On Saturday, February 20th it’s World Social Justice Day!
Wait. Hold up. Shouldn’t every day be a Social Justice Day?
Yes, but February 20th is a special day where you can get off that ass of yours and really kick butt and take action! (too many booty jokes? maybe, but don’t lie, you totally smiled!)
Global citizens everywhere can celebrate and promote social justice by upholding human dignity and protecting human rights. (you know, like more than you normally do?)
So what the heck is this day?
In 2007, the United Nations named February 20th World Social Justice Day so that global citizens and policymakers alike can promote social justice and create a better tomorrow. This year is extra special on the social justice side of things, so the UN named this year’s theme: A Just Transition, Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies.
Uh. That’s sounds like some serious sh*t because there’s a lot of words.
Maybe Drake can drop some beats about this because when the UN says this, they only mean one thing: “sustainable development means that the needs of the present generation should be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Just know economic, social, and environmental improvements can get us closer to ending extreme poverty. So, in honor of February 20th, here are 10 ways you can improve social justice in your own life on the actual day, or any day!
...with some education, action, and all those social justice goodies:
1. Conscious consumerism:
A wise global citizen once said,
... responsibility.
Spider Man was probably talking about being a conscious consumer because guess what? You have the power as a consumer to make responsible choices in the clothes and the products you purchase. Whether you’re into fedoras or you love to lounge around in pajamas, there’s probably an ethical option that either empowers at risk individuals or helps fund an organization that is making the world a better place.
Check out our Global Citizen shop!
2. Research a social justice issue you are not familiar with:
“Search, search, search, everybodddddyyyy.” -popular club song
Doing this will increase your knowledge of stuff you already know a little about or a topics you may have never heard of because many issues connect! Like what the heck are GMOs and how do they connect to corn farmers? Either way, you’ll be increasing your own awareness of social justice and can make yourself that friend at the party that knows it all.
3. Spark up a conversation when family and friends use bigoted language:
Caution: you probably don’t want to wag your finger at them, it doesn’t work well.
You don’t have to be negative, but everyone has room to grow in the language and words they use! Be sure to provide examples of less negative and less offensive language, while maintaining an open attitude to them changing (don’t become the bigot to shut down the bigot).
4. Learn about another culture or language:
What do other people eat, dance to, or believe in?
Don’t be afraid to explore, there are so many cultures and so many beautiful people practicing them around the world! Just google “cultural event near me” and you should most likely find something.
5. Try something vegetarian or vegan?
Like Ben and Jerry’s new vegan ice cream! Or maybe a big ole plate of Edamame! Or maybe just go a whole day without eating meat!
Option: #meatlessmondays
6. Ask WHY:
This is a pretty easy one as you can resort to your five year old self when you asked why about everything. Who doesn’t want to be five again?
There is SO much out there to discover and to learn; give yourself the opportunity to do so by simply asking questions!
7. Listen more:
Not everything is about you, bruh.
Peacebuilding and peacekeeping is all about listening to someone’s story. Listening to what someone says is vital in working together to create a more just world. How can you help someone if you don’t really understand them?
8. Save resources:
Shut that water off and save some for the fishies!
Basically, conserve energy when you can! Like if your roommate is in the shower, they don’t need the light on to see when they are cleaning themselves or anything...so you can go ahead and turn it off!
9. Post about social justice on social media:
You’ll actually seem cool on your Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Yik Yak (that’s a thing, right?).
Trending hashtags like, #62milliongirls or #genderequity are awesome or re-post any interesting current events that you read. Social media is pretty powerful, so why not take advantage? You don’t have to be pushy, just let the world know what you’re thinking because chances are a picture, a quote, a hashtag can spark a conversation, then you get other people thinking about social justice and considering changing their lives. This is how change spreads globally.
10. Policy makers aren’t too scary once you get to know them!
Some of them probably even have little puppies.
Write a letter, tweet at a politician, speak up to your policymakers about something you think can be changed. You can do that all on the site you’re reading right now! Your voice matters!
All of these small ways improve social justice around the globe so why not consider trying one or a bunch out? Maybe you can even come up with some of your own!
Writer's note: I’m sorry I said you should get off your ass to improve social justice in your own life, you can very well do some of these sitting or lying down.
World Social Justice Day may be on the 20th of February, but global citizens can celebrate this day every day, any way!