The previous pages have looked at organisations that operate on a global scale. While their work covers many countries, much of the action and fundraising does take place locally. In countries like Italy, the United States and Australia, it is important to recognise that we can do much to alleviate the poverty that exists in developing countries.

While the images we receive from overseas can seem dramatic, there are times when we almost overlook the needs that exist in our local communities for change. Action at a local scale for local causes can be as simple as picking up a plastic bag from the street before it floats down the drain. Most local areas have some organisation or event that needs your help.

Literacy is important for the future employment of individuals whether they are in the developing world or the developed world. A program called "The Reading Connection" is a program designed to help improve reading skills in children living in homeless shelters. It has very much a hands on approach with volunteers finding books as well as reading.

As students, many of us can work to bring about change in our most local area (the school) through student councils, so we have an extensive section on how to get these running really well.