How to Save the World in Six Simple Steps

Overwhelmed by this election season? Losing hope that we’ll ever undo racism, build a more just justice system, or end homelessness? Convinced that there’s nothing you can do? Here’s a simple six-step plan you can use to tackle any social problem, no matter how complex.

1. Acknowledge the problem. 
   We waste so much time denying other people’s truth or looking the other way because it’s unpleasant. Plenty of money gets poured into discrediting witnesses of their own experience and even pseudoscientific research telling us to look the other way (think gas companies insisting lead was safe or politicians insisting that climate change is a hoax). Find the courage to look challenges in the face. Do the real research; ask the hard questions. Everything becomes less scary when you allow yourself to see it for what it really is.
2. Decide that it should be fixed. 
   So often, we come up with convoluted moral frameworks that let us believe it’s okay to leave things as they are. People say things like, “People who are homeless deserve to be there,” and still, in cases of sexual harassment and assault, “She was ‘asking for it.’” We even invest in false science that claims other people’s suffering is natural, like the 20th-century race researchers who claimed that poor health outcomes among impoverished American Blacks were due to inherent weaknesses of their race. Recognize that injustice is just as wrong when it happens to others as when it happens to you. Take responsibility for our shared human challenges. Choose to love the people who are suffering enough to want to do something on their behalf.
3. Accept that you can make a difference.
   It’s tempting to hide behind helplessness when a problem seems intractable, but the truth is, every person can help. Every single one of us has power of some kind or another. Those closest to the problem, even when they are severely oppressed, have knowledge they can bring to light. Their stories are the spark that inspire action by others; they are the ones who can tell solution-makers whether they’re on the right track. Those furthest from the problems in our society tend to be those who have money, influence, and other resources to bring to bear. Everyone in the middle can choose to pay attention, listen, and speak up on behalf of others. We all have time, talent, and treasure in different measures. Take stock of what kind of power you have and acknowledge that you might be far more powerful than you realize.
4. Take action. 
   Try something. Try something small. Start by supporting others who are already moving forward. Join a community. Learn from what others are doing. If you feel moved to try something completely different, go ahead. Listen to feedback. Collect and evaluate data. See how it feels. When you get it right, you’ll be uncomfortable but not scared. You’ll feel brave and exhilarated. You’ll feel powerful in your own self and deeply connected to others. Pro tip #1: Don’t invest all your energy all at once. Each action is just a hypothesis you’re testing; finding out what doesn’t work is just as important as discovering what does. No one ever gets it right on the first try. Pro tip #2: If you ever feel like you need to use force, especially on those closer to the problem than you, you’re doing something wrong and should make a change immediately. Pro tip #3: If don’t have enough resources to do what you’re trying to do, scale back. Try a new tactic, one you can personally sustain and that the people around you want to support. There’s no right or wrong level of involvement. Go where you feel moved to be.
5. Evaluate your impact. 
   Unfortunately, good intentions don’t always have good results. How you react to feedback says a lot about what your true intentions are — whether you want to make a real difference or just want to be praised for trying. Hold yourself accountable to the people you say you want to help. If they say your actions are causing harm, believe them. Ask more questions. Use their insights to refine your approach or take another tack entirely. If they don’t even want to give you feedback, accept that you’ve lost their trust. Back away from your ego. Relax. Listen. Serve. Be kind to yourself. You’re learning. Remember, nobody expects you to be perfect; no one even knows what perfect is, and nobody but you can discover your particular gifts and how you can use them in the world. All people want is for you to keep listening, keep learning, and, most importantly…
6. Keep going. 
   Don’t give up. The most interesting problems are the ones that haven’t been solved. You’re not alive to just follow instructions on how to be a good person. There’s actually not a handbook you can hide behind for how not to be a racist, how to end sexism, how to save the planet, how to end homelessness, etc. — we’re writing it as we go, and we need help from every single person on this planet. We need you. We need your unique skills, insights, and ideas. We need your attention. We need your love. And we need your perseverance. To quote the great Billie Holliday: “The difficult (we’ll) do right now/The impossible will take a little while.”