Every August 19th, World Humanitarian Day celebrates the individuals that face danger and hardship to make the world a better place. These humanitarians have a mission to reduce suffering, improve quality of life, and help those who may be persecuted for their nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.
These people risk their lives for humanitarian causes, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of ways, both big and small, that you can make a difference in your community and around the globe.
Donate to a food bank or homeless shelter
Volunteering at a local soup kitchen, contributing non-perishable goods to a local food bank, or donating clothing and possessions you don’t need anymore are all excellent ways to help improve the quality of life for disadvantaged people in your own community. It’s an easy way to make a direct impact and put a smile on someone’s face.
Join and contribute to a humanitarian aid organization
Even if you can’t drop everything and hop on a plane to help a humanitarian organization fulfill their mission, you can still join the organization’s network and donate to their cause. Many humanitarian groups have email newsletters that show how your donation is put to work, what’s new with the organization, and how you can maintain your involvement with the causes and humanitarian campaigns closest to your heart.
Raise awareness about the issues that matter to you
No matter how much time or money you devote to humanitarian causes, you won’t be able to change the world all by yourself. A key component in a humanitarianism’s success is rallying the support of others. Whether soliciting signatures for a petition, helping others enroll in humanitarian organizations, or just educating friends and family, you can take small but meaningful steps to raise awareness and get others involved.
Perform humanitarian volunteer work abroad
It’s no secret that international travel can broaden your perspective, but taking a humanitarian service trip can open your eyes to the realities outside of your own bubble while letting you give back in a meaningful way. Signing up to do on-the-ground humanitarian work is a serious commitment, but it can make a big impact on the communities you’re serving.
If you’re ready to answer the call to an overseas humanitarian service, there are plenty of organizations that can help match you with a volunteer program aligned with your interests and personal convictions.
This World Humanitarian Day, consider taking your first steps towards making the world a better place on a regular basis. Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with doing good, but you’ll be making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
