Concerned about your community? Connect with your neighbors

(ARA) - Americans are nervous about the quality of life in their communities - and even as their personal prospects brighten, many are not so sure their communities will rebound in kind.

According to recent research by YMCA of the USA, while 56 percent of Americans are "strongly satisfied with their own lives today," 66 percent said the quality of life in their community is worse than it was a year ago. Among the chronic issues of concern that ranked highest were: crime and violence, access to quality health care, poverty, negative youth behaviors, teen violence and bullying and declining personal, family or community values.

But in a uniquely American spirit, people across the country ranked themselves, along with family and other community members, as having the biggest obligation and greatest opportunity to effect change in their community - more so than the government or any other group or organization.

It's evident from the results that Americans are walking the walk. Of those surveyed, seven out of 10 said they contributed goods or services in the past year while two-thirds donated money to a worthy organization. More than half volunteered for a cause or donated money to a house of worship and nearly a third were actively engaging others to be more involved in causes, issues or organizations.

The survey, called the "Y Community Snapshot," was conducted to learn more about the pressing issues and challenges facing Americans and their communities today.

"People across the country are concerned about the problems facing their communities," says Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. "But they are recognizing the importance of coming together as a community during tough times, and have seen how doing so can affect almost all aspects of life. What they often don't know is how to get involved to make positive personal and lasting social change that can benefit themselves, their families and neighbors. The Y offers a way to get involved and make an impact."

With locations in 10,000 American neighborhoods, the Y helps fill that gap, providing places where people can pool their efforts to strengthen communities. Today, across the United States, the Y is extending its reach into communities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being and provide opportunities to support neighbors.

Getting involved in your community might seem overwhelming, but it's actually just as easy as going to your local Y and asking, "What can I do to help?" In a tough economy, the act of getting involved is one of the biggest - but simplest - steps you can take towards improving the lives of your family, neighbors and community. If you want to get started now, consider these five easy ways to make a difference in your community.

* Green your community and everyone benefits. The simple act of planting a tree adds beauty and has a great environmental impact - just one average-size tree produces enough oxygen in one year to keep a family of four breathing.

* Having too much clutter in your home is a headache, and you're often storing perfectly good items that you don't use. Clean out your closets and donate clothing or other household items that are in good, useable condition to a local community shelter. Sharing with your neighbors feels even better than an uncluttered home does.

* Remember that contributing doesn't require any special skills. For instance, you can volunteer to spend one day a week reading to children at your local library. The thrill the kids will get from story time - and the educational benefits they'll reap from your reading - make it a wonderfully worthwhile effort. You don't have to be a teacher - just sharing some of your time is enough to make a difference in a child's life.

* Participate in a fun run for a local charity. There are plenty of organizations in your community that need support. You can help others and help yourself by getting in shape and raising money for a fun run. Even if you haven't run before, you can participate - look for 5k training guides on the Web for some helpful suggestions to get started.

* Be a part of an organization that makes a difference in your community, like your local Y. The Y offers a variety of opportunities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being and provide opportunities to support your neighbors. Whether you volunteer to help kids or get to know neighbors through classes and events, it's a great way to connect with other community members.