Celebrating World Humanitarian Day

The Multicultural Network at RG invited our employees to come together to celebrate World Humanitarian Day on 19th August. This special day honours the heroic efforts of humanitarian aid workers and pays tribute to those who have made incredible sacrifices in the pursuit of supporting vulnerable communities.

We'd like to extend that invite to everyone in our networks and beyond to join us in acknowledging the significance of this day and exploring how we can actively participate in volunteer opportunities to create positive change in the world. 

On 19 August, let's come together to honour humanitarians around the world who strive to meet ever-growing global needs, #NoMatterWhat. 🙌

Join us in celebrating their life-saving efforts!

World Humanitarian Day reminds us of the millions of people who require assistance due to natural disasters, conflict, and poverty. Here’s five reasons why we should all care:

1. Almost a Billion people go to bed hungry every night. Nearly 924 million people (11.7% of the global population) face food insecurity at severe levels, an increase of 207 million in two years.
2. Over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced. As of May 2023, more than 110 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. This marks the largest ever single-year increase in forced displacement in UNHCR’s history.
3. Clean water is a luxury. Around 2 billion people around the world do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, and approximately 3.6 billion people – 46% of the world's population – lack adequate sanitation services, according to a new United Nations World Water Development Report released earlier this year
4. Girls are still not going to school. Despite evidence demonstrating how central education is to development, gender disparities in education persist. Around the world, 129 million girls are out of school. In countries affected by conflict, girls are more than twice as likely to be out of school than girls living in non-affected countries.
5. Natural disasters are rising. Natural disasters affect 218 million people and claim 68,000 lives per year.

Ways to Celebrate World Humanitarian Day 💙

We want to encourage anyone interested to participate in this celebration, as we express our solidarity and empathy for those who need it the most and stand in support of a more inclusive and compassionate world.

1. Take advantage of Volunteer Opportunities: We are encouraging everyone to use World Humanitarian Day to engage in volunteer activities to make a tangible impact. At RG, we each get three volunteer days a year as a benefit and this is a great opportunity to put them to good use. 

Here are a few organisations our EPIC Networks have Recommended. 

• 🇺🇸 🇧🇬 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 Red Cross: The Red Cross' mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Consider donating blood or volunteering to help support their mission.
• 🇺🇸 Habitat for Humanity: Help them advance their mission to provide safe, affordable housing around the world through volunteer opportunities.
• 🇬🇧 The Trussell Trust: Volunteer at one of their centers in London, where you can cook, serve food, sort donations, or lend our office skills to aid the administration.
• 🇧🇬 Step For Bulgaria Foundation: Volunteer and support the development of Bulgaria's socially and economically disadvantaged youth 
• 🇦🇺 UNICEF: Help amplify children’s voices, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
  

2. Support Humanitarian Organisations: Make a difference by donating to humanitarian organisations. We've asked our employees to consider using their boom! Points through our recognition program to donate using Global Giving or perhaps organising a fund with your friends/ family. 

• 🌎 The UN Refugee Agency-  Aids millions of displaced individuals globally.
• 🇬🇧 Black Minds Matter- Supporting mental health services for Black individuals.
• 🇬🇹 Worthy Village- A nonprofit that sponsors families in Guatemala and recently has started promoting the handmade artisan work from some of the families. 
• 🌎 Global Giving- Helping fellow nonprofits access the funding, tools, training, and support they need to serve their communities.  
  

3. Be a Humanitarian in Your Own Backyard: Positive change can start at home. Listen to and support those in your community who may need assistance. Remember, every small act of kindness can create ripples of compassion.

Need a little inspiration?

Famous humanitarians throughout history have shared their wisdom with the next generation of world changers — and a great way to get started learning from them is via bite-sized quotes. Share your favourites with others, and let them inspire you to take action.

Here are a few of our favourites: 

“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” ~ Nelson Mandela

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”  ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“Don’t expect change to happen overnight, even if it’s not always visible it’s making more impact than you think.” ~ Emma Watson

Follow Humanitarians Online: Social media platforms offer a window into the inspiring work of present-day humanitarians. Follow accounts like @IlwadElman, @ChefJoseAndres, @Malala, @GretaThunberg, and @UmraOmar to witness their dedication and impact.

Thank you!

As the Multicultural Network, we firmly believe in the power of unity and compassion. World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity for us to honour the selfless work of humanitarian aid workers and embrace our responsibility to create a world that values diversity and supports those in need. 

Let's celebrate this day together, engaging in volunteer opportunities and inspiring each other to be the change we wish to see. By taking action and promoting empathy, we can truly live both our EPIC & RG Missions and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Together, we can create a world that shines brighter with compassion and positive change.

If you'd like to learn more about our people, culture, and our EPIC approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, check out our blog rg.co/lifeatrg or our YouTube channel today.