If you’re like me, the immense degree of suffering in our world is hitting you … hard. Between the earthquakes, wildfires, evacuations in Afghanistan, and countless other tragedies, our collective hearts are breaking in big ways.
So often, when we see suffering, we are drawn to help in some way. We want to volunteer, or donate, or somehow help with the healing and fix the thing.
As human beings, we are inherently connected to one another. When we witness our fellow humans suffering, we want to alleviate that suffering in any way possible. And, most often, we try to do so in the way we would want to be helped if we were in their shoes.
In my time as a pastor, chaplain and counselor, I’ve experienced and witnessed a lot of suffering. Whether it is a whole community, an individual or family, or my own, suffering in one way or another is a reality of all of our lives. And, wanting to alleviate that suffering is also a reality - thank goodness!
For me, and many of us, doing good in the world is one of the ways we live out our values. As a Unitarian Universalist, part of the way I live my values in the world is to give of my time, resources, and treasure to causes and organizations that share my values. Perhaps this is true for you too - as a person of faith, or a person of intention and conscience, you volunteer or donate items or money to help further the causes that share your values. If so, great job! If not yet, give it a shot!
Most of us want to further goodness, justice, and equity in the world.
Most of us want to support organizations and people who are doing good in the world.
Most of us also have no idea where to start!
So, I thought I’d reflect on some things I’ve learned through my work as a pastor, a chaplain, and a human being. I hope they help you consider how you might lend your energy and support to causes and organizations that mean something to you.
Consider your values
What are organizations or causes that you have seen show up in places that matter to you? What are the issues in our world that matter most to you in this moment? There is no shortage of causes for us to support, so it is good to think about what is resonating with you in this moment. Perhaps it is hurricane relief, climate change, reproductive justice, immigration issues, or advocating for sensible gun legislation. Maybe you love animals and are committed to insuring their safety.
Do you want to donate time, money, or items? Consider the reasoning for each of these methods, and what your ability to commit is in this moment.
Ask questions
One year, during the season leading up to Christmas, I challenged my congregation to “say yes to all who ask” when it came to giving. This meant that many of them gave something to every person holding a cardboard sign at a traffic light, every bell ringer at a red bucket, and every friend or family member who asked. One of my congregants expressed difficulty giving to the red buckets. She explained to me the reasoning. Before then, I was not aware that while they do so much good, the Salvation Army has historically discriminated pretty hard against the LGBTQIA community. That goes against my belief in justice, compassion, and the inherent worth and dignity of every person - not to mention the fabulousness that is queer identity! The organization has begun to address this inequity, but there is still a long way to go.
We should know where our money and energy is going. We should be able to ask questions about the mission and vision of organizations and who is invited to the table - and who is left out. So, some questions to consider asking before you give (not an exhaustive list):
How does the organization respond to the call for racial and socioeconomic justice in our current world?
Who is deciding where the money goes?
What stances, if any, has the organization made on issues of justice and equity?
How much of the resources are given directly to those the organization is meant to serve?
Give what they need, not what you want them to need
If you are considering donating to an organization or agency, do some research. Do they have a wish list on their website? Do you know someone who works or volunteers there who has a good sense of what they need? Is there a particular issue that could be helped that you hadn’t considered?
If you want to donate cat food to the local SPCA but they really just need ink and toner for their copiers, you may need to change your expectations. It’s good to take a curious and open stance - you may learn of an unexpected need you didn’t realize you could help fill.
Don’t throw it away!
Whether it has been gathering donations for church, through the Red Cross, local food and clothing pantries, or any other organization, one thing remains steady and true -
NO ONE WANTS YOUR TRASH! If you wouldn’t put it on your child, or give it to your niece to play with, or use it yourself, do not donate it.
I have gone through donations to find used/dirty underwear, old and rusty nail clippers, stained blankets, torn jackets, and so much more. Not only is it disrespectful to think that the people who need things deserve your trash, it is a huge expense for the organization you’ve donated to. They have to pay to throw out what you couldn’t be bothered to throw out yourself! Right now I know of an organization that is budgeting one million dollars to store, sort, and throw away the garbage that has been donated to it. One. Million. Dollars. That’s money that could be used for direct care for the people who need it, instead of throwing out junk.
Consider the long-term
So often, we want to help immediately when we see a need. This is a good thing. This is a huge part of how and why people get involved in important issues - passion and immediacy are so important. And, most of these issues and challenges have been going on for years, if not generations. There is likely a history you don’t yet know about how and why a situation exists, and how and why various ways have worked (or not worked) in addressing the issue.
And, just as there are likely levels or tiers of how to get involved in a cause, there are likely different timelines. When a crisis hits, the immediate outpouring of support and energy is inevitable. And, then the next crisis hits, and the next one, and the next one. Eventually, we move on and so does our energy and money. So, what might be causes that you could be involved with for the long haul?
What are the various ways to be involved beyond the initial energy/support spike?
For instance, if you want to help the thousands of Afghan citizens who have been brought to the US in recent weeks, there are different ways to help. You can donate money to the Red Cross, who is doing important work, and you can be in contact with Team Rubicon who is also involved in meeting immediate needs for these vulnerable people.
But what about six months from now? At some point these families will be starting their lives in our communities all over the country. I bet there is a local immigration or refugee group you could connect with. They likely know a lot more about asylum cases, resettlement needs, and ways for you to help families find their way toward sustained safety and freedom for the long haul.
The world needs you for the long haul, too!
So, what now?
The major lesson is this - the layers of humanitarian work, justice work, and caring for people and animals experiencing trauma are varied and many. The ways you can lend your energy and treasure are also varied and many.
The bad news is that, as humanity, we will always experience suffering.
The good news is that, as humanity, we will always be called to journey alongside one another in ways that bring essential healing amidst it all.
My prayer for all of us is that we each find the unique and important way to show up to it all.
My hope is that we each find a way to lend our gifts to the issues that resonate with us.
My yearning is toward a world where we can each embody our values, remain connected to one another, practice good self-care, and continue the good work of healing and compassion this world so desperately needs. I hope you’ll join me in this prayer, this hope, and this yearning!
This week’s Invitation to Deepening: Write three pages about what issues in your community or the greater world are calling to you in this moment. Don’t worry about grammar or being perfect. Just write, and see what comes from it!
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