Love thy neighbor is not advice. It’s a command.

— Bono, speaking on the AIDS emergency.

The other night at dinner my husband and I asked ourselves: What deeds are we are doing in our daily lives that are giving aid to others? This is hard to admit, but we couldn’t come up with much. Oh, I suppose in some convoluted way I could argue that as a writer I’m helping people by connecting with them through words. And, as an investment guy, my husband could say he helps people manage their money responsibly. But I was embarrassed to realize how concerned I am with my own interests in place of the interests of my neighbors.

The other day I was listening to a sermon and the pastor asked the congregation: “Are you going to make a contribution that’s positive in this world?” I want to. I hope you do, too. So, where to start? The book Change the World for Ten Bucks is full of ideas.

Here’s how the book came about: In 2003, a London-based movement called We Are What We Do posed a simple question, “What would you ask one million people to do to change the world?” The idea behind the inquiry was that there’s no need to become paralyzed by the magnitude of our world’s problems because Small Actions X Lots of People = Big Change. The movement received thousands of suggestions. Those ideas were published in a 2004 U.K. book which became an international hit. Now, a 2009 edition has been published in the United States. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Say hi to someone you don’t know (and learn to say hello in different languages)

2. Register as an organ donor

3. Reverse haggle – pay people in thrift stores more than they bargained for

4. Drive as if you know everyone in town personally

5. Invite new acquaintances over for a meal

6. Write to someone who inspired you

7. Listen

8. Give away your old glasses to developing countries through organizations like the Lions Recycle for Sight

9. Adopt a shelter pet

10. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes

Let’s get going, shall we? Our time on this beautiful planet is limited. One last thing — send your own “change the world” suggestions to suggestions@wearewhatwedo.org.

Change the World for Ten Bucks by We Are What We Do (Chronicle Books; $10)