Enhance The Freedom Of Others: Today Is Nelson Mandela Day!
July 18 is Nelson Mandela's birthday. How do you plan to celebrate?
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly announced that in honor of the former President of South Africa, July 18 be declared Mandela Day. The first Mandela Day was held that year—on the humanitarian's 91st birthday.
Today, The Nelson Mandela Foundation asks that people around the globe continue to celebrate his birthday through volunteering and community service. "Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years," reads an official statement issued on Mandela's behalf. "We're asking you to start with 67 minutes.
Not sure where to start? This year, the nonprofit Kiva.org is making it easier than ever to get involved with world change. Kiva.org, joinFITE and Dermalogica have teamed up to provide free trial Kiva loans to 670 women. Dermalogica is providing $16,000 to empower women in the fight against poverty—and they're asking you to give a little, too.
In case you're unfamiliar with how it works, Kiva makes small loans to borrowers around the world. Instead of making a donation to a charity, you can give your money to Kiva, who will distribute it to a borrower halfway across the globe. You might be giving to a Kenyan farmer who needs money to buy water pumps—or you might be lending tuition money to an aspiring nurse in Bolivia. You get a say in where your money goes, and if all goes well, you eventually get your loan repaid in full. No big banks, no impossible fees.
But that's just one way to give back. You can also honor the champion of human rights by spending 67 minutes volunteering at your charity of choice—or even just researching and spreading the word about human rights. No matter what you do, just keep Mandela's words in mind: "To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”