How to improve your world now
We all want to see a happier, safer, fairer world but the work needed to achieve that can seem overwhelming. Here are 10 positive changes you can make that will have a lasting impact for you, your family and your community.
Get to know your neighbours
Rachel Roberts, the strategy and communications leader for Inspiring Communities, says people can build stronger communities simply by talking to each other. ‘‘Getting to know their neighbours, others around their community – telling them about their vision and then listening to each other’s ideas. Come up with a shared vision, and ways of making it happen together.
‘‘For example, if the issue is isolated parents, start with a coffee morning, maybe a neighbourhood barbecue, create a treasure hunt in your community that helps you understand what the existing assets and strengths are while better getting to know people. Then grow connections from there. Figure out who else needs to be involved in creating the change you want to see – local NGOs may be able to help, local council.
‘‘Notice the change you are making, talk abut it, don’t be afraid of mistakes or diversions - maybe adapt what you are doing and carry on.’’
If you are too shy to knock on the door, find your neighbours on Neighbourly.
Listen to people living with mental illness
‘‘This year, one out of five Kiwis will experience mental illness,’’ says Shaun Robinson, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation. ‘‘It could be your boss, neighbour, best friend, cousin or even you. Mental illness stigma and discrimination is still a huge issue. It can feel like a constant weight to carry and makes people living with mental illness feel ashamed, isolated and worthless. It stops people from reaching out and seeking the help they deserve.
‘‘The good news is we can all do simple, practical things to take the load off people living with mental illness. Some ideas include inviting people for a coffee or a walk around your local park, offering to do simple household chores such as cooking a meal or picking up the groceries, paying people compliments and most importantly just being there to listen.’’
Put a rat trap in your garden
Megan Hubscher from Forest and Bird says there a number of small steps the average Kiwi can take to help protect our wildlife and the environment, including killing rats to allow bird life to thrive.
‘‘Join a conservation group and help run a landscape-scale predator trapping programme. Download Forest and Bird’s Best Fish Guide app, and use it to buy seafood from responsible fishers.
Stop using plastic bags
‘‘The best way to keep plastic out of the ocean is not to use it in the first place,’’ says Hubscher, who also advises avoiding products with lots of packaging. Stuff ran the Bags Not campaign last year, to address this very issue. Read the stories for inspiration.
Ask questions about children you suspect are mistreated
‘‘Understand that as adults it is our role to look out for the wellbeing of all children and that it is always right to ask questions if we have concerns about the wellbeing of a child or young person,’’ says Jane Searle, chief executive of Child Matters.
‘‘When people notice that a child or young person might be at risk, they need to put aside any inhibitions they have aside and take action,’’ advises Hoani Lambert, Oranga Tamariki, deputy chief executive – Voices of Children/Tamariki Advocate. ‘‘Likewise, if someone notices things are preventing a child from reaching their potential there are many practical things they can do to help. For example, it might be hard for a child to get to sports practice each week – why not chat to their caregivers and offer to take the child yourself?
Spend time with children
‘‘I often say love is a four-letter word, spelt T-I-M-E,’’ says Children’s Commissioner Andrew Becroft. ‘‘If you know children who might be struggling, with poverty, neglect, or just being unhappy with the trials that childhood brings, then take the time to talk to them and find out how they feel. The Youth Mentoring network is a good place to start.’’
Spend time with other children, too
‘‘I would encourage anyone who wants to help to get in touch with their local Lions or Rotary group, church group or school,’’ says Becroft. It can be as easy as coaching a sports team, or helping out with your school working bee/ school fair. The Inspiring Communities ‘Child Rich Communities’ looks at what works for local community initiatives making a positive difference to children and families. See everychildcounts.org.nz for more information.
Stop serving sugary drinks
New Zealand is the third fattest nation in the world (after the United States and Mexico) and sugary drinks contribute significantly to this problem.
Fizzy drinks are a leading source of dietary sugar, so an easy way to make a significant change is to stop drinking them.
Get educated about animal welfare
‘‘New Zealand has very high levels of animal abuse and every year the SPCA continues to care for about 46,000 lost, abandoned, injured or abused animals,’’ says SPCA communications manager Jessie Gilchrist. ‘‘We need to educate the next generation of animal owners so we can have a real impact on bringing this number down.
‘‘The SPCA Education programme teaches children about animals. We hope teachers will use it in their classrooms, parents will explore our SPCA kids’ website with their children, and that schools will use our storybooks to teach children to read.’’
Slow down when you’re driving
‘‘Last year more people were killed on our roads than any year since 2010 and many more were left with life-long injuries,’’ says Harry Wilson, NZ Transport Agency director of safety. ‘‘These tragedies impact on not only those killed or injured, but on their friends and family as well. We can all do our part to keep ourselves, our friends and family safe on our roads.
‘‘Make 2018 the year you slow down. Speed is a factor in nearly a third of fatal crashes and has a huge impact on the outcome of the crash. Speed is the single biggest determinant in whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed.
‘‘Wear your seatbelt. Many of the lives lost and serious injuries sustained could have been prevented by ensuring everyone was properly secured in a seat belt or child restraint. Being properly restrained reduces your chance of death or serious injury in a crash by 60 per cent in the front seat and 44 per cent in the back seat.
‘‘Put your phone away. Some people aren’t giving their full attention to their driving or riding task. Nobody can text and drive or ride.’’