Check into the following:

Your neighborhood and town have websites. Go check them out and see what activities are going on. These activities are likely addressing a need. 

Maybe there is a cool art installation going up in a part of town that needs some love. Now you know what parts of town that are in need and may be receptive to other improvement projects. Can you get in touch with the organizers and ask? Or volunteer your time?

Maybe trail work is being done due to erosion after the recent flooding that happened. What other areas were affected by the flooding? Is there something else that could be done to help?

Check out your city council website and look at their meeting agendas. What are they discussing?

For example, a quick search of the Cleveland City Council shows that they just approved $3M for youth programs. They are aimed at alleviating the effects toxic stress brought on by poverty, crime and violence and a sense of helplessness can have on kids. These are obviously issues they are seeing a lot of in the community. Is there something you have in mind that could address these problems too? Check out what they are doing to get some ideas. 

Find three ideas you see already in motion in your community that interest you. Write down all three. Pick your favorite one and pretend you have just been asked to put your own spin on it. Seriously, take the time to write it down because that is what is exercising these new muscles we are working out. 

For example: In Cleveland, a lot of the program money is going towards keeping young people out of the criminal justice system through job training which is great. But maybe you see how yoga and meditation programs could also be helpful. Or an arts and music program. Is that something you might want to pursue in conjunction with what they are already doing?