As supporters of UNICEF, we have access to incredible resources at our fingertips.
Below are a few action items that everyone can explore to get more involved with UNICEF in his or her community. Like you, I am just a regular citizen with an Internet connection, a passion for UNICEF's lifesaving work, and a commitment to support the cause.
WHAT YOU CAN DO (continued from Part 2 here)
Beyond the cross-pollination and exchange of ideas online, there are many ways to get involved with UNICEF on the ground, no matter where you live:
Fundraise
Many UNICEF nations offer the opportunity to join an existing campaign, such as Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF or World Children's Day, or to host your own fundraiser.
If you would like to host your own fundraiser -- whether through a city marathon, a bake sale, or something else -- make sure to receive approval beforehand, which you can do by registering your fundraiser in advance online. UNICEF Australia provides one great example of the fundraiser registration process, which you can read here.
Gift
Believe it or not, your gift-giving can be a force for change. UNICEF Inspired Gifts are real, life-saving and life-changing supplies that UNICEF deliver to children and communities around the world. Known as Inspired or Survival Gifts, each gift is a tangible item that goes toward healthcare, clean water, nutrition, protection, education, and emergency relief.
Inspired Gifts are available in 26 different countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States.
Although gifting is typically reserved for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, it is always in season to gift with purpose. Does your country offer Inspired Gifts? Check the list here.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1946 after the Second World War, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has always held a singular vision: to advocate for and protect the rights of children, to meet their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach every child's full potential.
Today, UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to realize this mission. Several thousand are full-time employees and field workers. Thousands more are volunteers from every corner of the globe, including young people like ourselves.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you are a student, young professional, advocate, educator, or volunteer, there are many ways to show your support for UNICEF's humanitarian work today.
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Daria Zhao is a former UNICEF Clubs Chair and a member of UNICEF's Next Generation. This is the third in a series of three posts on how to get more involved with UNICEF in your local communities. Read part two here.
