Setting New Year’s resolutions is a great tradition that helps spark positive change as we head into the new year. As many know, sometimes just one resolution can significantly impact your life. We think this impact can go even further.
As we approach a new year and a new decade, we invite you to make an impact — not only in your own life — but in the lives of families and children all over the world through your resolutions.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Here are 7 resolutions you, your friends, and your family can make to help alleviate poverty in 2020 with Food for the Hungry (FH).
1. Read and learn as much about poverty as you can.
Poverty is a complex and diverse problem. The issues that trap people in cycles of poverty can range from country to country, even community to community. This year, resolve to set some time aside to get educated on the issue. Understanding poverty is the first step to combating it. Being armed with knowledge on the subject will help you decide what kind of resolution you’d like to make in order to take action. Here are some books/ebooks that will help you learn more about global poverty.
- FH ebooks, guides, fact sheets, activity books, online courses, and devotionals (FREE)
- One at a Time: The Life, Passion, and Ongoing Global Impact of Larry Ward (FREE)
- When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself, $8.51+
- Walking with the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development, $14+
2. Commit to sponsoring a child.
Child sponsorship is a great way to equip families to pursue the best for their children. It also helps children live out their full God-given potential. FH uses the funds from child sponsorship to help provide life-changing resources such as food, a better education, clean water, medical treatment, and more. Setting a resolution to become a child sponsor will mean lasting change for a child, family, and entire community in need. On top of that, you can become a friend to your sponsored child by writing letters and sending photos back and forth! Click here to learn more and become a child sponsor today.
3. Volunteer more.
Your time can be as valuable as your money. Volunteering with organizations both locally and abroad goes a long way to help end extreme poverty. Plus, volunteering helps you learn more about the problem of poverty and the ways various organizations are working towards a solution. Click here to learn more about FH’s volunteer opportunities.
4. Pray for those living in poverty every day.
As followers of God, we know how important prayer is. In addition to giving your time or a financial gift, remember that it costs nothing to spend time in prayer. Ask our Lord to protect those living in poverty and to show us what specific roles we can play in extending His love and glory to those most in need around the world.
5. Give to a disaster or refugee response effort.
Natural disasters, conflict, and refugee crises are most damaging to those living in extreme poverty. They are left without the resources they need to rebuild their communities and often struggle for basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. Last year alone, FH responded to 15 disasters and crises around the world, including two back-to-back cyclones that devastated Mozambique. This year, you can make a resolution to support communities who are still recovering and renew the hope of children and families worldwide. Give today.
6. Write to your representatives on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Government officials make huge decisions that affect global poverty. They decide which initiatives to financially support, which organizations get funding, and how much to be involved in international affairs. Do some research on the items you’re most passionate about and let your voice be heard by telling your congressman why it’s important to you. Click here to learn more about how you can help influence government policy.
7. Tell your friends and family about why you care.
Teaching others about the plight of extreme poverty in our world is a great way to encourage action. Tell your friends and family why this cause is so important to you. Let them know the steps you are taking with FH to help end poverty. Share about FH on your social media and invite others to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
