The world today is definitely not a paradise. Hunger, poverty, pollution and violence are all too common. Granted, the world has never been and probably will never be perfect, but that also means there's a lot of room for change! You can help to create a better world in the future. And it's not as difficult as you think.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Helping Humanity
Step 1. Volunteer or donate to a foundation
This doesn't just have to do with working in soup kitchens or visiting the homes of the elderly. Nowadays, anyone can volunteer to do anything! Get in touch with local volunteer organizations in your area and find a reason you're passionate about doing it. Start a petition, donate money, support a foundation, raise funds or become a lawyer.
- Don't donate directly to the first foundation you meet. There is a huge difference in terms of efficiency. If you want to make sure that your money is being used to save as many lives as possible, try visiting givewell.org. Choosing one of the most recommended foundations is quick and easy, but you can also read why they chose those foundations, if you're interested in knowing. Other possible sites are BBB Start With Trust or Charity Navigator.
- Buy a bracelet. This is a custom in Hollywood, where many celebrities support it by using it as the latest fashion accessory – a charity bracelet. Not only do they look cool, they are inexpensive and are a great way to play a part in fighting for your favorite cause.
- If you want to help develop the world, the best charitable foundations are those that help people to help themselves. They do what they do best by enabling communities to strengthen and improve their own quality of life. Examples of charitable foundations doing things like this are Heifer International, Kiva or Free the Children. Educational charitable foundations, such as One Laptop Per Child, are also good.
Step 2. Shop carefully
Business entities are some of the most important and influential organizations in the world today. They are involved, or in some way, influencing almost every issue you can think of and sometimes even making them more influential than the government on those issues. Fortunately, you have opportunities every day to encourage these businesses to do the right thing. Every time you buy something, you give your consent to any process that involves its manufacture. The next time you're in the grocery store, pay more attention to the labels.
Look carefully at your options. Ask yourself the following questions: "Do I want to support this type of business?", "Are the farmers or factory workers who make this product treated well?", "Is this product fairly traded?", "Is this healthy?", "Is this good for the environment?", "Does the sale of this product help support an oppressive political regime?"
Step 3. Participate in blood donation activities
Many countries (especially Australia, the UK, Canada and the US) experience record low blood supplies and desperately need more people to donate. This activity only lasts about half an hour and will not feel (too) painful. Visit Red Cross or United Blood Services for more information.
Step 4. Become a lawyer
Speak up about injustice in this world and invite your friends to get involved. Organize a fundraiser to help raise money for a charity or cause you've chosen. If you can't raise money, add your voice to those who have started campaigning to end poverty, war, injustice, gender issues, racism or corruption in the world. This activity can be started at any age. Craig Kielburger was twelve years old when he became an activist for child labor rights. He continued, with his brother, by starting Free the Children and Me to We.
Step 5. Become an organ donor
You won't need your organs anymore when you're dead, so why not give them to someone who can use them? You can help the souls of up to eight people by placing yourself on the organ donor register in your country. Discuss this decision with your family and tell them about your expectations.
Method 2 of 3: Help Protect and Defend Your Planet
Step 1. Recycle
This is not something only hippies do! Everyone can recycle and today, almost anything can be recycled-from newspapers and plastics to old computers and cell phones. Encourage your school or workplace to recycle and to use recycled products.
Step 2. Stop driving everywhere
You probably already know that vehicle emissions are bad for the planet. What you probably don't know is how to reduce your emissions: Start walking to places that are close. Use public transportation wherever possible. You can also do other things like ride a bicycle to work instead of using a car. If you need to use a car, consider buying a type that uses a mixture of electricity (a renewable energy source) and gas, or electricity only.
Step 3. Reduce your negative impact on the planet
Reduce your harmful negative impact on the planet by reusing goods and materials when you can, using eco-friendly products, buying local food and goods (supporting the local economy) and conserving natural resources, such as water. This will help protect the planet and provide a healthy environment for everyone who will live on it after us.
Help others to do the same by educating them on how they can reduce their negative impact on the planet. Remember: don't lecture or feel self-righteous. You are doing this to help the planet, not so that you can be smarter or better than your neighbors
Step 4. Reduce your water usage
Did you know that there will be a big water crisis in our lives? The problem is that, we consume and use water faster than we can clean old and new water. Help alleviate this problem by taking showers faster, being more careful when washing dishes, not letting water run when brushing your teeth and generally paying attention to how you use the water.
Another thing is to avoid watering your lawn in the summer. Collect and use wastewater for this purpose, as using clean drinking water to water the lawn is a waste of time
Step 5. Support animal welfare
All life must be cherished if humanity is to move forward in realizing a better society. Take the time to support animal rights, volunteer at your local shelter or donate to animal welfare organizations. Remember that most animal suffering happens to farm animals, not pets. Most people forget this, because they cannot see the animals they eat. Consider going vegetarian – it will make you healthier, help the environment, reduce animal suffering and may actually be cheaper! If you can't imagine being a vegetarian, eating less meat can also have an impact. Remember, this doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision.
- However, do your own research before donating to organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS as an abbreviation), PETA or other large corporations; sometimes, a large percentage of the money will not go to the animals. An excellent site for comparing charitable foundations is
- Do not buy pet food for donations. Donating your money directly to a shelter is much better, as the shelter can buy food in bulk more quickly and it's difficult to plan for in-kind donations. Keeping an animal for a short period of time is another great way to show your support for the animal and it costs little, if not nothing, to do so!
Method 3 of 3: Helping the People in Your Life
Step 1. Pay it forward
Have you seen the movie? Like Haley Joel Osment, you can help others by "doing it in advance." Simply do something nice to 3 people (or more is better, without restrictions), without being asked and in return, ask them to do the same to the next 3 people. And the next, and the next. Imagine if everyone followed this and what the world would be like!
Step 2. Don't hurt other people intentionally
Imagine a society where no one will harm any other individual. You won't have to lock the door at night and self-defense will be a thing of the past. You might think that one person won't make a difference. The world as a whole consists of only seven billion individuals. Think you might inspire someone to be like you and start a chain reaction!
Step 3. Laugh and smile
Many believe that laughter is the best medicine you can get. Not only that, happy people are often healthier and happier! Sharing a smile and a laugh with someone is easy, completely free and just might make someone's day better! When your happiness contributes to the happiness and well-being of others and the planet, that's called sustainable happiness!
Tips
- Everyone can change the world; what it takes is a little time, effort and dedication!
- Changing the world will also change you.
- The internet is a great place to find information about charitable foundations and reasons to sponsor/support.
- Even if you don't have any money, there are still many ways you can help make the world a better place.
- Find interesting and fun ways to change the world. Volunteering is not only a great way to help those less fortunate; You may also make lots of new friends!
- Advertise your reasons by using your talents.
- Spread the word. Invite your friends to get involved. More is better!
- Good charitable foundations to donate to include Heifer International, Sierra Club, Doctors Without Borders, The Salvation Army and Kiva.
- You don't have to change the world for everyone, you can change it for some and still have a positive impact.
