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“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — quote by Mahatma Gandhi.
“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Quote by Kofi Annan, Former United Nations Secy General.
India with its vast population of which a very large section consists of marginalised communities and underprivileged areas and districts need your help. The COVID 19 pandemic as you have all seen ravage nations and economies since early this year. The situation is not going to get any better in the months to come. The world will see its worst recession in decades. It’s up to each one of us who are able to make a difference, should make a difference. It’s time for all of us to step up to the plate and take proactive action to help those ruined by the pandemic and its economic effects.
Here are some ways we all can make a difference or volunteer to better the lives of people and communities around us:
Donate money – This is the easiest thing to do and involves no human contact if that is what concerns you. Donate generously to local reputed NGOs, the government’s donation drives, and wings. With donations at times allowing income tax exemptions, we should all do it as it is an added advantage. A small amount of INR 500 a month can bring change in the lives of many.
Share your skillset - Offer your skills of any kind to local businesses, schools, shelter homes, or vocational institutes. You will make a positive difference and helping people to stand on their feet, make themselves re-employable in a new trade. Grooming and soft skills are big and one can always share your skills in this sector to transform lives.
Donate blood – We can never stress enough the need to donate blood throughout the year if you are a healthy adult. Do it and save lives. If you have recovered from covid19, then your plasma can be extracted and save lives. So please do it. You can actually save lives. Contact the nearest Covid19 hospital in your area today.
Help neighbours – If you have neighbours who are single, aged, disabled, or high risk, be their messiah. Volunteer to help with shopping, food, company, and small tasks. Each of us has the power to be the change we want to see in others. Help neighbours, help communities, beat coronavirus.
Online volunteer opportunities – Look for online volunteering opportunities in your city or state. If you are good with languages you can associate with Translators without Borders which offers language support for humanitarian and development agencies. MicroMentor allows purpose-driven businesses and their owners to help underprivileged communities around the globe. Search on google for more such opportunities worth your while.
Help of any type is help. In these dark days, each of us can be the silver lining in the cloud. Volunteer your time and energy in a way comfortable to you and your safety. Millions need us and we cannot let them down. Each effort by us is like a drop in the bucket which with combined efforts becomes full. More power to you and to all of us.
About the Author
RS Maan
Maan joined Salesforce Ecosystem in 2008 with entry of Salesforce in APAC region. He worked on many of the underlying Salesforce Products & it’s functionality, including Heroku, Chatbots, and Einstein before leading Codleo Consulting - Leading Partner of Salesforce.com & Salesforce.org. In his spare time, he immerses himself in travel, books and spirituality.
