Promoting Goodwill 2023
PROMOTING GOODWILL
In July we are encouraging South Africans to promote goodwill at work, at school, in our family life, in social circles and in communities.
The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy -Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
How to make a difference in your community
Consider the positive feelings you experienced the last time when you did something good for someone else. Perhaps it was the satisfaction of running an errand for your neighbour, the sense of fulfilment from volunteering at a local organization, or the quiet gratification from donating to a good cause. Or perhaps it was the simple joy of having helped a friend. This “warm glow” of pro-sociality is thought to be one of the drivers of generous behaviour in humans. One reason behind the positive feelings associated with helping others is that being pro-social reinforces our sense of relatedness to others, thus helping us meet our most basic psychological needs.
Research has found many examples of how doing good, in ways big or small, not only feels good but also does us good. For instance, the well-being-boosting and depression-lowering benefits of volunteering have been repeatedly documented. As has the sense of meaning and purpose that often accompanies altruistic behaviour. Even when it comes to money, spending it on others predicts increases in happiness compared to spending it on ourselves.
Why do we need to do our bit – even as kids?
1. Volunteer your time and energy
2. Invest in people
3. Take care of the environment
4. Donate supplies and services to community charities
5. Support local businesses and small business owners
6. Be a positive voice
7. Let people know you are proud of them
8. Build relationships with your neighbours and community members
9. Sponsor your local charities, sports centres and community outreach programmes
10. Encourage positive parenting
11. Help the homeless to get their life back together
12. Donate Clothes, Food, Money, and Other Items
13. Run or Walk for a Cause
14. Be a Mentor
How are you going to make a difference this month?
