Effecting Social Change

It can sometimes feel like the entire world is in turmoil. War rages and poverty is still an issue in the 21st century. A global pandemic has exacerbated underlying socioeconomic problems, such as domestic violence, personal health and unemployment. But now is the time to address the most significant social challenges of our time.

Seek Help for Your Issues

Before you can help anyone, however, you need to help yourself. Getting healthy is a significant step towards facing internal and external adversity. Whatever your issues, there is always help available. Alcohol, drugs (https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/colorado/colorado-springs/), anger, depression, and anxiety are at record levels in today's world. Any of these present problems in your life, they will hold you back until you at least recognize you have a problem. Changing habits and shedding addictions is not an easy road. With expert guidance and help from loved ones, you can take steps towards changing your own life, so that you can  help others.

Give Where You Can

Once you help yourself, you can fulfill your life in service to others. An easy method of service that goes a long way towards improving someone else's life is by giving. Giving doesn't refer only to fiduciary responsibility. You can give your time, expertise, food and items you no longer require. For example, should you be qualified to repair computers, offer to fix PCs and laptops for those who can't afford it. Further, you could spend your Saturdays talking to the homeless and handing out blankets for the colder weather. Every community has opportunities for helping others.

Engage in Respectful Discussion

Social media platforms aren't inherently a bad thing. But they are frequently misused. Certain people take to platforms like Facebook and Twitter to weaponize sentiment and encourage division. It would help if you tried to stay aware of these traps. #MeToo and Black Lives Matter are prime examples of important topics that subversive groups often infiltrate to disrupt the movement from within. Rather than act out of emotion, as certain people wish you to do, engage in a respectful discussion about a given subject. Try to change the dialogue.

Reduce Your Impact 

Our planet is only so big. So whether you believe in the sustainability movement or not, there is a breaking point for the planet's capacity in terms of population, consumerism, waste and production. Therefore, it is essential that you begin to understand your impact and work towards reducing it. It may not seem like you can do much alone, but the larger objective is achievable if we all work together on small things. Waste as little as possible by recycling, eating only what you need. Consider plant-based alternatives to your favorite meats. Meat processing has been shown to have a much greater negative impact on our world.

Teach Your Children

Of course, for any positive actions to be successful in the long term, the next generations also need to be aware. For too long, previous generations have ruined it for your children. Fortunately, the current generation is more aware than ever concerning contemporary issues, and education levels are high. You can teach your children about how we interact with the planet and each other. Respect for the environment, love for your fellow man and human decency need to be reinforced.

Stay Abreast of Situations

The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us how important it is to stay informed about important issues. Think how much worse your situation could have been if you didn't listen for pandemic news and advice from your government. Social distancing and mask-wearing are an inconvenience for everyone, but they significantly reduce the spread of transmissible airborne viruses. The pandemic alone serves to highlight the power of information. By staying up-to-date with the situation, you may have saved your life and the lives of others.

Try to Do the Right Thing

Given some of the terrible new reports in the media these days, the phrase human decency sometimes appears to be an oxymoron. Misguided terrorists seemingly attack from nowhere, violence against women is brushed under the carpet and mental health services are at a breaking point. All too often, people do nothing. While it might not seem like it to you, just doing the right thing is a massive gesture for someone who suffers. Should a friend or relative suffer from depression, for example, give them a call and ask about their day. Show compassion. We all can do something to make the world a better place.

Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Maria Olsen