Poverty is probably the most serious problem in today's society. In the world, 24 thousand children die every day from causes related to poverty. The annual amount needed to end world hunger is approximately 22 billion euros, while the annual budget allocated by the United States for military spending is approximately 286 billion. The benefits brought by a reduction in poverty concern not only the humanitarian question but also the economy and strategic interests of a country. By acting both locally and globally, you can make your contribution to reducing poverty around the world.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Acting Globally
Step 1. Get informed
Talk to different organizations to find out where the bulk of their money goes. Find out how the economic aspects of poverty work and what role trade between countries plays in improving or worsening poverty conditions.
- You need to understand what is the contribution of your country's government, where this money goes and how it is used. Often, rich countries that offer "aid" effectively restrict poor countries' access to the market and put clauses on aid packages whereby recipient countries are forced to use services and goods from donor countries at lower prices. tall.
- Knowing how aid mechanisms work and the economic aspects of poverty will help you understand which organizations deserve your support.
- Sometimes it is more effective to support specific bills. Check the Italian Development Cooperation website (cooperazioneallosviluppo.esteri.it) for more information on the actions taken by our country.
Step 2. Support an organization that fights against poverty
There are many associations, non-profits and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) that follow and create projects to eliminate poverty in the world. The best organizations are those that promote economic development and self-sufficiency in poorer countries rather than simply donating money and expensive goods.
- Donate money directly to those in need. Organizations like Give Directly or Kiva help you get your money directly to those who need it most in countries like Kenya and Uganda. The program allowed people who otherwise would not have been able to buy a moped to use as a taxi or a millstone to enter the corn market. The idea is to get the money to those who need it without going through charities that may not be able to provide the right help and the best opportunities.
- An organization like Mercy Corps helps countries that are in various emergency situations. Such countries are ready to face the state of affairs and to prepare to withstand future upheavals. The importance of being able to respond adequately to emergency situations and keeping them under control can be seen in cases such as Hurricane Katrina that hit the United States, in the Philippines and during the earthquake that recently shook Japan.
- Empowerment of women is very important in the fight against poverty. This can be done through education and the granting of reproductive rights. Educated women tend to have fewer children and fewer unwanted pregnancies. Since women are often the first teachers of children, they can transfer their education to them and establish a good foundation for the children of their communities.
- Valuing local communities rather than simply providing clothes or food helps them to grow and become autonomous, thus reducing their level of poverty. Valuing people means giving them access to education, medical care and opportunities.
Step 3. Volunteer
There are hundreds of ways to volunteer on a global scale. You can donate money or time to organizations fighting poverty. By volunteering, you will go beyond supporting worthy causes by fighting for them firsthand.
- Organize a fundraiser for an association of your choice. Fundraising serves not only to find money but also to raise people's awareness.
- If you are interested in helping a child by providing them with education and food, then your best option may be worldvision.org. Other organizations of this type are Heifer International (donates a goat, cow or other animal to a family in need), Doctors Without Borders (they give free health care to anyone who needs it) and SOS Children's Villages (helps children). orphaned children find a family and supports those with AIDS).
- You can also volunteer abroad or in your community. Contact the organization you have chosen to find out what opportunities for help it offers.
Part 2 of 2: Acting Locally
Step 1. Find out where help is needed in your community
You can do this by contacting the social services department or religious / charitable organizations in your area. Find out what you can do and what is needed.
- Help homeless shelters. Donate money and / or time to ensure the survival of these structures. Many shelters have been moved to the outskirts of cities where they are more useful and less "unsightly".
- Volunteer in shelters and soup kitchens. You will have the opportunity to meet people who need help and talk about their needs, thus giving poverty a face and a voice.
Step 2. Support laws and bills that fight poverty
Be careful that they are issued in your area or in your country. Oppose laws that punish the poor just for being poor.
- Defend workers' right to a minimum wage and basic job protections, so they can live on their wages without being forced to do two or three jobs just to support themselves and their families.
- Contact a government representative by phone or email and tell them that you would like spending on anti-poverty measures to be increased (for example, you can find contacts on the websites of the Regions, Municipalities and Chamber of Deputies, camera.it). It only takes 15 seconds to make a phone call and you won't be asked any questions. Political leaders want to give voters what they ask for, so if many people contact them to have more money invested in anti-poverty measures, they will bring this request to decision-making bodies to ensure it is fulfilled.
Step 3. Donate
Donations, especially monetary ones, can make a real difference to some local organizations. Many associations working to fight poverty have low budgets and few subsidies, so they need all the help they can get from their community members.
- Donate your free time. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank, especially on holidays.
- Donate toys and clothes to food counters. Make sure they are in good condition, not stained or torn.
- Donate things to eat. Food banks need nutritious, non-perishable foods such as canned meals, legumes, meats, canned fruits and vegetables. Also donate (unopened) spice packets. Spices are too expensive for the homeless or those living in poverty, and for them it can make a difference in giving a meal a better taste.
Advice
Do not treat people living in poverty as if they were inferior to others. There are many reasons why a person can become poor and being stupid or lazy is rarely the cause
Warnings
- Be careful which charities you donate to. Large associations often spend most of their budget on advertising to attract more donations. Only a part of your money will go to help people, a good chunk will go to pay those in charge of advertising. This also happens with non-profit organizations.
- Be careful where you decide to volunteer. There are associations looking for volunteers for places like Somalia, which is not a safe country for many people. If you are traveling alone, especially if you are a woman, be well informed about the situation in the area where you are going to work.
