Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18, encourages individuals to spend 67 minutes doing something positive for their communities to honour the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to fighting for social justice. Here are some #MedshieldMovement ideas that can uplift the health and well-being of people in your community.
As our ex-president Nelson Mandela once said, ”It is in your hands, to make the world a better place.” And so, every year on Mandela Day, people around the world take action and inspire change by making a difference in their communities. But this can sometimes feel like a daunting task if you don’t know where to start or how you can create the most impact in your 67 minutes. Here are some #MedshieldMovement ideas that can uplift the health and well-being of people in your community.
- Read to someone. Visit a local children’s home or home for the blind or an old-age home and volunteer to spend 67 minutes reading to someone or a small group.
- Help someone get a job. Help put together a CV for them, build a LinkedIn page or help them with their interview skills through practice and coaching. Or offer to take someone to a job interview. Volunteer this service either through people you know or at local schools or for people in shelters.
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen. There are many different soup kitchens around South Africa that could use your help. Not sure where to start? Try organisations like https://ladlesoflove.org.za/projects/soup-kitchens/ and help give someone a warm meal this winter.
- Many terminally ill people have no one to speak to. Visit your local hospice and spend a little time having a chat with someone and bring some sunshine into their lives.
- Our communities benefit from cleaner surroundings. Organise a beach, park, street or river clean up near you. This will be great for the nearby residents as well as the local wildlife.
- Make the most of your professional or academic skills. Volunteer to tutor students in need at a local school or community centre. Or use your skills to help a charity set up social media pages or design posters for a cause.
- Teach a skill. This can be anything from cooking, sewing, gardening or first-aid, to online safety for children and the elderly (so that they avoid being scammed) or life skills like budgeting, public speaking, conflict resolution or time management.
- Are you a trained sports, coach or yoga instructor? Offer to teach a mindful movement class that includes breathwork and techniques to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression at either a local school or centre where people may benefit from such a practice.
- Spread love and kindness through thoughtful letters. Send letters or cards to hospital patients, hospice members or old-age home or frail care residents.
- Use your social media channels to spread awareness about Mandela Day and amazing causes, charities and initiatives.
For more about Mandela Day, click here: https://www.mandeladay.com/pages/what-can-i-do