Being Silent to be Heard.

Photo Credit: The Malala Fund

This is a guest post written by Kristina Shands.

Yesterday, April 17th, was We Are Silent Day when young people around the world went silent for 24 hours for the millions

of girls around the world facing poverty, exploitation and the denial of their right to education.

Organized by the Malala Fund and social activist charity Free The Children, We Are Silent’s goal was to raise the plight of

children who are suffering and who are not heard.

While you may have missed We Are Silent Day, there are still several actions you can take right now to help women around the world.

1. Volunteer

You don’t have to have a ton of time to make a big difference. Check out the volunteer opportunities listed on Half the Sky Movement:

http://www.halftheskymovement.org/pages/volunteer

You can also volunteer virtually through the United Nation’s Online Volunteering Program: https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en/vol/index.html

Another great volunteer opportunity is the Amnesty International Write for Rights Campaign: http://www.amnestyusa.org/writeforrights/

 

2. Donate

If you aren’t able to volunteer your time, or even if you do volunteer, you can always donate money to your favorite charity. If you are concerned

about the financial stability or responsibility of a nonprofit, then check out GuideStar for more information about thousands of organizations.

3. Advocate

One of the most powerful actions you can take is to advocate for your favorite cause.

Speak out by contacting your elected officials and letting them know that you want them to address your concerns and support your cause.

Engage with your community, co-workers, family and friends by holding house parties or informal gatherings where you share information on your cause and provide ways for them to take action.

Raise awareness for your cause by utilizing your social media connections to educate people and give them a chance to make a difference.

4. Buy for Good

 

Commit to purchasing from businesses that give back, like Buy the Change.

 

Here is a great list of companies that support women and girls worldwide: http://www.halftheskymovement.org/pages/buy-for-good

Any action you take - no matter how big or how small - will make an incredible difference. Remember this...

“NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD; INDEED, IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS.” ~MARGARET MEAD