The crisis currently caused by the coronavirus pandemic has revealed the need for mutual assistance more than ever. Have you noticed, for example, that a non-profit organization is taking care of your neighborhood, or that your children are attending interest groups organized by a civic association? If you want everything to work at least as it did before the crisis, you can help. Many of us have more space to help in any way possible due to the curfew. Help, it will definitely bring you at least a good feeling.
If you have the opportunity and desire to help, but don't know how or where, here are our tips.
1. Remit your 2%
It's tax time and it would be a shame to lose your 2% of tax, which you can donate according to your choice. Choose an association or organization that is close to you, helps where it is needed, solves problems that also bother you, tries to prevent them, educates, innovates... Organizations that solve problems strategically and long-term also need your 2% of tax, and it is necessary to support them in their efforts. OUR TIP: Pontis Foundation , which has long been dedicated to systemic changes, the development of social innovations, especially in education, the support of responsible entrepreneurship, and philanthropy with impact.2. Support with a financial donation
If you have found multiple organizations that you think deserve your help, you can support them with a one-time financial donation. However, if you would like to help strategically and in the long term, it is better to support organizations, even with a small amount, on a regular basis.3. Support regularly
Your regular help will certainly be appreciated by associations or organizations more than a one-time contribution. Choose an organization that deals with topics close to you and set up a standing order to support it. Your regular 10, 20, 30 euros (as much as you can) means a lot to them.
4. Become a volunteer
If you have the time and space and want to help yourself, there are organizations that are still struggling with staff shortages and need help to get through this difficult time. Find out if there is anything you can help the organization with and offer yourself. Your initiative will certainly be appreciated, for example by organizations that care for the homeless. During the period without curfew, you can help shelters with walks. OUR TIP: OZ Proti strudu , OZ Vagus5. Offer your expertise
You can also offer your help in the form of providing (short-term or long-term) professional advice, mentoring in the field you are involved in or that is close to you. For example, organizations appreciate help with setting up a communication strategy and related activities, setting up a business model - how to ensure long-term and sustainable financing, HR processes and people management, obtaining grants, etc. If you think you have the expertise and ability to be helpful to the organization in some area, be sure to contact them. OUR TIP: Digital angels6. Organize a collection of things
Many organizations and associations also need material assistance. For example, crisis centers are now struggling with a lack of technology (computers, webcams, microphones, etc.) for online teaching of children. Shelters are also making appeals for the collection of towels, old bed linen, blankets, cots, bowls, etc. Before you decide to organize a collection in your area and take things to the selected organization, however, contact them and ask what they need. Then make sure that the things you collect are in a suitable and usable condition. OUR TIP: Donate the future , Romano Jilo Community Center Zvolen , contact crisis centers
7. Create a donation appeal
Everyone loves receiving gifts. However, many of us come to a time when we don't want to surround ourselves with unnecessary things and don't really need anything. So try asking your family and friends to give you a gift for your birthday (wedding, birth of a child or other occasion) in the form of supporting an organization of your choice. If you're not celebrating anything right now, you can also take the donation challenge in a humorous way - promise your friends that after collecting a certain amount, you will accomplish something that requires a lot of courage. Alternatively, if you have a special talent and make something - hold an auction of your works, the proceeds from which will go to support the organization of your choice. OUR TIP: You can also read more about donation calls on the website darujme.sk .8. Donate your media space
Are you active on social media? Do you have a large following and reach? Use your influence to inform your friends, followers, and fans about the activities of organizations that are close to you. Invite them to support you, and feel free to do so again.9. Take care of yourself remotely
Virtual adoption is a remote support option. This way, you can "adopt" a specific child (or children) from developing countries around the world, helping them with their education, improving their healthcare, and improving their living conditions. Similarly, you can "adopt" an animal from a shelter. If for various reasons you don't have space at home, you can support its development and growth at a shelter. You can also "adopt" an animal from the zoo, and thus support, for example, the breeding of endangered species. The funds you contribute will be used to breed the animal of your choice, covering the costs of feeding and care. OUR TIP: Remote adoption (Slovak Catholic Charity) , Animal Freedom , Bojnice Zoo
