Your 2020 Vision to Change the World
With the start of a New Year, it’s time that we become the superheroes we so look up to! All we need to do is take small steps towards the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the UN. Every change starts from within and the only way we can actually preach is by practicing the things we want to see changed. These SDGs are pretty self explanatory but also very intimidating, but not to worry, we’ll try and simplify this.
- Organize and/or take part in a job and skills training program: Trust me, it sounds tougher than it actually is. These kinds of training programs are easy to come by and they can really help people develop the skills required to gain employment. This is a big step towards fighting poverty, because only when you are self- sufficient, can you start giving back to the society.
2. Donate to food banks: Billion tons of food gets lost or wasted every year. Make sure you donate leftovers from your personal events like birthdays, graduation etc. or school/university ones to the nearest food bank to help people in need. Working towards the SDG of Zero Hunger, this ensures that people who are in need of food around your area don’t go to bed hungry.
3. Educate yourself about the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse: Conscious and responsible consumption among young people can reduce negative impacts from substance abuse. Equip yourself with enough information about the topic and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed.
4. Donate Blood: Being aware of your local blood donation centres to support blood banks with the supplies needed to help people in emergencies. You could also initiate blood donation drives, in your schools, universities or workplaces once or twice a year.
5. Volunteer at a kindergarten or to teach English: You can contribute with innovative ideas and formats to teach younger kids by having your own experience in education. You could also teach English while volunteering with NGOs or give this kind of assistance yourself to people who don’t have access. English fluency is one of the most demanded skills for employment.
6. Raise awareness about gender equality issues: Your voice can support equal rights for women. You can write a blog about your personal experiences, join social media campaigns, organize a gender equality event in your class or school. And don’t be afraid to speak up when required.
7. Don’t overuse water: Be mindful about using water: make sure to close a tap when washing dishes, keep those showers nice and short. Consider getting a water meter to be aware of your water usage.
8. Educate your family about not wasting power: You can ask your parents to check bills for energy use and track how your household improves over time. You also need to keep in mind that the only way to actually save energy by starting the change yourself. Don’t use multiple devices as this takes up a lot more energy.
9. Don’t buy from companies that exploit children: You can search online which are the brands that use child labour to produce their products. You can also go one step further and use the great invention called social media and call these people out on Twitter and that creates awareness.
10. Organize or participate in a Think Tank contest: You can foster your and your colleagues’ entrepreneurial spirit by organizing a local idea contest and inviting companies or startups to mentor the winners. An entrepreneurial mindset is important for the growth of any country.
11. Give your seat to the ones who need it more: By this small but constant action you can practice empathy and being more inclusive for people who don’t have the same opportunities as you.
12. Commute in a sustainable way: There are so many options available — carpool, bike, walk or use public transport. All of them make your city more sustainable.
13. Take care of public spaces: Start yourself and inspire others to contribute to better public spaces — water the greenery, trim and plant trees, renovate sports areas and playgrounds, organize a cleanup etc.
14. Buy recycled goods and recycle yourself: You can find creative ways to reuse existing things in your home you wanted to get rid off. Search for DIY videos and articles for inspiration or switch on your creativity. You can also buy goods that are created from recycled materials. These actions will directly cut amount of wasted resources.
15. Food plan for grocery shopping and cooking: Spontaneous shopping leads to overspending and buying food that will be left over later. Create your own routine around this and make lists on your fridge, phone or notebook to plan out food for a week. Make sure you cook (or order) a reasonable amount of food so you don’t have to throw it away later.
16. Buy eco-friendly products or not at all: Check out the packages to see if the products are produced in an eco-friendly way. Buying eco-friendly products helps to reduce environmental impact from their production and consumption.
17. Don’t throw trash in places which aren’t designated dustbins and call out those who do. This goes a long way in making a change because people will become a lot more aware.
18. Don’t buy fur or leather: Substitute fur and leather with faux ones or other materials to prevent cruel practices against animals in the fashion sector.
19. Vote! Use your voting rights to manifest your support to particular ideas or to make your voice heard by different institutions. In the end, decisions are made by those who show up.
20. Become an International volunteer! Visit aiesec.org today and start your journey of leadership right now!
These simple 20 steps can go a long way in beginning a chain reaction of change which would make a long lasting impact. Just like a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a hurricane somewhere else, this one step you take can cause a ripple of impact, positively impacting thousands of people.
