You might be here because you are interested in giving back to the vulnerable groups in the community by participating in outreach activities that let you contribute in so many ways. On the other hand, it might be social awareness that fueled your need to make an impact by starting with signing up for an activity to help people suffering from educational inequality that affects the opportunities they get, or lack thereof, in society. Before anything else, let us congratulate you for starting this journey to make a change and stand up against injustices. You are on the right track!
Since you are new to helping vulnerable groups in the community, you might feel unfamiliar and unaware of things. In this article, gather some tips to help you get started! They will help you manage situations you get yourself into or any potential issues. Also, do not worry because it does not mean the journey will get rough to the point that you wish to give up.
#1: SET A GOAL OR PURPOSE
Set a goal of purpose behind your need to give back to the vulnerable groups in the communityor learn about the harmful effects of food security issues in Singapore. Why? There should be a driving force behind every advocacy you wish to take. It does not have to be deep because as long as you want to make a change or become the ideal person you have always dreamed about, exerting your effort on different charitable activities and campaigns is worth it! (Tip: Joining social change initiatives requires work and effort, so you should prepare for these things and have a purpose behind your cause.)
#2: FIND YOUR CAUSE
On top of the goal or purpose behind helping vulnerable groups in the community, narrow down on a cause you wish to prioritise. You can choose one that seems close to your personal life or a set of advocacies that you are passionate about addressing. It can be learning about the issue of Singapore not having an official poverty lineor the harmful effects of food securityamidst business growth and economic advancement. A cause is something you should never overlook because not having one makes your advocacy useless. It will make you ask the question of what you are fighting for to help people in society. (Note: There are many social issues in the world. Take time to learn some of them before anything else.)
#3: TAKE NOTE OF THE ACTIVITIES
There are different ways of helping people suffering from poverty and education problems or building awareness about food security in Singapore to encourage fellow advocates to stand up against this pressing issue. If you have recently signed up for a campaign or planning to, take note of the activities because they differ according to the purpose. For instance, some organisations build awareness instead of immersing themselves in the vulnerable groups in the community to gather advocates who hold the same desire to fight for a cause. Both things are perfect opportunities, but they differ on so many levels.
#4: STAY HUMBLE AND GROUNDED
One caveat of joining fights against educational inequality or food security in Singapore is the possibility of thinking highly of yourself. Some people hold the belief that they are better than everyone else because they have decided to join advocacies and campaigns to bring about societal change or not everyone has the same awareness as them. Well, congratulations for making a stand against social issues, but it also does not put you above people. In short, stay humble and grounded because the essence of fighting for the marginalised or speaking about change is making society a better place for everyone.
#5: PRACTISE WHAT YOU PREACH
We are not to judge people for their hypocrisy because it is their life. However, if you are on the journey of helping vulnerable groups in the communityor building awareness about the connection between poverty and education, practise what you preach!
What does this mean? First, if you are to fight for advocacy or cause, you should be doing the same thing because change starts from your trivial deeds during the day. An instance would be preventing food wastage because you believe that food security in Singapore is a pressing issue against health and nutrition. Overall, align your values with your advocacies because that is how change happens: Right from the things you do daily!
#6: ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH PEOPLE
Enjoying your time with others means socialising with the people you are helping, collaborating with fellow advocates, and having a harmonious relationship with someone you wish to encourage to do the same thing. Here, most people get challenged with making friends or starting group activities, so the key is to relax and put your best foot forward. For instance, if you are shy and reserved, give people a little smile without forcing yourself too much to get out of your comfort zone. Besides, fighting against food security problems in Singapore or educational inequality should be a fun and exciting journey!
#7: APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS
Whether it is fulfilment, evident changes in society, or any other form of a rewarding experience, always appreciate the little things that come with helping the vulnerable groups in the communityor building awareness about pressing social issues like poverty and education inequality.
Aside from that, things take time to change for the better, so enjoy the trivial things you experience from this journey, such as the meaningful moments with fellow advocates, the stories from people you have interviewed, or even the unforgettable charitable activities the organisation started. In short, one way to make the most of things is by being appreciative!
In Singapore, there is no official poverty line that strictly defines someone in this situation. Food securityis also a problem despite the seemingly successful business and economic growth in the country. There are many ways to contribute and make a change, and one of them is trusting The Best Of You and starting this journey with them! Visit their website for more information.
