Muni on this:
When was the last time you read a story about someone doing things to catalyze change (in the country or the planet), either through a social enterprise, NGO, or some other similar initiative?
You’ll read or hear all these stories about social entrepreneurs or innovators, NGO setter-uppers, “change-makers”/”game-changers” and all these other apparently Type A overachievers who are causing cataclysmic shifts in mindsets and movements. And then you’ll hear that little voice in your head asking what you’re doing with your life, and how you can make a difference yourself.
While we need those go-getters like Anna Oposa of Save Philippine Seas, Reese Fernandez-Ruiz of Rags2Riches, Noreen Bautista of Jacinto & Lirio, and Lei Camiling-Alfonso of Caleb’s Closet, who are working their behinds off to create awareness about their advocacy in marine conservation, eco fashion, and eco-conscious parenting respectively, we can all be catalysts of change in our own right.
So how can normal little you cause great big change?
The good news is you don’t have to set an NGO or a social enterprise to make a positive impact in the world. What you can do is help support some NGOs and social enterprises.
They need normal people like you and me – consumers, and clout-bearers – who move about with our own lives, to help herald their advocacy. And there’s a multitude of ways to get involved depending on what works best for you or how you think you can best contribute:
Share their story with your friends and family You can do this through social media and face-to-face dinner conversations (less of the gossiping :P). And as Rappler’s Maria Ressa always says, you have the power to influence your immediate social circles, so what you say, and more importantly, what you do really matters.
Consume more mindfully Poke around and ask questions about how food gets to your plate, or how a product is made. It’s good to know! Having people question supply chain and production process challenges entrepreneurs to think of create better products for society and the planet!
Attend their bazaars/workshops/events From time to time, social entrepreneurs participate in bazaars, and this is one of the best ways to get to know the people behind the awesome products and really show your support through your purchase. Some NGOs also seek volunteers from time to time or hold fundraisers. You can also learn from inspiring people and show your support through the Muni Eco Fashion Workshop and the Cut The Crap gig. Check out other Muni events in our upcoming events.
Check out our 13 Resolutions for other simple changes you can apply to your daily life.
You may not think it means much, or that choosing to eat less meat, or bring around a reusable bottle might make you a “hero”, and really, it doesn’t. However, choosing not to continue on with a destructive way of living is an admirable act in itself. And well, once you know better, continuing with how you used to live, even when you can enact change just seems a little…well…silly.
You don’t have to move mountains to create change (in fact, we highly discourage tampering with mother nature), but just in your own way, live your life as best as you can to serve as an example to friends and family.
They might ask why you make certain choices, and this is your chance to gently (not forcefully) explain why you thought it was a better decision. They don’t have to make the same change in their lives right away, but at least you have planted a seed. And that seed will grow.
What are you going to do differently today?
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