Everyday life can be overwhelming: between work, social activities and domestic responsibilities, it is easy to become relatively self-involved or self-absorbed. But every now and then it’s important to remember that there is the world outside of your window, filled with endless people who are less fortunate than yourself. So, it’s time to start helping communities around the world. There are so many organizations dedicated to improving others’ quality of life that it can be hard to decide which to join or support. Here are a few of our favorites for you to consider.
Red Cross
The Red Cross is a charitable, humanitarian organization whose work supports those in crisis, no matter where they are. They have a global voluntary network who respond to disasters on an international scale. They also offer support to refugees, help prone areas prepare for natural disaster, protect people in armed conflict and offer emergency first aid and teaching resources. As well as offering physical help, they also ensure that the voices of victims are heard loud and clear, which promotes political and social change that can help individuals of the moment and people of the future.
National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
The National Endowment for Democracy is a non-profit organization that aims to contribute to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. When you’ve grown up with the right to vote and exercise your opinion within the political sphere, it’s easy to forget that many people are denied this privilege. Many of our predecessors had to fight for our right to be politically enfranchised and this battle continues for many people around the world today. While the NED doesn’t administer programs directly, it does provide funding to numerous private groups who are democratizing forces within their societies. Their grants focus on improving areas such as freedom of information, education on potential political processes, the fostering of democratic ideas and values, the establishment of human rights and conflict resolution within political organizations.
Unicef
Unicef is another humanitarian organization, however, their efforts are mainly directed towards vulnerable children. They aim to save lives and offer long standing protection to children in compromising positions. Their current projects focus on helping Syrian children who are under siege, refugees who have fled their countries of origin and fighting famine worldwide. A criticism of many charities is that a large amount of money donated is lost in administrative processes, staff, and advertising. However, 90 cents of every dollar donated to Unicef goes directly into implementing positive change in the world for real life children in need.
As busy and hectic as your everyday life may be, remember to spare some time towards helping those less fortunate than yourself. These are just three charities working to make the world a better place, but there are plenty more out there. Each with different aims and ideologies. So do your research and choose one or two to dedicate yourself to. Show your support, donate and become an activist, raising awareness and promoting positive change in the world around you.
