Doing Small Things with Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World

by Sharon Eubank

You are most powerful where you live.

Drawing from decades of experience in humanitarian service, Sharon Eubank offers a wisdom-packed guide on how to enact impactful aid in the world and especially in your own backyard. Whether you’re inspired by compassion or looking to enrich your life through meaningful service, this book will change how you approach helping others.

Through powerful storytelling as well as twelve principles of action rooted in her own experiences, Sharon demonstrates how to provide sustainable support and avoid common pitfalls. Her principles cover everything from preserving dignity to asking the right questions to attacking root causes. You’ll learn the importance of finding local solutions, fostering trusted networks, and recognizing that real help is always an exchange of value.

This book isn't just a call to action—it’s a blueprint for effective, ethical, and lasting service. Whether you’re involved in large-scale relief or simply want to make a difference in your community, Doing Small Things with Great Love will equip you with the knowledge and a path to act that empowers you and others to say, “We did it ourselves.”

Start making an impact today in your own community through 12 service principles that can spark anyone into action.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club, Audiobook, Religion, Inspirational, Self Help, Lds

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Maddie Fanos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Eubank is SO incredible. This book is amazing. Although she has traveled all over the world offering humanitarian aid, she maintains that the place people can have the most impact is in their own communities. Her emphasis on maintaining human dignity and self-worth for those receiving aid was beautiful. I loved all the stories and experiences she shared. This book made me feel more hopeful about making a difference in the world in simple, accessible ways. So good!!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I feel increasingly hopeless about the state of the world, this book was exactly what I needed! Written by someone who has dedicated her life to humanitarian work, she offers real - researched backed - ideas of what really helps people and what often doesn’t. I was surprised by some of it. Mostly, I feel like there are simple things I can do to make a difference. If you don’t want to read the whole book, look at the 50 suggestions at the end - they are great

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book really helped me to think more deeply about the help I want to give to others. I loved the real stories of humanitarian aid helping solve the problem or creating more problems. The book gives several things to think about when planning to provide aid. A wonderful read!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

27000 stars. If you are going to read one non-fiction book this year, this should be the one.

Inspiring, motivating, candid, insightful, intelligent. Others have written more eloquent reviews than what I currently have the words for, but here are some quick thoughts anyways.

I connected with the principles in this book as both a giver and receiver. I loved the things Sharon taught about preserving dignity and choice. My copy of this book is covered in highlights and I know it's one I will refer to again.

The ideas and applications in this book are highly accessible and practical. Friendly to all who wish to help, regardless of experience. Also, though Sharon is broadly known and loved in her religious community, this book isn't targeted to specifically religious people. It's for anyone who desires to help.

It's also short, if that helps. Just barely over 200 pages.

This book will be getting a permanent spot in the "humans are good" section of my personal library.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly, this book was phenomenal. I say it’s unsurprising because Sharon Eubank is glorious and brilliant and someone I would follow to the ends of the earth. The book was so well-organized and easy to digest, and she even offered some new perspectives for me that cased me to rethink some long-held beliefs.

[Samcwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most practical applied humanitarian aid books I’ve read.

I once heard that giving away money effectively is often as difficult as earning it. I wish every person and organization would read and apply the lessons of this book.

- You are most powerful where you live.
- Find local solutions for local problems.
- Trusted networks determine the success of the money.
- The right questions reveal the real answers.
- Everyone is rich and has something to offer.
- Protect dignity; protect choice.
- My solution to your problem will always be wrong if I assume I know it.
- Real help is always an exchange.
- Spend energy attacking root causes.
- Sustainability means planning for what happens the next time the problem comes up.
- Volunteerism weaves social fabric and can be a tool for peace.
- It’s meant to be fun.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Doing Small Things with Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World by Sharon Eubank
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Overview
Sharon Eubank’s Doing Small Things with Great Love is a compelling exploration of grassroots humanitarianism, blending personal narrative, sociological insight, and practical inspiration. As the president of Latter-day Saint Charities and a seasoned humanitarian worker, Eubank brings both authority and warmth to her subject, arguing that meaningful global change begins with ordinary individuals acting with compassion in their daily lives. To be published in 2025, this 280-page work is part memoir, part manifesto, and part how-to guide, offering a refreshing counter-narrative to the often overwhelming discourse on global crises.

Strengths
Accessible and Inspiring Thesis
Eubank’s central argument—that systemic change is built on small, consistent acts of love—resonates deeply in an era of burnout and disillusionment. She dismantles the myth that only large-scale interventions matter, illustrating how everyday choices (volunteering, ethical consumption, neighborly kindness) collectively transform communities. Her tone is hopeful yet pragmatic, avoiding both naivety and despair.

Blend of Personal and Global Perspectives
The book interweaves Eubank’s firsthand experiences—from refugee camps to disaster zones—with profiles of “everyday humanitarians” worldwide. These vignettes humanize abstract issues like poverty and displacement, grounding theory in tangible stories. A standout chapter follows a retired teacher in Nairobi who turned her backyard into a literacy hub, demonstrating localized impact.

Practical Framework for Action
Unlike many theoretical works on altruism, Eubank provides actionable steps. She outlines principles for sustainable service (e.g., “listen more than prescribe,” “partner rather than paternalize”) and includes reflection questions for readers to apply ideas to their contexts. This balance of idealism and practicality makes the book a valuable tool for educators, faith groups, and activists.

Nuanced Discussion of Power and Privilege
Eubank acknowledges the complexities of humanitarian work, addressing pitfalls like “voluntourism” and unintended dependency. Her critique of saviorism is particularly incisive, emphasizing dignity and mutual learning over charity. This reflexive approach elevates the book beyond feel-good platitudes.

Weaknesses
Limited Structural Analysis
While Eubank excels at micro-level examples, broader critiques of systemic inequality (e.g., neoliberal policies exacerbating poverty) are underdeveloped. The focus on individual agency occasionally overshadows the need for institutional reform.

Repetitive Motifs
Certain themes—like the “ripple effect” of small actions—recur excessively, occasionally diluting their impact. Tighter editing could have sharpened the narrative flow.

Faith-Based Undertones
Though not overtly religious, Eubank’s Mormon worldview subtly shapes her framing of service. While this lends authenticity, secular readers might desire more pluralistic perspectives.

Thematic Contribution
Eubank’s work fills a critical gap in humanitarian literature by bridging the abstract (“changing the world”) and the actionable (“what I can do today”). Her emphasis on relational, humble service challenges dominant narratives of heroism, offering a paradigm where everyone—regardless of resources—has a role in alleviating suffering. The book’s greatest strength is its refusal to divorce ethics from daily life, insisting that love is not merely sentimental but strategic.

Conclusion
Doing Small Things with Great Love is a vital antidote to cynicism, proving that compassion is neither trivial nor powerless. Eubank’s blend of storytelling, humility, and practicality makes this book a standout in its genre. While it occasionally skirts deeper structural critiques, its message is universally relevant: transformation begins where we are, with what we have.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Sharon Eubank, for providing a review copy. This book is a testament to the quiet revolutions happening in homes, streets, and communities worldwide—and an invitation to join them.

Final Verdict
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)—A lucid, heartfelt call to reclaim agency through kindness. Essential reading for aspiring humanitarians and weary idealists alike.

Note: Eubank’s leadership in Latter-day Saint Charities informs the book’s ethical framework, though its lessons transcend any single faith tradition.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a medical social worker I grapple with problems large and small in my community and I know first hand the challenges of humanitarian work on the local level. I enjoyed listening to the life experience and lessons learned of a humanitarian who has spent her life “in the arena” and worked all over the world. This book gives much to ponder on, but doesn’t stop there, it encourages the reader to act and engage as a humanitarian at whatever level they can and to add to their actions prayer and humility. If you feel despair, anxiety and hopeless over the suffering you see in the world this book can give you hope and spur ideas of where and how to start making a difference.

[Chloe Kordsiemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifting this to everyone I know! Wow, what an incredible book that resonated with me deeply. Sharon has spent her life serving, building relationships, and encouraging so many. Although her work and efforts have taken her overseas and to many places around the globe, she says that you are most effective as a humanitarian where you live. I completely agree, and truly believe if we take that to heart, we can build and encourage our communities in many positive ways.

I spend many hours a year volunteering for an organization that allows young women in high school to earn scholarship money for their education, and I loved her chapter on Volunteerism and its impact.

Beautiful writing, great stories, and she also discusses the ethics and best practices for humanitarians. 50 wonderful prompts at the end of the book to inspire you to take action. One of my favorite books this year!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t just throw around 5 star ratings. This book was excellent. I want to buy this and reread it and share with all my friends. Sharon’s message is especially needed in the world right now.

If you’re worried that this will be an overly religious book, you have nothing to fear. While different churches are mentioned, this book focuses on primarily humanitarian work, philanthropy, and what we can each do to make the world a better place. I truly could not love it more.

[Jenicca Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is timely, insightful, informative, practical, and encouraging. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Heather Hoyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much. I cried multiple times because of the stories. I thought it was the wonderful beacon of truth and hope about what we can do when the world is mixed up and difficult.

While I often read more academic literature, this is written by someone with lots of practical experience in figuring out how to help people. I loved the deep rooting into real life and relationships.

Some takeaways:

If you want to help people, start by helping the people next to you.
We have to form relationships with people to truly see what they need.
We can't always fix things, but we can still make small differences.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Volunteering is a special activity because it cuts both ways—it meets needs in both givers and receivers.”

Sharon Eubank’s Doing Small Things with Great Love is both inspiring and practical—a guide that shows service doesn’t have to be overwhelming or far-reaching to be meaningful. Drawing from her decades of humanitarian experience, she shares 12 powerful principles that help you know how, when, and where to serve in ways that truly matter. From protecting dignity and asking the right questions to finding local solutions and building trusted networks, her wisdom is both heartfelt and deeply applicable.

This book is the perfect starting point if you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference but weren’t sure where to begin. It reminds us that real impact starts right where we live—and that serving others is not only doable, but also joyful.

Doing Small Things with Great Love releases September 16th—an empowering blueprint for anyone who wants to make the world a better place, one small act at a time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shifted my perspective on service and humanitarian work.
The chapter titles are:

You are most powerful where you live
Find local solutions for local problems
Trusted networks determine the success of the money
The right questions reveal the real answers
Everyone is rich and has something to offer
Protect dignity, protect choice
My solution to your problem will always be wrong
Real help is always an exchange
Spend energy attacking root causes
Sustainability—what happens when the problem comes up next time?
Volunteerism weaves social fabric and can be a tool for peace
It’s meant to be fun

Some of my key takeaways are:
Beware of sending things people don’t need. 2nd wave disasters can happen when victims of tragedy have to deal with donations that are unhelpful.
Everyone has something I need and I have something they need. I should not treat people as victims.
I don’t have to do huge things to make a difference.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So grateful I happened to be reading this during such a sad week in the world. I often get discouraged not knowing how to help or how to make a difference. I'm so grateful for her message about how individual efforts, especially in your own communities, have large impacts. While Sharon largely has an LDS audience, this is not a religious book. It is a book about how to treat all human beings. Her humanitarian efforts cross all borders of race, religion, and nationality. I appreciate how the whole first chapter is dedicated to the various iterations of the Golden Rule from many cultures and religions. Everyone should read this book.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this and I loved hearing Sharon’s calm, friendly, humble, and inspired advice in her own voice. I love how she honors people’s desire to make a positive difference while also sharing practical tips on how to avoid making things worse. I loved how she talked about relational/spiritual/emotional wealth and emphasized that everyone’s biggest and truest and most impactful gift is their self.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

[Julee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that is full of actionable ideas for anyone wanting to help others--especially at a local level. Throughout her years leading global humanitarian responses & outreach, Eubank has observed what solutions and efforts have been most impactful and what things have offered, at best, a temporary fix. She is someone I deeply admire for so many reasons.

Each short chapter ends with questions to consider that are crafted in a way that a) prompts self-reflection as well as b) guides the reader in identifying actionable/doable steps that map with one's own values, skills, talents, & resources.

Throughout, Sharon's message is hopeful, inspiring without overwhelming, encouraging, and loving.
I highly recommend. It's a volume I'll personally be reflecting on and returning to often.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

#DoingSmallThingsWithGreatLove #NetGalley

The author had a way of drawing me in by sharing personal experiences in humanitarian work. Her insights were that the people who need help also need to be able to keep their dignity, which is very important when giving aid. Those closest to the situation can best help with the solution. Sharon Eubank shared several examples of those who thought they were being helpful, and in some instances, they created more problems.I liked this quote from the book'If we focus simply on the infrastructure of food, sanitation, security and shelter, we miss the heart of the matter. The book gives several suggestions of how humanitarian work can be done right in our own neighborhood and community.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite quotes:
“Don’t less stress ruin the fun.”
“What makes assistance valuable isn’t the size or the cost but rather that the right thing is delivered at the right time.”
“How can I help?”
“Do small acts of compassion and connection have power to change situations for the better?”
“But good intentions often, ironically, fail. Why? Sometimes, subconsciously, it was more about us than it was about them.” (P.3)
“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.” Mother Teresa (P.12)
“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”(13) Mother Teresa
“No one is kept away from accessing the most powerful force on earth if they only and without self-interest love another person.” (13)
“There are no givers without receivers” (16)
“You are most powerful where you live.” (28)
“There is much we can do in our own towns that will change lives.” (34)
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” (38)
“If we change our perspectives so that caring for other people is less about giving things away and more about filling a hunger for human connection, holding meaningful conversations, and building rich, positive relationships, which doors would open to us? What suffering would be relieved? “(41)
“Money is certainly necessary, but I don’t find it to be the determining factor for long-term success in humanitarian efforts.”(45)
“Asking and listening are premiere skills when trying to help another person.”(76)
“True help is an exchange; it might not be an even exchange, but everyone benefits.”(97)
“And there is dignity in having somebody listen to your story and care.”(105)
“Attacking root causes and nurturing long-term solutions are what lead to real impact over time.” (134)
“Volunteering is a special activity because it cuts both ways- it meets needs in both givers and revivers.” (140)
“Service above self”(141)
“It’s hard to hate someone up close.”(142)
M Russel Ballard:”when we serve together, we realize that our similarities are stronger than our differences.”(148)

[Mommywest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book that helps us to see that helping others doesn’t need to be overwhelming or far away. Drawing on her vast personal experiences as humanitarian director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the vast personal experiences of other humanitarians, leaders, and everyday people, Sharon Eubank shows us how to most effectively contribute to the needs in our own neighborhoods, communities, and even worldwide, “doing small things with great love.” As human beings, we want to reach out and help those in great need, but we are not always sure of the best way to do so, or we feel we are not qualified. We wonder if our prayers and our tiny contributions even make a difference. Through mistakes made and lessons learned, many organizations and individuals large and small have learned what help is best, how to discover what that is, and that our little efforts really do make a big difference! I love the inclusion of thought and discussion questions for individual discovery and group learning, and case studies that demonstrate how to put principles of better service into action.

[Krystal 🦢 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This phenomenal book illuminates Truth (yes, with a capital T) and offers practical, actionable principles for putting love into motion in families, homes, neighborhoods, communities, networks, and beyond. This book offers a healing counterpoint to the ugliness of selfishness, dehumanization, division and greed so prominent in the headlines today. I felt so much hope and so much light while reading this book, it was palpable and moving.

Because reading is a personal and nuanced experience, there are very few books I think everyone should read, but this is one of them. The chapter on dignity was so moving. The chapter on how “the golden rule” appears in some form or other in so many religions and cultures of humanity was really cool and thought provoking. And the stories included all throughout brought the ideas to life in a relatable and human way.

I listened to the audiobook read by the author and it was well done. Her warmth and passion easily shine through to make you feel almost like you’re sitting down to lunch and catching up with an old friend. It’s only 4 hours long on regular speed and 100% worth the time it takes to listen.

I can’t wait to get my hands on a hard copy so I can underline my favorite passages. Maybe I’ll come back and add them here too.

[Courtney Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read—especially in this time of feeling so helpless in the face of so much injustice.
Here are some favorite moments:

“You are at your most powerful where you live”

“I don’t know the answers to these questions. I do know that I am poor at predicting who will or will not leverage the resources in a way that works—so I keep offering resources. I remember that God loves the unlikely, and there is a lot of unlikely success in this world.”

“Increasing choice is as critical as the available cash”

“In the end, you yourself are the gift”

“This is what we do. We are practitioners of peace, and this gives us an opportunity to fulfill our historic role. One that has been built on our decades long investments in peace. Because today peace is an imperative and that imperative begins with us because we have the means to wage peace as aggressively as nations wage war.”

“It is not indulgent or luxurious to replenish ourselves; it is a divine commandment”



“Dignity is not a right—it is a reality from which rights are derived.” - Ann Power Ford

“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right—the right to dignity and the right to a decent life” - Nelson Mandela

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Eubank is the director of Latter-day Saint Charities. In her recent release, Doing Small Things With Great Love, she shares her decades of experience in humanitarian work. Her voice is warm and hopeful, sharing experiences and principles to help everyone get involved.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. I wasn’t very far in before I knew I needed my own copy. This is an absolutely eye-opening look at humanitarian work. It really shifted my perspective.

The author discusses what works as well as what doesn’t work in helping fix the ills of this world. She shares her many years of experience to explain 12 principles that lead to effective, impactful service that lasts. If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in the world, this book will help you understand how to go about it.

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when many feel that their small efforts are not making any positive impact in the world, Sharon Eubank gives evidence to the contrary. She also shares how our efforts can be more meaningful and that the most important aspect of our service is love and the relationships we develop. I highly recommend this book for everyone.

[Summer Fernandez Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite things about this book:
1. The focus on preserving people’s dignity.
2. The focus on building relationship.
3. The questions to consider at the end of every chapter. I think they could be the basis of a masterclass on service.

[Marren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short guide to serving effectively in your community. Straightforward and readable, it seems accessible for a wide variety of audiences.

[Tabi A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer to get started in making a difference in your community.

[Melodee Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

T

[Nicole Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!