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New Year, New You: 26 Ideas for New Year's Resolutions in 2026
Post Date:12/29/2025 2:07 PM
1. Be Prepared
You never know what 2026 may have in store. Ensure you are prepared for severe weather or a natural disaster. Sign up for UC Alerts to be notified of emergency situations in Union County.
2. Explore the Library
Explore social connections at your local library, where you can enjoy arts and crafts, exchange puzzles, and make new friends. Discover a variety of programs and events at your local library. Download the Union County Library app to bring the library to your fingertips.
3. Take a Walk Through Nature
Take time to explore a local park and go for a relaxing walk on a trail. Cane Creek Park has free admission through the end of February.
4. Learn Something New
Challenge yourself to explore a new skill or topic. You can review various topics Union County offers on our Educational Outreach page.
5. Become a Foster Parent
Children here in Union County need responsible adults to serve foster parents. You can learn more about this critical need by visiting our Adoption and Foster Care page and submitting an interest form.
6. Apply to Serve on a Board or Commission
The Union County Board of Commissioners appoints the members of several advisory boards and commissions that guide County operations and services. Use your expertise and serve your community by volunteering for one of these boards. Visit this page to view current openings and to submit your name for consideration.
7. Introduce a Kid to 4-H
Consider opportunities to help kids learn, grow and have fun. Union County 4-H is open to youth ages 5-18 and offers something for every interest. Whether your child loves animals, arts and crafts, STEM or leadership, there's a 4-H project, club or camp that would be a great fit. For more information on enrolling, visit their webpage.
8. Serve Your Community
Let 2026 be the year that you find a way to give back to your community. Union County offers a variety of volunteer opportunities across several departments that enable you to use your skills to make a meaningful impact.
9. Immerse Yourself in Arts & Culture
Union County has a rich variety of arts and cultural resources. Visit the Arts & Culture page on our website to find links to local museums, theater companies, musical groups, and much more.
10. Stay Informed
Union County has many programs, services and events, and the best way to stay informed is to subscribe to our various communications channels. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter the Horizon, or follow Union County on your favorite social media site.
11. Adopt a Shelter Pet
Let 2026 be the year that you find your fur-ever friend. The Union County Sheriff's Office invites you to view available animals and to review the adoption process on their website.
12. Explore STEM and Tech Opportunities
13. Bring Food & Smiles to a Local Senior Citizen
Volunteer with our Senior Nutrition Program and you can put a smile on a local senior's face and a delicious meal on their table. Visit this page for more information and to learn more about how you can get involved with just one hour a week.
14. Be a Better Parent
Parenting isn't easy. That's why our Community Support and Outreach team partners with the Alliance for Children to offer free parenting support to Union County residents. To qualify, parents and caregivers need to live in Union County and have a child aged 0-5 who is not yet in kindergarten. Visit our website to learn more.
15. Get a Passport & Travel the World
The U.S. Department of State advises that passport applications typically take at least 6-8 weeks to process. Aim to get your passport well in advance of any international travel plans. The Union County Register of Deeds office is a passport acceptance facility. Visit our webpage and start planning your dream vacation in 2026.
16. Give or Receive Help
This year, commit to using UC CARES (Union County Community Assistance & Resources Emergency Support) as a way to both give help and receive help when needed. UC CARES brings together a wide range of resources, from ongoing community programs to incident-specific support, offered by local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private and non-profit organizations. Using UC CARES supports a stronger community by spreading awareness of available resources and helping ensure support is accessible to everyone in Union County.
17. Reduce Your Waste
Aim to reduce, reuse and recycle this year. Learn more about items accepted for recycling at county facilities.
18. Paws to Read
Make reading more fun in the new year by supporting literacy through the Paws to Read program at a Union County Library. This unique initiative pairs young readers with certified therapy dogs to build confidence and a love of books. Read our news story and watch the video to learn how the program works, and see one of the adorable certified dogs in action.
19. Support First Responders
There are many ways you can show your support for first responders throughout the year. When driving, always move over for flashing lights and sirens so that police, firefighters and EMTs can respond to emergency calls as quickly as possible. When you see first responders at work on or near the roadway, slow down and give them space to do their jobs safely. Add house numbers to your home and/or mailbox so that police, EMS and firefighters can find your home quickly in an emergency.
20. Protect Your Pipes
Union County Water offers tips to help you protect your home's plumbing system from costly repairs and keep your pipes free flowing throughout the year. Visit their award-winning website for tips, videos and helpful information.
21. Try Transit
Union County Transportation provides the type of transit services that meet Union County's rural needs. The County also partners with the Charlotte Area Transit System to provide commuter bus service from Indian Trail into uptown Charlotte on weekdays. Let someone else do the driving and learn how U Can Go with Union County Transportation!
22. Start or Grow a Small Business
Union County is a fantastic place to start or grow a small business. Learn how to start a business in North Carolina. Local business owners are encouraged to follow current bids available with Union County.
23. Organize a Neighborhood Clean Up
You can help beautify Union County by organizing a neighborhood clean-up. Put litter in its place while you get to know your neighbors. Union County Solid Waste provides free supplies that you can check out and return after your beautification project. Visit this page for more information.
24. Support Local Farmers & Makers
Resolving to improve your diet never tasted so good! Visit the Union County Farmers Market beginning in April to get fresh, local vegetables, meats and other products made or grown right here in Union County.
25. Quit Tobacco
Are you ready to be tobacco-free and quit smoking, vaping, chewing, or dipping? Call 1-800-784-8669 for free resources, including a free online quit coach and a free quit plan. For more information, visit the QuitlineNC website.
26. Start a New Job
Do you want a job where you get to work close to home, be part of a great team, and serve your community? Come to work for Union County Government! Visit our Careers page to view current openings. Bookmark this page and check it often, as new openings are added as they become available.