Some people are just born warriors. We want to crusade. We want to fight for truth and justice (though we may or may not always support the American way—sorry, Superman). We want to defend the helpless and sound a battle cry for those who have been silenced. But when a warrior has no weapons, it’s time to get resourceful. Let me explain what I mean.
You see, social justice is something very dear to my heart. From human trafficking to exploited laborers to the poverty-stricken masses, I want to make a difference. If I had the means, I would travel around the world taking down slave traders and buying out cruel businessmen. And yet I find that I am strapped for cash and time. It’s very easy to get so wrapped up in your own circumstances and discouraged by all you can’t do. But everyone can make a difference in small ways.
You may not have substantial amounts of money to throw at the problem (and realistically, money isn’t very throwable; it gets all caught in the wind resistance), but you can change the consumer habits you already have. Responsible and informed shopping is a step toward changing the world. For example, I try my very best to buy only fair trade coffee and tea. Fair trade is a system instituted to help the workers who produce the things we buy. It ensures workable wages, producer networking and communication, an avoidance of forced labor, and the security of communities attached to the crop or product. (Find out more at www.fairtradefederation.org) I think it's important to do more than just mindlessly consume. When you buy a product, you are supporting the company it comes from. You wouldn't vote for a political candidate who was involved in slave trade or owned sweat shops (at least, I certainly hope you wouldn't). So why support a company who does the same?
Also, in my newfound hippie-ness, I've been taking slow steps toward world responsibility. Mind you, I say small. I haven't done anything truly noble or worthy of praise. And although one day I hope to do things like the Mother Theresas and Gandhis of this world, I am admittedly just a boring Southern suburbanite (albeit a little poorer than most of the white bread class). There's a skin care store called The Body Shop. They vend lotions, soaps, nail care items, etc. They sell a hand cream called "Soft Hands, Kind Heart" from which a portion of the proceeds go toward programs designed to fight human trafficking. It feels great on your skin, uses fair trade olive oil, and helps end human suffering. Why not buy it? This campaign stretches beyond that one product. They also have an online petition you can sign to help bring this issue before world leaders. Go to http://www.thebodyshop.com/_en/_ww/values-campaigns/stop-trafficking-select-country.aspx and check it out. It only takes a moment to put in your electronic signature. I got all of the people in my Public Speaking class to do it last semester. Just take care not to sign more than once.
Another cool thing that's easy to get involved in is Teavana's EquaTrade program. I don't know if they're still selling them (though I'm sure they are), but they have these cloth shopping bags for just $8 for the "I Am Powerful" campaign. It's a way for women to advocate and assist fair trade for the tea farmers. Every time you shop with your bag at Teavana, a donation is made to EquaTrade. My aunt bought it for me as sort of an informal graduation present. And as much as I love tea, it's got a lot more use to come! Plus, the bag is just really cool. I've been using it as a purse! haha.
There are other things you can do in your everyday life. Those tiny acts of heroism to your community do make a difference. You never know who you'll inspire. I'll give you an example. Last night, a couple from my church took me out to coffee. It wasn't anything fancy, just a nice conversation at Starbucks. And yet, in that, they showed me love. They made me want to do more for others just by taking an hour out of their evening. When it comes down to it, you can set up as many programs as you want, but what really changes things for people is the time you spend with them. A little hope and encouragement go a long way.
In the past, I've been more than a little anti-social. I spent time with only my close circle of friends. But I'm being stretched outside that and learning that if I really want to be a world-changer; if I really want to shake things up, I have to actually invest in people. Now, here's a caution. You may be on the opposite end of the spectrum--ever-social, always out doing something with somebody. I've noticed that pattern in teenagers and young adults especially. It's not bad in itself, but a certain lack of depth is way too common in that kind of lifestyle to make it healthy. Some people I've considered my best friends are really only just now figuring out what it means to be there for someone. And it's taken a lot of pouring myself into them when I really wasn't getting much back. You've got to go deeper than being that "social butterfly." A butterfly can only skim the water. Once they take a plunge, they're dead. And if that's how your relationships always are, you're not even making a dent in this old earth.
It's time to move past the flaky "I'll see you next time I'm bored and need something to do" kind of friendship. Just be real. If you're not super-spiritual or extremely intellectual, so be it. Communicate honestly and genuinely with what you have. And if you're tired of hypocrisy and back-stabbing and phonies, then "Be the change you wish to see in the world." (The Ghand-Man) <--[It's probably socially unacceptable to give peaceful historical figures silly nicknames. Oh well.]
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