Comma Cares: The Power of Volunteering & Where to Start
Community is more than a buzzword at Comma: it’s our backbone—and giving back to this community is what keeps us strong. Volunteering starts with one step. Start small. Stay curious. Lead with care. After all, true change takes time and showing up with heart is more than enough. Our team is hosting an upcoming Comma Cares Day, a chance for everyone to step out and get involved in causes that matter to them. It’s a reminder that even small acts can create real impact, both for those in need and for ourselves, and we’d love for you to join us.
Where to Start
Volunteering is one of the simplest ways to make a difference, and it starts with finding what matters to you, whether that be climate change, education, food justice, mental health, or beyond. What’s meaningful to you is worthy of your time. Sometimes the most difficult step is the first one—but we’re here to help. Here’s how to start:
Take a cause quiz, talk to a friend, or just notice what you care about. Choosing a mission and fueling your passion for change in this area is the best way to begin. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to be done and the number of organizations that are in search of help. Remember that you don’t have to save the world—and you won’t in just a day!—simply starting is enough.
Once you’ve got a direction, check out orgs on Idealist or VolunteerMatch, or see what’s happening locally. Look into school or local clubs. Read their mission, ask questions, and see if it feels like a fit. Making sure an organization’s values match your own is extremely important as this allows you to firmly believe in their mission. There’s no shortage of important work to do. The right org will meet you where you are.
Show up ready to go—know the plan, dress comfortably, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. The time you spend here matters, so make it count by staying present, willing and ready to help, and passionate about what you’re doing.
Afterwards, reflect on your experience. Ask yourself: How did my work help? What felt meaningful to me? What can I do in the future? Oftentimes, giving back to your community can change you just as much as you change the community. That’s the beauty of doing good. Your first step doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be yours.
During the time you spend volunteering, it may not feel like you’re making a big difference in the moment, but you never know how your actions change the lives of others. Don’t underestimate your power to make a difference. Want help choosing your first project? Reach out and we can help you find the right fit.
Join Us in Creating Change
At Comma, we are passionate about changing menstrual healthcare for the better. We’re a grassroots group of clinical scientists, technologists, environmentalists, lawyers, medical device experts, and community builders working to advance and protect reproductive health. The period care industry has been designed without women in mind or at the helm. We’ve spent too long ashamed of our cycles, and healthcare has spent too long ignoring them. Because of this, we want to build what you want to see, and we want to improve what you want to change. A period shouldn’t be a hard stop; we are working to disrupt the narrative in menstrual health, and we’d love for you to join us if this is something you’re passionate about too.
If you’re looking for your own volunteering opportunities, reach out, ask questions, and dive in. Once you do, we’d love to see! Tag us on socials and use #CommaCares to share how you’re giving back! It all starts with you.
