Mandela Day 2020
Written By: Lauren Heink | July 18, 2020
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” - Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela (born on 18 July, 1918 as Rolihlahla Mandela) was South Africa’s first democratically elected president. He was elected on May 9, 1994, and stepped down after serving one term in 1999. Immediately after, he established the Nelson Mandela Foundation, through which he was able to work on humanitarian efforts such as building schools, HIV/AIDS work, and education in rural areas.
Though Nelson Mandela has passed, his legacy lives on both through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and International Mandela Day.
Take Action. Inspire Change. Make every day a Mandela Day.
The focus areas and goals for Mandela Day between the years 2019-2029 include food and nutrition, education and literacy, shelter, sanitation, and active citizenship, especially focusing on youth, as they are the future of the world.
This year in particular, it is important to remember how essential it is to think of others when possible. This can be done through actions as simple as staying home when you can, wearing a mask whenever going to a public area, and educating yourself and others on the historical and cultural importance of current events.
Here are some things that you can do to celebrate Mandela Day:
Post about #ActionAgainstPoverty and #MandelaDay
Start or join a local campaigning group
Learn about your local politicians - who is in charge of the different parts of your town? Do you agree with their actions?
Message local politicians to make sure they know what you think is right or wrong
Sign petitions for topics that you believe in (ex. Black Lives Matter, environmental issues, global education)
Donate to causes if you can
Report human rights abuses to a human rights organization (website below)
Today is Mandela Day, but that does not mean that you should stop working to better the world after today. Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the service of others. We should all do our part in assisting those around us who may need help, and make a difference in the world every day.
If you witness a human rights violation, please report it to an organization found on this website: https://www.humanrights.com/take-action/report-human-rights-abuse.html
Resources
https://www.nelsonmandela.org/
https://www.mandeladay.com/
https://www.humanrights.com/take-action/report-human-rights-abuse.html
https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights
Header Photo via Mandeladay.com