Think about how you feel when you do something nice for someone. How does it make you feel to know that you have helped someone? Imagine if everyone was able to help others in some way every day. What if you could use the tools already at your disposal to go above and beyond our normal acts of kindness, perhaps even to help others around the world?
Think about how you would feel if you could help people in need, no matter where they were. How would you use this power? Would you help someone in need if it meant risking your own safety? Would you help someone who was struggling just to pay their bills? Would you help someone get access to water who might not have it now?
There are lots of ways you can help others in need all around the world right now, and many of them you can do without even leaving home. Check these ideas out and see if any of them seem like a good way you can help others around the world.
#1 - Volunteer
If you're looking for a way to have an impact on the world, volunteering is a great option. Not only will you be helping others, but volunteering will probably give you time to do something that matters to you. There are many ways to volunteer with many different organizations, and each has benefits of its own. A great place to start your search for a volunteering opportunity is on the Red Cross website, which has information about different ways to get involved around the world and some of the projects involved.
Although it’s cliche - I hear Gandhi’s voice rining in my ears when I think about volunteering, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Choosing the right volunteering project isn't always easy. It's especially difficult when you don't know much about the person or organization you're applying to. Sign up for newsletters, contact organizations through their websites and learn more about what they do so that you get the opportunity that’s right for you.
Volunteering is not only a great way to make your connection to others, but it provides you an opportunity to learn about different cultures and people. It gives you the opportunity to see people in a new light, and gives you a chance to learn about solutions to problems that you may not have known existed before. In short, volunteering is one of the most amazing ways to contribute to world peace and prosperity.
#2 - Donate
There is an explosion in the world of philanthropy. The National Philanthropic Trust reports that Americans gave $449.64 billion in 2019, a 5.1% increase from the year before. There are also more interested givers – people willing to give more to others than before. There has never been a better time to put your money to work to help others around the world, but it can be confusing with so many options. Where do you fit in this rapidly growing trend?
If you ask 10 people what they would choose as their charitable donation, you will get 10 different answers. Now try and determine which of these 10 people is actually using their charitable donations in the most effective way. You can easily donate to one of hundreds of charities, but how do you pick? It's tough to know which ones really make a difference.
Choosing the right charity can be as easy as reading their websites and knowing how they spend their money. Which ones best meet your needs and interests? Which provide the most bang for your buck? The difference between giving $3.00 to a soup kitchen or $30.00 to a cancer research foundation could be minuscule compared to the impact you could have on a specific patient or organization. See what makes the most impact for both you and the people you’re helping and get into action.
#3 - Be an Example
Sometimes all you need to do In order to have a positive impact on the world around you is set an example. It doesn’t cost much, and will have a real impact on people around the world. When others see you living happily they are much more likely to ask you about what you’re doing or emulate you. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Did you know that scientists predict plastic pollution in our ocean will triple in just the next 20 years? That’s as heavy as more than three million blue whales! The problem is, these plastics never biodegrade – they just break down into smaller pieces of harmful plastic, causing damage to marine and bird life, and entering the food chain. You can help make others' water and food supply safer by reducing your plastic usage and pollution.
One of the biggest sources of plastic pollution in our oceans is from plastic water bottles. The fastest and easiest way to set an example around not polluting our oceans with plastic is to find a way to get purified water without all the disposal plastic. You can use refillable options so that you can reuse the same containers over and over. There are also significant advancements in water purification where you can create your own pure water from the air in your very own kitchen. When others see how much money and time you are saving, while doing such great work for the environment, they may follow suit and your efforts will multiply.
