Be Giving
Human Rights Day
December 10th, 2020 is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of human rights in re-building the world we want, the need for global solidarity, and our interconnectedness and shared humanity.
Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any world maps. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
The COVID 19 pandemic has invited us to adopt a new lens and shift our perspective to what we value most as caring global citizens. The pause of COVID has granted us permission and dedicated time to reflect before we step back into our family and community roles.
Our world is filled with many that remain invisible in their pursuit of human rights.
Eleanor Roosevelt is recognized as one who shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, Eleanor was but one of a diverse collective that took action for change. We need to adopt a broader appreciation for the many advocates such as, Bodil Begtrup, Minerva Bernardino, Begum Shaista Ikramullah, Marie-Helene Lefaucheux, Hansa Mehta, Lakshmi Menon and Evdoka Uralova. However, where do we begin? What does ‘giving’ look like on any given day?
How do we make the impossible possible?
How do we launch compassion within our caring communities? Eleanor Roosevelt reminds us; our caring response to impact human rights begins at home and within our community.
A remarkable story of GIVING can be seen in the daily life of Dr. Melissa Freeman (age 94) of New York City. Dr. Freeman combines charm, faith, positivity and science. She actively dedicates her life to caring for and helping all that she can within her reach.
Another heartfelt story of GIVING resides with the legacy of the late Irena Sendler. Irena’s daily actions exemplified an undeniable power of giving with courage and grace. During tough and uncertain times during WWII she risked her own safety to care for other children’s welfare.
Take stock of your inherent gifts and share them.
Our goal in giving and extending active compassion does not usually start with such a vast vision. As we consciously shift our perspective to adopt a lens of care and concern, we cultivate compassion slowly and steadily. As 2020 draws to a close, we must pause and ask ourselves,
Where do I begin?
Who can I reach to improve the quality of the day?
What are my strengths, skills, resources and passions?
Where is there a need within my community?
How best can I help one person today?
