The world observes Universal Human Rights Month every December. It acts as a reminder to reflect on the way we treat others and to do what we can each day to improve not only our neighbors’ lives, but that of ourselves, too.
Human Rights Day falls on the 10th of this month. This year’s theme is “Recover Better—Stand Up for Human Rights.” It’s related to the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the need to ensure and prioritize recovery efforts. This year, Human Rights Day acts as a relevant reminder to reaffirm the importance of human health and humanity in general.
With all that in mind, let’s use this month to empower ourselves and those around us to do what’s right. Be the shoulder to lean on or hand to hold amid this strange time.
Here are a few ways to provide and spread kindness to your community this season:
- Check-in on loved ones: This small gesture can make the most impact on your elders and neighbors. Make a phone call, drop off a treat and add a note with your contact information to remind them how to reach you if necessary.
- Drop off groceries: Before your next trip to the store, see if anyone you're close with needs some essentials. Jot down a list of what they need, get it for them and leave everything on their doorstep afterward.
- Help them stay connected: It may be hard for some in the community to stay connected with each other, especially because of the coronavirus. Be sure to share resources on things happening in your area (you can even do that through the Native Reach app!).
No one has worked harder this year than essential personnel and health care workers. For that, they deserve acknowledgment and thanks. Here are a few simple ways to provide support for them:
- Send meals: If you're able, check in with health care workers in your family or community to see when it would be best to order them a meal and have it delivered during their shift.
- Create care packages: Take a moment and put together a care package for them. Pick up a few snacks, flowers or hand sanitizer and include a hand-written card expressing your gratitude for everything they do.
There’s no doubt that the pandemic has taken a toll on local businesses. Here are a few ways to offer support safely during this time:
- Order food for delivery or take-out: Continue eating your favorite meals at the comfort of your own home! Not only will your taste buds thank you, area restaurants will, too.
- Purchase gift cards to use at a later date: The pandemic won’t be around forever. Buy gift cards now to use later. This is the perfect timing as Christmas is just around the corner.
- Write positive online reviews: Nothing helps local restaurants and businesses more than sharing positive experiences. Take a moment to sit down and draft a message regarding your experience and post it on social media and browser platforms.
Focusing on what you can do for others matters, but it’s just as important to not forget about yourself and your own needs. Here are a few resources and thoughts on how you can stay busy during stay-at-home orders:
- Stay connected: While you may be socially distancing physically, there are still options available to stay connected with friends and family. Try a virtual game night over FaceTime or Zoom.
- Stream live concerts: Many artists are performing free live shows through Instagram and Facebook. Though it may not be the same thing as seeing your favorite band in-person, it's better than not experiencing them at all.
- Learn something new: Taking on a new skill is a great way to exercise the brain. There are endless online tutorials you can take advantage of to develop a new talent or ability. Do you have an old guitar sitting in the attic? Now is your time to pick it up. Have you always wanted to learn a new language? Now's a perfect time to give that a shot.
- Redesign your room: Your environment and constant surroundings should be your happy place.
- Get some fresh air: It's no secret that getting outside is good for one's physical and mental health. Whether you go to the park or go for a walk, getting out of the house and into fresh air will do wonders.
The truth is, we should strive to honor universal human rights every day of every month. But it’s okay to start small and make these efforts one day at a time. Who knows, if you follow through on some of these actions beyond December, before you know it, you’ll be doing this stuff regularly.
Through small, individual actions, we can work toward building a better world.
