As a new year starts, resolutions are likely on everyone’s mind. The pressure is especially on this year as we enter not just another year, but a whole new decade.
Here at ONE, we’ve got some pretty big goals for the coming year, and decade. We’re continuing our fight to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases into the ‘20s, but we can’t get very far without activists like you.
If you’re ready to make big change happen in 2020, we’ve got a few resolutions to help you get started. These resolutions won’t just benefit you, but the world at large!
1. Exercise your rights
We all want to get the world in better shape. Exercising your rights is one of the best things you can do to make the world a more just and equal place.
Whether it’s your right to free speech, your right to vote, or your right to petition, it’s important to use your rights for the good of the world. Through these exercises, you can help get the world in the best shape possible!
Looking for a place to start? As a ONE supporter, you’ll have plenty of opportunities this year to exercise your rights.
2. Organize your community
Organizing your community will allow you to take bigger, better and clearer actions to make change happen. Advocating in your community is a big task, but there are small steps you can take to get started.
Online community forums and open-door meetings can help you meet new people who care about the same causes as you do. Once you have people who want to get involved in your cause, think about what actions you can take together and start planning.
If you want to improve your community organizing, there’s a lot you can learn from our Yours in Power activists! These expert advocates use the power of local activism to make massive change happen.
3. Read more things that inspire you
Whether fiction or nonfiction, stories or stats, fantasy-based or fact-based, there’s no denying the power of a good read. Reading something new can strengthen your knowledge, connect with an issue, inspire you to take action, or give you valuable insights into the world around you. The more you read, the better equipped you are to make change happen.
If you’re looking for books that will fuel your activism, our policy team and Youth Ambassadors have some great recommendations!
4. Make good investments
The idea behind investing is simple: by paying a little more today, we get a lot more in return in the future. This concept works in global health too.
Stopping preventable diseases from harming people isn’t only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing. For every US$1 that’s spent on health for those in poverty, there’s a return of US$13 into the global economy. In other words, investing in health saves both lives and money.
In 2020, we’re going to make sure world leaders make the right choices when it comes to health — from replenishing Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to combating gender-based violence. Make sure you stay up to date on these important campaigns to help us save the most we can this year.
5. Spend more time taking action with friends and family
No matter what issues you care about, chances are you’re not alone. There’s power in numbers, and having the people close to you by your side can make your activism even more impactful. You can even make new friends through your passion to make a difference!
There are plenty of groups and organizations where you, your friends and family, and anyone else can get involved! Keep your eyes out for volunteer opportunities at ONE throughout the year. And if you’re a college student or youth activist, you can apply to be a ONE Campus supporter, Youth Ambassador or ONE Champion!
6. Learn something new
The more informed you get on the issues you care about, the better you’ll be able to advocate for them! A good foundation of knowledge on issues will allow you to better communicate with others about why they’re important, and give you more insight on how to take action.
Are you eager to brush up on a new topic? We’ve got blogs on any number of topics, including how extreme poverty is related to other issues, why there’s a global learning crisis and how global health affects everyone (yes, including you).
