Written by: Angelien Chrestella Pardi, Social Business Trainee Intern Project Child Indonesia
The Guilty Conscience
I have always enjoyed taking trips and going on car rides. With the hustling life of college and work, especially during this pandemic, I often find myself utilizing this time to de-stress, listening to relaxing music while observing the life of lives happening around me. During these car rides, however, it is not uncommon for me to encounter the sights of people living difficult lives. For instance, children knocking on car windows asking for change, the elderly carrying white sacks, rummaging through waste piles, etcetera.
Just like any other people, looking at how arduous life can sometimes be for the underprivileged truly tugs my heart. I frequently find myself empathizing with these people and telling myself that I will serve good and help them when I become successful, later, in the future. However, the tiny voice at the back of my mind persistently haunted me with this one question: Why? Why then?
The Why, explained
I am positive that I am not the only person guilty of having such a conscience. Guilt-tripping others for having these thoughts was not my intention as it is only natural for humans to prioritize themselves, and their needs, over others. Nevertheless, have we ever paused for a moment and considered why we keep telling ourselves to help others only after being affluent and comfortable with life? Why do we have to wait for that moment to come to help others? Let’s take a short pause and reflect on this question.
Now let me ask you this: What if that perfect time never comes? What happens then? Does that mean that you will not do good in your life? Certainly not because the truth is, in life, there is no ideal time to do a particular thing. Surely, doing good is no exception. There will never be a perfect time for you to do good and help others. Believe me, that moment will never come. You are merely wasting your time if you are waiting for it. If you want to help others, simply start helping. Pronto.
How Can I Help?
You already have the desire to do good. That is great! This proves your benevolence and caring attitude towards others and that you are willing and ready to make altruistic contributions to your community. Yet, you are still unsure how you can help others. What comes next? Where do I begin?
Don’t worry! Here are a few ways you can do good:
1. Be a Good Samaritan
Don’t turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to a person in need. Instead, help them however you can. Buy food for the hungry, offer blankets to the cold and assist the elderly when they are crossing the road. These small acts of kindness might seem like nothing to you, but you will never know how much it truly means to them.
2. Volunteer Your Skills and/or Time
Volunteering is one of the most incredible ways you can help your community. Aside from adding happiness and meaningful purpose into your life, it can also give you a sense of belonging within the community. All these benefits aside, you can choose how you would like to contribute and help based on your interests and passion.
3. Fundraise for a Cause
Engaging your friends and family to fundraise for a cause that is close to your heart is a great and fun way to support your community. Additionally, donating in place of a special occasion towards a cause of your interest is an extraordinary way to make it memorable and meaningful.
4. Donate
Understandably, not all people have the time to do community service despite their desires to do so. And that is completely okay! Donations come in a lot of forms and it is totally up to you on what you would like to donate, of course, taking into consideration the needs of the community. For instance, you can drop off and donate food to local communities, clothes to homeless shelters, books, and supplies to local schools and orphanages.
Moreover, there are many NGOs out there that accept cash donations. By helping these NGOs through the provision of financial support, you will be assisting them in funding their sustainable programs, thus, helping the community.
5. Lend Your Voice
Unsurprisingly, not everyone dares to stand up for themselves. This is especially true for the victims of bullying, rape, racism, sexism, and many more. This usually constitutes the society’s minorities: the homeless, the neglected, the oppressed, and the powerless. Therefore, if you are active on social media, or any other platforms for that matter, then you can put your skills to great use! Lend them your voice and speak up for them, with them. Your actions will raise awareness to the people around you and who knows, it might give them the courage to stand up for themselves and help bring positive and beneficial changes to society.
Doing Good with Project Child Indonesia
As a volunteer-centered non-profit organization, Project Child Indonesia offers several opportunities for people, particularly young adults, to participate in making a difference within society. From volunteer roles to internship positions, public campaigns to fundraising events, Project Child Indonesia aspires to inspire more individuals to care about the community, especially in advocating and supporting Indonesian children and citizens residing in the underprivileged communities of Yogyakarta. Therefore, if your passion and interests lie in children advocacy and education, and you find yourself committed to making an impact on society, volunteering your time at Project Child Indonesia will undoubtedly be worthwhile.
The Bottom Line
Mother Theresa once said,
A day without doing something good for others is a day not worth living.
This quote holds a sincere, unfeigned depiction of life’s most fundamental essence. Life will surely lose all of its meaning and purpose without the little acts of kindness, deeds of compassion, and the universal language of love.
Regardless of which actions you decide to take on, always remember to do good because it is these actions that make our lives profoundly meaningful. Every seed you plant today will yield big fruits in the future. With this, wait no more and begin helping others for “Everyone can do good”.
