AM, meet at the swings. Just show up!” Posted a picture of the worst spot. Kept it honest: “Just trying something small!” A couple neighbors actually commented “Good idea!”, “Might pop by.”
Step 5: Actually Go Do The Thing
Sunday morning, 10 AM. Honestly thought maybe one other person might come. Showed up with my bags and rope. Five people were waiting! Two moms, an older guy, a teenager, and another neighbor. We sectioned off a small area near the swings. Worked for an hour. Filled six big bags! Tied ’em up, left them by the park bins for collection. It wasn’t the whole park, but that one corner looked so much better. Took a group picture, people looked happy.
What Happened After?
The big revelation? Small is absolutely fine. Didn’t start a foundation, didn’t solve world hunger. Cleared some trash. People saw it. One of the moms later messaged asking about doing another corner next month. That was it. Felt good, not burnt out.
Found my step 3 (picking the tiny thing) is the real key. Keeps it from feeling impossible. Talking to real people beats guessing any day. And showing up yourself? That’s the whole point Irfan nailed. Simple steps, messy start, but actually doing something feels way better than just talking about changing the world.
