idealist.org

Asking One Another: What Can We Do Now?

A little bit more.


By Flickr user woodleywonderworks No need to retell the tale of crisis and concern here. The challenges facing nations on every continent will take big responses, the kind of thing only governments, giant development NGOs, and international assistance organizations can do. But the present crisis is also made up of millions of small crises, happening to schools, community services, churches, theaters, families, museums, and libraries everywhere.

If you listen to the politicians and pundits, the problems are of such magnitude and complexity that they require solutions beyond the boundaries of everyday life.
I would argue that while you and I can't do much about what's needed in the big responses, but we can make a big difference down the block, across town, or (using our keyboards) anywhere in the world. This is the time for each of us to do a little bit more. Positive action in the face of our current challenges doesn't require anything extraordinary.

In the coming weeks, we'll write several posts about the "little somethings" that people and organizations in our networks are doing to respond to the needs around them – things that, if done by many people all around the world, add up to make a big impact. If you have an example to share, please comment on this posting, or write to us at pbarber@idealist.org to let us know.

In the meantime, here are a few ideas you might consider:

* If you're in a cold climate like I am, look in the back corners of your closet for serviceable winter gear that you aren't likely to need. Donate anything you find to a homeless shelter.
* Think about the organizations you've made a contribution to in the last few months. Pick out one or two and send a second small check (or make another donation online). If their contributions from others are down by a few percentage points, a small amount from you will be a welcome addition to the bank account, and a boost to morale.
* Scan the organizations in your community with a listing on Idealist and look for volunteer requests that fit your interests and your available time. Many groups can use a hand for a short-term project while others will be looking for just an hour or so a week, at a time that suits your schedule.
* Feel a little more flamboyant? Pick a cause or an organization that you know could use a bit of extra help right now and connect through FaceBook, MySpace, LinkedIn (or whatever networking site you use) to organize your friends to stretch a little and help out. (Be sure to check in with the organization first to be sure you've calibrated your idea in a way that will really help and not be too much of a distraction.)

And please do drop us a line to let us know how you're helping to do just a little bit more.


Written by Put.