The idea of changing the world can
be daunting. It's not only easy but understandable to think, "I’m only one
person; what can I really do?" If every person thinks that, nothing will
get done. But if every person did just one thing to make the world a better
place today, billions of acts of kindness, social responsibility and generosity
would take place — and wouldn’t that alone change the face of this planet?
Helen Keller said, "I am only
one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;
and just because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something
that I can do." That is the attitude in which authors Linda Catling and
Jeffery Hollender wrote the book How to Make the World a Better Place: Ways You
Can Make a Difference. Here is a list of some of their ideas, and a few others,
on how to make the world a better place one small action at a time.
1.
Volunteer your time at local schools
Whether you have a school-age child
or not, children are the future of this world. Spend time helping them reach
their potential by tutoring, mentoring or taking part in an after-school
program.
2. Adopt a rescue.
If you’re ready to get a pet, and have thought about all the variables,
please consider adopting from a rescue agency. Don’t forget that rescue
agencies often have different kinds of animals other than cats and dogs, (like
rabbits, or hamsters, or lizards) which can be even more difficult to find
homes for. If the time is right, consider directly saving a life.
3.
Recognize the humanity of other people, and respect their dignity
Consciously realize that the
homeless man you pass on the street every day is, in fact, a man. Through
choices of his own or circumstances out of his control, he ended up in this
situation, and that makes him no less human. Say hello and warmly greet him.
Your greeting could bring healing to his heart, and help heal the world one
person at a time. Treat people as equals, no matter how you interpret their
social standing.
4.
Get involved.
I know it’s hard if we’re working a full time job and have kids, or are
struggling through the depths of winter, or have just dealt with a scarring
break-up, but the world asks us to participate. Stay open to the cues and see
what we might have to offer the world. If we think something needs to be
changed, write a letter, start a petition, do more direct activism—whatever we
can do can help.
5.
Give alms.
This one is a bit loaded, I understand. Most of us can’t quite understand
what it’s like to be living on the street, unsure of where our next meal or
shelter is going to come from, and in urban centres the rate of homelessness is
rising. It can be difficult and hard to resist a place of judgment when every
third or fourth person we encounter in your walk to work asks us for change,
but that is why we must resist judgement. I don’t want to deny anyone even the
smallest bit of comfort. If you feel uncomfortable giving money, consider
buying food, or in winter, donating or giving your extra or mismatched winter
clothing away.
6.
Donate to clean water charities
A large portion of the world is
without fresh drinking water. Educate yourself about the drought epidemic, and
make the world a better place by donating to organizations and charities
helping to fight against the lack of clean water around the globe. Your
donation could result in the reduction of preventable, water-related diseases.
7.
Be generous
It's easy to be selfish with your
time, money, and resources by getting caught up in our material-driven societal
expectations. Try being generous and see how your life changes. Buy coffee for
the person behind you in line at Starbucks, read to children at your local
library, or simply stop and listen for the answer when you ask a friend how
they're doing. Chances are that your generosity will energize you, and you'll
feel less helpless about how to make the world a better place.
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