What do you stand for?

What you need to know:

  • Choosing how to align your social obligation is a deeply personal process; you are likely to make a bigger impact dedicating your resources – be it time, energy and/or money – to a cause you are truly passionate about. So where does one start? What causes are closest to your heart? Social responsibility is not just a way of acting, it’s a way of thinking.

As global citizens, we have a moral responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of our environment and society-at-large. Consciously choosing to ‘give back’ or ‘pay-it-forward’ doesn’t necessarily mean you are in a position of privilege; but rather that you have embraced your social obligation to humanity. There is a myriad of challenges plaguing our local communities – employability, water and sanitation, health & nutrition to name but a few. Add to this the numerous global problems that transcend national borders and need our urgent attention.

Choosing how to align your social obligation is a deeply personal process; you are likely to make a bigger impact dedicating your resources – be it time, energy and/or money – to a cause you are truly passionate about. So where does one start? What causes are closest to your heart? Social responsibility is not just a way of acting, it’s a way of thinking.

Your relationship with society and the environment can (and should) be an opportunity to create shared value whilst making a difference by forming ongoing partnerships with amazing organisations whose impact is felt at the roots of our community.

I personally support a few causes close to my heart; one of which being ‘The Kilimanjaro Project’ that aims to plant 1 Million trees on the slopes of Kilimanjaro on Earth Day. As education flows through my blood (I come from a lineage of educators) I strongly support READ International in their mission to build libraries and promote reading in Tanzania; and the all-powerful Student-led organisation AIESEC that promotes skills development and leadership development in our universities.

If we come together, we can have a collective impact on our society. Your life experience to date will give you the strongest clues as to where to focus your efforts – follow your instincts. Where can you best lend your expertise?

Once you have understood where your passion lies; identify what situations are most critical in your local context. Consider where your strengths lie – if you have skills in demand, donate them pro bono. Several civil society organisations need professional legal and accounting support.

If you have knowledge in abundance; volunteer your time to disseminate it. If you have physical resources that are collecting dust in your garage at home (or wardrobe) give, give give! If you have the power to influence public opinion, wield it for the greater good. Small acts of kindness – Lest we forget how important small acts of kindness can be; we don’t necessarily need to work through a third party; the way we choose to engage with those around us, and the change we can affect is limitless. Our impact is collective; if we all come together to play our part.

The bonus-benefits of giving back include, boosting self-esteem – doing for others stimulates the release of endorphins which has been linked to an improved immune system.

Giving is one of the most powerful principles of all time. Our individual efforts have a collective impact on society, and can alter the course of history if applied effectively. Reflect on the following:

• When was the last time you were involved in a small act of kindness? • What do you stand for? • How can you give more to society?