As a member of the global community, perhaps you feel as though it is part of your responsibility to give back when possible. Deciding to get involved in volunteering or humanitarian work can be exciting, but not all volunteer opportunities are suitable for everyone.
There are so many ways to contribute to humanitarian efforts. Maybe you want to travel, or perhaps you can better give through a donation of some sort. Whatever you choose to do, you’re committing to becoming part of the global community. It’s a great way to learn more about yourself and the world around you.
Below are seven ways to give back to the world community as a global citizen. By doing your part, you can help others and help yourself.
1. Volunteer Abroad
One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of giving back to the global community is volunteering abroad. When you leave the country to provide your gifts to another country, you’re volunteering abroad. There are opportunities for both short-term and long-term programs.
These trips allow you to travel abroad to get to know the world around you, and you can help improve a situation abroad. Whether you go across oceans to teach a language, help with disaster relief, or travel to the bordering country to offer medical aid, you’re volunteering abroad.
2. Donate Money to Global Organizations
Another way to give back to the global community is by donating money to international causes. Find an organization that you wish to support and you can either make a one-time donation or offer continual contributions.
If you aren’t able to travel anywhere, this is an excellent option for you. Besides offering financial support to the organization, you can also benefit from the donation through tax benefits and other deductions.
3. Take Your Skills Online
When the pandemic hit, those involved in volunteer trips and organizations had to find new ways to allow people to continue contributing to the global community. Unfortunately, travel was out of the question, but volunteering was able to go virtual like most other things.
This is still an option for you if you would instead like to give back from your own home. You can volunteer to teach a language or any other subject, for example. You could also proofread content for a volunteer organization or offer research skills.
4. Sponsor a Child
Again, if you’re unable to travel to another country, you have alternatives to give back just the same. Sponsoring a child is another incredible way to give back to the world community. In both developed and less developed countries, some children may not come from the best home or don’t have the funds to go to school and eat.
By sponsoring a child, you can support their lives usually until they reach adulthood. Most programs allow them to go to school and provide them with supplies.
5. Offer Material Donations
Have you ever given material donations to Goodwill or other thrift stores? You can also provide material gifts to others across the globe. Whether you donate gently used items or purchase new ones, you can send them to another organization that takes donations for people in other countries.
Donate books, clothes, personal hygiene products, toys, or food. These are simple items that not everyone has easy access to. By giving them to those in need, you’re giving back as a global citizen.
6. Contribute to Local Efforts
People in your own community may need help, too. Even if you choose to stay in your region, you’re still giving back globally. Help clean up your neighbourhood or participate in the community garden to provide food security for those in need near you.
Some local efforts even design programs for you to help others throughout the globe right from your community. Perhaps a local company is gathering monetary donations, or maybe there’s a church organizing a volunteer abroad trip. Get involved in these sorts of volunteer opportunities as well.
7. Advocate for Animals
Finally, you can do your part for the world by advocating for animals. Across the globe, some animals and ecosystems are in danger of going extinct. Conservation volunteer programs focus on environmental issues both locally and globally.
You can get involved by working with wildlife rescues or even through sustainable farming projects. These are generally very hands-on, but they’re a great way to learn about global conservation. They focus on results so you can directly see your impact.
Choosing a Way to Give Back
Look at your personal skillset and interests. Would you love to help a child? Are you interested in creating a sustainable environment? Do you enjoy offering your financial support? Whatever you choose, you’re deciding to be part of something bigger than yourself. Get out there and give back!
Author - Ginger Abbot
Ginger Abbot is a learning and education writer with a personal passion for study abroad and international travel. She also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Classrooms.com, where you can read more of her work.