WELCOME TO DAY 23

SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION

"In Africa, there is a concept known as 'Ubuntu' - the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that is we are to accomplish anything in this world it will be in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." NELSON MANDELA

It’s not something that we talk about often. Too many of us are focused on the ‘struggle’ of our daily lives to even think of giving back. But in all honesty, we know at the back of our minds that there are people in our communities who are living below the bread line and subsisting on a day to day basis. If it has always been a thought to get around to giving and you needed a little push in the right direction, here are 10 reasons why giving back to society is Important.

REASONS FOR SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION

GRATITUDE

Feelings of compassion, humanity and a sense of appreciation awakens when we give to people. There is nothing greater to centre our focus in this world than beginning to understand just how much we have to be grateful for. This comes from being in direct contact with the act of giving to people who are less fortunate than ourselves.

ENCOURAGES A CULTURE OF GIVING

Behaviours are contagious. If people see you or other people giving back to society in some shape or form, it is likely to be an idea that sticks with them. Many people who give back to society have been inspired by someone in their community or environment who had done so.

STRENGTHENS COMMUNITIES

Giving encourages dialogue between people, communities and nations in ways that people would not ordinarily have experienced before. When people choose to give, they unite from different sectors and communities in the name of a common cause. This is a key contributing factor in strengthening communities and nation-building.

ALLEVIATES POVERTY & SUFFERING

On an absolutely practical level when you find ways to give back to society, this helps to provide some instant relief from poverty, struggling and suffering. Even if a long-term, sustainable solution is needed, people still need food in their mouths, clothes on their back and access to basic sanitation in the immediate moment. This can be achieved in a number of different ways. You can donate to a cause, become a volunteer or be involved in corporate giving.

SHARES RESOURCES

If you know that you need to share your resources with somebody, it immediately makes you conscious about what it is that you have. Besides the gratitude aspect, you suddenly are aware of the value of a bucket of water or a plate of warm home-cooked food. Once the value of those resources become abundant, so too does the realisation that those resources do not come easily. You will be more dedicated to sharing those resources.

CREATES EMOTIONAL AWARENESS

It is easy for us to fall into a sense of moral sleep when we are not faced with the realities of people who are less fortunate than us. Once we make the conscious effort to get out there and give to people we have greater emotional awareness and this helps us to become emotionally intelligent people.

PROVIDES FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

If for example you are giving back to society through a feeding or housing scheme, you will be providing the essential building blocks for a child’s future development. Through a sequence of events, you help influence whether they able to study or have the presence of mind to get an education.

EVOLUTION AS A PERSON

When you are engaged in philanthropic and humanitarian activities you somehow can’t help but be touched as a human being. Your emotional awareness increases, your care and consideration for others is awakened and you are exposed to new and different people. You will grow as a person.

HEALTH BENEFITS

On a physical level, you are bound to experience an increase in your levels of wellbeing when you give back to society. Givers on a whole, experience a boost in morale, increased feelings of happiness, greater purpose in life and naturally lower stress levels.

FEELS GOOD TO GIVE

Deep down inside, we all want to feel that we contributed, added value and had some kind of meaning and purpose in our lives. Giving to others helps to feel that we’ve made that difference and helped to alleviate the crisis in somebody else’s life.

Whichever way you look at it, giving back to society has profound benefits for both the giver and the recipient. The potential for strengthening people and nations through giving back to society is huge and something that we all need to consider looking into.

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE

Each of us have specific skills, talents and resources to help others around us. Rather than listing ways for you to contibute socially, I have broken them down into areas of life that you can think long and hard about to make your contribution to and make a difference in not only your life, but of those around you.

HOME

Whether it is eliminating toxic chemicals, doing a yearly clean out, recycling, using solar powered technology, reducing wastage, reducing water usage or using recycled rain water for the garden, there is always a way that we can reduce the harsh effects on our planet by changing our home routines. Consider what is around your home and have a think as to what you can change in your immediate environment that will help your community, your environment and your planet.

WORK

Green Web hosting, recycling paper, reducing AC usage, reducing emissions, sharing working spaces, car sharing transport to and from work, walking to work, riding a bicycle etc, Mentor a younger person within your company/business/workplace.

SOCIALLY

Catch up with friends face to face rather than over the phone or email, Go for a walk or a run or a bike ride or a swim with friends and family, Cook meals at home, Helping friends in need.

COMMUNITY

Aim to help the community by volunteering your time, skills, talent, expertise, money or advice. Attend a fun run, organise a fundraiser for a good cause, help the disadvantaged, the diasbled or the elderly. Teach reading and writing to underprivilieged children. Volunteer in a soup kitchen and feed the homeless. Help build a playground for children. Donate blood, Plant a tree. Donate clothing, blankets, furniture. Help build a school or a building for the less privileged. Volunteer in hospitals or assist the sick and elderly.

NOW ITS YOUR TURN

Now it's your turn to really think hard and list some different ways you can contribute to society. as each of us are so different, with many skills, talents, time, money or advice to offer, this really is a personal choice in what you contribute. Find some causes that bring you joy and pleasure and help your fellow man. Enjoy the journey of providing light and hope for those that need it most.