Community and volunteering B1
Getting involved locally and feeling like it counts.
Getting involved
local community — neighborhood groupA: Are you going to the meeting tonight?
B: Yes, I want to hear what the local community thinks about the new playground.
public event — open to everyoneA: Are you going to the public event downtown tonight?
B: Yeah, I heard there will be live music and food trucks!
pitch in — join in helpingCould everyone pitch in to help tidy up? (polite)
Come on, everyone pitch in! (casual)
lend a hand — help someone outWould you be able to lend a hand on Saturday? (polite)
Fancy lending a hand Saturday? (casual)
Saying it matters
make a difference — have an effectA: Do you think recycling actually helps?
B: Definitely. Every little bit makes a difference.
play a role — be importantA: Why do you think she succeeded so quickly?
B: I think her experience played a huge role.
increase awareness — make people knowA: Why are you sharing these articles online?
B: I'm hoping to increase awareness about climate change.
Signing up to help
Priya: There's a clean-up day on Saturday — fancy coming along?
Dan: Sounds good. Is it one of those local community things?
Priya: Yeah, the residents' group runs it. It's basically a public event, anyone can join.
Dan: Brilliant, count me in then.
Does it count?
Eve: Sometimes I wonder if a few volunteers really change anything.
Marc: Honestly, even a small group can make a difference over time.
Eve: I suppose every pair of hands does play a role.
Marc: Exactly — it all adds up in the end.
Roping in a friend
Hana: The food bank's swamped this week — could you spare a couple of hours?
Owen: Of course, happy to lend a hand. What needs doing?
Hana: Mainly sorting donations. If a few of us pitch in, we'll clear it by lunch.
Owen: Sorted. I'll bring my brother too — that's two more pairs of hands.