Every year, December is recognized as Universal Human Rights Month. Included in the month is also Human Rights Day, recognized every year on December 10th. The theme for this year’s month of recognition is “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All.”

Plus, this year is a special year of commemoration as it marks the 75th anniversary. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.

Unfortunately human rights are still in jeopardy across the world. According to the UN:

“Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education and many more.  Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.” —UN.org

Check out ways that you can participate in Universal Rights Month to help ensure human rights are given to all human beings, regardless of their backgrounds.

Educate yourself.

Like many causes, helping begins with educating yourself on the injustices in the world. Do research to understand where human rights are not being given in the world. Look up organizations that are supporting human rights in those areas to see how you can help.

Donate or volunteer.

Giving your time or monetary support are great ways to recognize Universal Human Rights Month. After doing the research on causes, identify human rights organizations in your community where you could give back. Ask about open volunteer positions or how you can get involved with the organization moving forward. This is an opportunity to help human rights organizations year-round!

Reach out to local leaders.

One of the biggest ways to make change is to talk with your local officials and representatives. Write a letter or pick up the phone to discuss human rights and any laws that you would like to see enacted upon and/or changed. Spread the word in your local community to gain traction and support with your peers.

Human rights should be protected at all costs. You can get involved this Universal Human Rights Month and continue to spread the word year-round. Start conversations with your friends and peers. Donate and volunteer when possible to support human rights causes. Together, we can make a big difference.

It’s no secret the United States is drowning in stuff. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or just for fun, what do we do? Buy more stuff to celebrate. While presents are wonderful, sometimes material gifts can become exhausting. If you’re tired of all the stuff this holiday season, fear not. Gifts can be more than simply material items. Check out these gifts to give that are about more than just stuff.

Give an experience

Studies have consistently shown giving experiences rather than material items can be much more fulfilling for the receiver. Experiences like a trip, an adventure or even just going to see a movie together can leave the receiver with something to cherish forever as a memory, rather than something which may fade and fall apart.

For children especially, giving experiences as gifts and sharing family time together has been proven to increase bonding within the family. This leads to fewer behavioral problems, a stronger sense of identity and higher academic success. This holiday season, mix up the usual gift giving by going ice skating together, taking a trip or checking out some local attractions.

Give to a charity

Sometimes, giving back to those in need can mean more than giving unneeded stuff. This holiday season, try giving gifts to others in the names of those you love close to you. Find a worthwhile cause which means a lot to the person you love, and consider making a donation in their name. Not only will it mean the world to your friend or family, but it will mean everything to a struggling neighbor in your community.

Give delicious food

The best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Material gifts can fall apart, but delicious food will always be worthwhile when it’s devoured. Try baking a homemade dessert, tasty recipe or hot cocoa mix for the chilly winter months. Not only will the receiver love the tasty treat, but it will show you care through your extra effort to make something delicious, rather than just spending money.

Give your time

Nothing is more valuable than time, and this holiday season, you can show just that by giving your time to those who need it most. Whether it’s reading more books with your children, volunteering at a local shelter or sharing a long talk with your elderly relatives, take time to give time. Not only will those receiving your time and attention feel valued, but you too will have a more joyful and love-filled holiday season.

Give something handmade

If you decide to give material gifts this holiday season, consider adding an extra special touch by making them homemade. Sew a sweater, write a heartfelt poem or draw a picture for those you love most. Giving something handmade shows you took the time to carefully create it yourself, and will mean much more in the long run to those who receive it.

This giving season, give more than just stuff to your friends and family. Give the gifts of experiences, charitable giving, delicious food, your time or something handmade. In the end, no one will look back and be thankful for all the stuff they got. They’re going to look back and be thankful for the meaningful time and cherished moments spent with loved ones.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the season of giving! People far and wide go above and beyond during the holiday season to give back to those in need, and it is greatly appreciated by nonprofit organizations around the world. While you may have made a plan for the holiday season, now is also the perfect time to make your altruistic plans for 2023. Studies have shown that small, actionable steps can help you achieve a larger goal.

Reflect on your past

First, let’s celebrate all you’ve achieved! No matter how big or small your altruistic contributions were for 2022, give yourself a pat on the back. Even if you’re just getting started by reading this article, you’re on the right track. If you contributed to various organizations, ask yourself the following questions:

• What charitable activity made me feel most fulfilled? A specific volunteer opportunity? A fundraising event?
• Which contribution of mine has impacted the most people? What positive impact did I have?
• What cause am I most passionate about that I’ve already helped?
• What is a cause I would like to explore, and I haven’t dipped my toe in yet?

Think through your responses for each question, and write down your answers! This will help guide you on your altruistic journey for 2023.

Do the research

Now that you’ve considered what worked well last year and what causes you care about, it’s time to do the research. Call up organizations in your community to get more information about how their funds are used and what volunteer opportunities exist. Many organizations will invite you to come to their location to speak to current donors and volunteers about their experiences. This will give you first-hand experience to decide if you’d like to spend more time with the organization.

Set a specific goal

What would you like to achieve in 2023? Maybe it’s a certain number of volunteer hours. Maybe you’d like to raise a certain dollar amount. Or, maybe it’s as simple as finding an organization you’d like to commit to long-term. Whatever your altruistic goals, write them down. Don’t be afraid to dream big!

Start small

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are altruistic tendencies. Consider a larger giving goal or number of hours you’d like to spend giving back. Then, break that big goal into smaller goals that you’ll work toward. Break down your yearly goals by months and maybe even weeks. Set tentative dates for when you’d like to achieve altruistic milestones.

Make a plan to reevaluate

Plans change. Causes you are passionate about may change. Life happens. Set a calendar reminder every few months for the next year to check in on your altruism goals. It’s okay to change the plan, and sometimes it’s necessary! Setting a reminder to check in now will help keep you on track throughout the year.

Giving back should be fun and worthwhile. The best way to get the most out of giving back is to set your giving goals with intention and to choose organizations you’re passionate about. The new year is right around the corner, and with a solid altruism plan, you’re sure to have the most successful giving year yet!

This week, millions of people in the United States gather around to share their thanks for the people in their lives for Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect time of year to be reminded of all we have to be thankful for. Sometimes, saying “thank you” simply doesn’t seem like enough. That’s when it’s time to get creative! From thoughtful gestures to selfless acts of kindness, check out these ways you can show your gratitude, appreciation and thanks today and year-round.

Call Up a Friend

Everybody has their own struggles which can be consuming, especially when they aren’t expressed out loud. Call up a friend or loved one and simply offer to listen to whatever is happening in their lives. We don’t always have to aim to fix a problem in order to feel better—sometimes it just feels good to talk it out. Thank your loved one for sharing, and they’ll most likely feel compelled to ask you the same questions. This is a great way to deepen your relationships and gratitude for one another.

Speak Up

Sometimes we think about how much we appreciate somebody and we fail to actually tell them out loud. Make it a goal to vocalize the next time you’re feeling thankful for someone, no matter how big or small. If you don’t remember to tell the person in the moment, there’s always time in the future!

Take Time to Reflect

Sometimes it can feel difficult to express gratitude, especially if everything seems to be going wrong in our lives. The next time you’re feeling spent, take the time to reflect on the things that are going well in your life and the people who mean the most. Write in a journal and make a list. Meditate and think about the people or things you are grateful for.

Invite Someone to Your Table

We’re all human, and sharing a dinner table is an easy way to ignite conversation and remember that we’re all one in the same. Invite somebody new to sit at your table for a meal. You’d be surprised at just how connected we are, even if two people are different from what meets the eye.

Help Those in Need

Consider volunteering or donating this holiday season to help those in need. We live in a world filled with amazing organizations that are aiming to make our planet and communities a better place. Find an organization that resonates with you, and call to ask about available opportunities to volunteer. Many organizations do a great job of letting prospective volunteers or donors view operations and information in advance to get a better understanding of all that they do.

There are many ways you can say ‘thank you’ to the people in your life. Use these ideas both today and year round! Remember, the people in your lives will never know how much they mean to you unless you say it or show it! Next time you’re feeling down, consider reflecting and journaling to remember the things most important to you in your life.

The workplace is a space to get stuff done. However, it doesn’t have to be all about making money. In fact, the workplace can be a great place to give back. Wondering how to get started? Check out these 10 ways you can give back around the office, both to your coworkers and to the local community.

1. Organize a volunteer day. It doesn’t always have to be about work, work, work. See if you can get a volunteer day or half-day approved to partner with a local organization. You have the power to make a difference, and your coworkers can help!
2. Gather food for a local food bank. Organize a canned food drive and deliver it to a local food bank. Find a place to set up around the office for your coworkers to bring in donation items.
3. Partner with an organization to have a giving tree. Especially around the holidays, there are organizations that need supplies or gifts for those in need. Partner with a local organization and create a giving tree that coworkers can select items to help meet those needs.
4. Help your coworker with an assignment. Giving back doesn’t always have to be a huge act. Sometimes, it’s as simple as lending a hand to a coworker in need. If you have the time and you see someone struggling with their workload, offer to lend a hand!
5. Lend a hand to a coworker outside of work. Everybody needs a helping hand now and then. If you see an opportunity to help out a coworker outside of the workplace, take it! This could be as simple as offering a ride if their car is in the shop, or helping move a large item if they’re moving. Make it a goal to offer help when a coworker is in need. Chances are, you’ll make a friend, and they’ll return the favor.
6. Ask to start a volunteer program. Many companies have a volunteer program where their employees can take a day off each quarter or a certain number of days each year to give back without using their PTO. If your company doesn’t have a program, approach your leadership to see if you can get one started.
7. Develop a matching gifts program. Many companies are able to offer a matching gifts program. This means when an employee donates to a specific organization, the company will match the donation up to a certain amount. If your company does not have a matching gifts program, see if you can get one implemented.
8. Perform random acts of kindness. Bring a coworker a cup of coffee. Pick up a conference room that looks out of order. Pick up the lunch tab next time you’re out. Random acts of kindness can make a huge difference, no matter how small the act!
9. Fundraise for your favorite organization. Start a fundraiser and involve your coworkers! Remember that some companies may have policies against fundraising in the workplace, so you’ll want to ensure you have the fundraising activities approved before you begin.
10. Educate your coworkers on a cause you love. Giving back starts by igniting a passion for an organization or cause. Take the time to educate your coworkers on a specific cause you love. Tell them how much it means to you. You may just create another lifelong supporter!

The workplace is a place of business, but it also can be a place to do good deeds. Use this as an opportunity to spread kindness in the world. You spend so much of your time in your workplace, so together, let’s make it a better one!

With colder weather comes the urge to curl up on the couch with a blanket and hibernate until the weather warms up. Even though the winter months are just around the corner, volunteer opportunities are just heating up! If you’re wondering what you can do as the temps drop, check out these volunteer ideas perfect for the changing weather and winter months to come.

Provide Food for Those in Need

Thanksgiving is a time where many soup kitchens and food banks ramp up collections. Volunteer or donate with a local organization that provides meals for those in need this holiday season. Cold weather also means some people may not be able to get out of the house as easily. Consider partnering with an organization that delivers hot meals to those in need.

Donate Extra Warm Clothing

As temperatures drop, the need for warm clothing is dire. Look through your closet to see if you have any coats, hats, mittens or other warm clothing you can donate. Consider involving your friends and family by getting them to look through their closets, too. You could be the person to pick up the items from your loved ones and deliver to a local organization.

Scoop a Neighbor’s Driveway

If you live in an area that gets snow, consider lending a hand to scoop your neighbor’s driveway. You could also help remove snow for those in need throughout the community. In the meantime if it hasn’t snowed, consider doing the same by raking leaves. You can translate this thinking to any act of kindness for a neighbor in need!

Try Your Hand at Virtual Volunteering

The world of volunteerism has evolved so much that you may not even have to leave your couch! Virtual volunteer opportunities exist with some organizations. This could include meeting via video conferencing software to learn about helpful tasks that can be done from anywhere. Consider computer skills you excel at and offer those up to a volunteer coordinator to see if you can match a need the organization has to fill.

Make Your Volunteer Plans for the New Year

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to develop new plans for the coming year. Use this time to draft out your volunteering and giving plans for 2023. Consider organizations you’ve already helped and would like to continue with, while also identifying new causes you may be passionate about. Write it down so you can help keep track of your goals.

Although the weather is cooling down, that doesn’t mean volunteer opportunities are also cooling! Use this season to participate in activities made for the colder months. As you make your plans throughout the end of the year, don’t forget to consider how you’ll contribute to making the world a better place in 2023.

November means a time to give thanks for our family, friends and loved ones this coming Thanksgiving. It’s also a time to show nonprofit organizations in your life some love! Every year, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is designated as “GivingTuesday.” This is a time where organizations across the country all come together on a single day of giving to raise as many funds as possible. Many organizations are able to partner with foundations or individual donors to match funds on GivingTuesday, helping money go further.

This year, GivingTuesday falls on Tuesday, November 29th. While we’re only at the beginning of November, now is the time to make a GivingTuesday plan. Whether you’re wanting to donate, organize a fundraiser or volunteer, the time for action is now! Check out these ways you can get involved with the giving day coming up later this month.

To Donate

GivingTuesday fundraisers may begin days or weeks before November 29th. Often, grassroots fundraisers will collect donations ahead of time to donate on the actual GivingTuesday. That’s because on the actual day, many community foundations or private donors will help match donations for one day only. That means often your donation will go further if donated on GivingTuesday.

Remember—not all organizations are the same. Do your research now for local GivingTuesday activities. See if there will be matching donations later in the month. Find out how the organizations you want to support will be taking donations. Having a plan in place makes it easier to donate later in the month.

To Volunteer

The flurry of activity surrounding GivingTuesday also means that extra volunteers will be needed to make the day a success. Check in with your local organizations to see if you can be a volunteer for their GivingTuesday activities. They may need people available to help write and send thank you notes, to call donors to remind them about the day’s festivities, to be an emcee at a local event or many other activities that surround the day. Think about what your strengths are and consider how you would like to contribute when GivingTuesday comes around. However, don’t wait to sign up! The time to find your volunteer opportunities is now.

To Organize

While donating or volunteering is a great way to get involved, you can also help organize those aspects of GivingTuesday. Start a fundraiser in early November and involve your family, friends and loved ones. Go through a sanctioned giving website to raise funds for the organization of your choice. Another way to help is to simply raise awareness about GivingTuesday by talking about the day of giving with people in your community. Help them come up with how they’re going to spread awareness or participate in GivingTuesday. Help manage volunteers for the giving day by contacting local organizations. The options are limitless when it comes to your involvement on November 29th.

Although the day of giving is at the end of the month, the time to plan is now! Consider how you’ll give and which organizations you’d like to donate to on GivingTuesday. If nothing else, now is the time to raise awareness with your community and to help ramp up awareness for a day that does so much good for our communities and the world.

The month of October is known for many things: pumpkins, breast cancer awareness, the beginning of fall, domestic violence awareness, Halloween… the list goes on. But did you know it also celebrates the greatest global union in history?

That’s right; October 24th is international United Nations Day, part of United Nations Week, which runs from October 20th-26th. UN Day marks the anniversary of the United Nations charter coming into force in 1945, and has been celebrated since 1948.

Here’s a few reasons to celebrate this momentous anniversary of United Nations Day, and how you can use it to promote altruism within your own life.

History of the United Nations

The idea of a “League of Nations” first came about at the end of World War I with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. However, after World War II broke out, founders soon realized the league needed to take on a different form.

The foundations for the UN developed toward the end of World War II, at the UN Conference on International Organization in San Francisco on April 25, 1945. The United Nations as we know it was officially created with their charter ratification on October 24th of that same year.

What the United Nations Does

The United Nations is an international organization made up of 193 member states. Their main offices are in New York, United States; Hague, Netherlands; Geneva, Switzerland; Vienna, Austria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The UN is an altruistic organization committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, encouraging social progress and promoting better living standards and human rights around the world.

The United Nations uses its powers to take action on a range of issues, working towards their primary eight goals: (1) eradicate extreme poverty; (2) achieve universal primary education; (3) promote gender equality and empower women; (4) reduce child mortality; (5) improve maternal health; (6) combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases; (7) ensure environmental sustainability; (8) develop a global partnership for development.

How to Celebrate United Nations Day

Around the world today, countries everywhere are celebrating United Nations Day. Food festivals showcase food from different cultures, concerts highlight national music and art is unveiled to promote world peace.

If you and your family want to get involved, try focusing the day on learning about something from a different culture. Go to a local restaurant and try new food, check out cultural fairs within your community or learn more about the United Nations and the global unity it promotes. Find out how your home state is celebrating UN Day and see if you can get in on the action!

No matter your nationality, culture or language, happy United Nations Day / Día de las Naciones Unidas / يوم الأمم المتحدة / 유엔의 날 / Tag der Vereinten Nationen.

As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, “The United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion people, and cares for the earth, our one and only home.” Celebrate today by caring for our global family and living the best life you can.

In a world full of millions of people, sometimes it’s hard to feel like one person can make any difference at all. However, change starts with one person, and the sentiment catches on from there. One person can inspire change for the entire world. This year, celebrate National Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 22. Check out these ideas to help get you started with making a difference in your community and the world.

Consider Your Passions to Do Good

Start the celebration of National Make a Difference Day by considering what you’re truly passionate about. Studies have shown that when you’re passionate about a cause, you’re much more likely to stay committed to the cause versus one you feel no connection with.

You also don’t necessarily need to have a personal connection to the cause to be passionate about making a difference. Consider what types of causes trigger an emotional and motivational response when you think about making a difference. Follow those passions by finding an organization that aligns with your passions!

Commit to Random Acts of Kindness

Fill up a stranger’s gas tank. Rake leaves for a neighbor in need. Help bring in groceries or carry heavy packages for someone. Random acts of kindness are a simple way to make a huge difference in someone’s day. Use this holiday as a reminder to commit random acts of kindness on this day or even throughout the month and year!

Call a Friend or Family Member

Making a difference can be as easy as lending an ear. Call up a friend or family member with the sole purpose of asking them about their life and what’s going on right now. Practice active listening and repeat back the issues or information they’re telling you for clarity, asking thoughtful questions. Not only will your loved one appreciate this, but it will also help you establish a deeper relationship with the person you call.

Volunteer for an Organization

It’s time to get out there and lend a helping hand! You can make a difference by simply volunteering a few hours of your time to a nonprofit. Call up an organization in your community and ask about opportunities they have available to volunteer. Find out about fundraising events in your community that may need volunteers to help lend a hand. You’ll leave feeling a sense or purpose and knowing that you made a difference for your community.

Donate or Start a Fundraiser

Whether you’re able to make a donation or you’re interested in raising funds, there are plenty of ways to help support your favorite organization! Consider starting a fundraiser with your community to help raise even more funds than simply making a donation. Spread the word about why you support an organization and you just might create a whole new fan base of supporters.

Remember that no act of kindness is too small to make a difference in the world. It all starts with one person, and that person can be you! No matter how you decide to celebrate National Make a Difference Day, let’s band together and make it a good one.

It’s the spookiest time of year. In a few short weeks, Halloween will be here! That means haunted houses, trick or treating and tons of haunts and thrills. While Halloween has traditional activities set in stone, there is an opportunity to make this year’s frightening holiday into one of joy. Check out these ways you can take a classic holiday and turn it into an altruistic opportunity.

Donate Candy and Costumes

Millions of children will dress up this year and go door to door trick or treating. Next year, many of those same children won’t be able to fit into their costumes from the previous year. Children grow quickly. Consider donating your gently used costumes to a secondhand store or an organization that will give away the costumes to children in need.

Likewise, it can help the environment to shop secondhand for your own Halloween costumes. Reusing clothes can often help avoid the landfill and slow production of new items.

In addition to costumes, there are some who won’t be able to afford candy for their children or to give to the neighborhood this year. If you’re able, consider donating candy to local organizations or even a neighbor you know who may be in need.

Try Reverse Trick or Treating

Instead of going door to door asking for candy, consider giving back items that are needed at a local organization. Some communities offer the idea of “reverse trick or treating” where you can go from person to person to give them things they are collecting for a local organization or people in need. If this doesn’t yet exist in your community, consider being the first to introduce the idea.

Host a Fundraiser

Charge a fee to get into a costume party and donate the proceeds to charity. Ask the community to donate items for a raffle and sell raffle tickets for charity. There’s always a great idea for a fundraiser just waiting to be discovered. Get with your family and friends to think up something that’s both fun and for a great cause!

A fall festival is a great idea to raise money for an organization of your choice. Get local food vendors involved, come up with games and prizes and involve some fun decorations. You can charge a fee to get into the carnival and donate those proceeds to a local organization or multiple charities.

While Halloween is normally reserved for scary-good fun, that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved to benefit a scary-good cause. Talk with members of your local community to come up with an idea that will best suit your needs. Use this as an opportunity to come up with a new Halloween tradition that you’ll love to add to your list of holiday traditions.