So you’ve made it halfway through January. Maybe those personal development goals of being a better person or going to exercise more have had to take a break for a while. Whether you’re on track or not, here are 19 resolutions you can pick up now to make the world a better place this year.
1. Start regular volunteering
As an ICS volunteer, you’re no stranger to this one. But if you haven’t continued after ICS, then start again. Begin by checking out local organisations that you like to see if they need support and if they can use your skills. And of course, look into volunteering again with ICS as a Team Leader!
Time: 3 hours a week
2. Go for a week without single-use plastics
In October the European Parliament announced plans for a ban on single-use plastics – stuff you’ll only use once, like plastic bags and straws – by 2021, following countries like Kenya and Rwanda. This blog has 100 great tips on how to live without or live with less plastic.
Time: 5 hours a week
3. Share your feedback with the UN on the SDGs
We’re now four years into the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – and it’s time for member countries to report on progress. Share your ICS experience with the UN and get in touch with your ICS country office to see if they’re looking for input into their Voluntary National Review.
Time: 30 minutes
4. Carry out a random act of kindness
In a world that can often feel like it’s becoming more self-centred, random acts of kindness can go a long way to making a big difference to the planet – and to other people’s day. Resolve to give more praise or write handwritten letters to friends and family. There’s loads more ideas here.
Time: 1 hour a week
5. Speak to the press about your time on ICS
Champion the impact of UK Aid and youth volunteering – by telling your local paper about your time on placement. Fill out our quick, five minute form – then copy and paste the press release we create and send this to your local newspaper for them to publish.
Time: 5 minutes
6. Give your CV a makeover
Looking to get into your first role in international development or charity but don’t know where to begin? Or looking to move up the ladder? Restless Development have some great feedback in this blog on how to make sure your CV will get you the jobs you’re applying for.
Time: 1 day
7. Become a blood donor
Hospitals need a regular supply of the eight main blood groups. More than half of the world’s population belong to O or A blood types – but rarer groups are always needed. Last year, Facebook launched a feature for you to find local blood donation groups and sign up online.
Time: 30 minutes
8. Give Veganuary a go
Whatever your opinions on meat, stopping your consumption for a month can improve the health of your body, your wallet, and the planet. Whether committing to January or just want to do the occasional meal, Veganuary’s site has loads of tasty recipes to try out.
Time: 1 month
9. Join (or start!) your own alumni network
Last year we launched our National Youth Engagement Networks – countrywide groups of ICS alumni keen to still create change. In 2019, these groups will run in Tanzania, Nepal, Bangladesh and the UK – with more countries to follow later this year. Find out more here.
Time: 30 minutes
10. Keep your local area tidy
Hate rubbish? Love your community? ICS volunteers across the world have tackled waste issues with clean-ups in their local area. Get a team of volunteers together, pick an area and record the results and take photos of your work! There’s more tips here on how to do it.
Time: 1 day
11. Visit your host family and local partners
In 2019, why not reconnect with your host family or the local partners you worked with while on ICS. We’re always interested to hear how volunteers have continued to build on the relationships they formed while on placement. But before you go, speak to your country office!
Time: 1 day
12. Contact your local politician
Get in touch with your local politician about an issue that matters to you. Whether that’s making your views about youth unemployment or corruption heard – your politicians are paid and employed to represent you. Find out who they are and reach out to their office.
Time: 30 minutes
13. Offset your carbon emissions
Thinking more about your carbon footprint? Carbon offsetting means compensating for your CO2 emissions by paying or taking actions to reduce the equivalent amount in the atmosphere – such as by planting trees. Six trees need to be planted to offset a tonne of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Time: 1 hour
14. Sign a petition
Clicktivism might feel small, but petitions have made big change. From mobilising millions in the wake of disasters to making historic environmental progress with the Paris Climate Agreement, showing your support online can change things offline. See what’s trending – and start your own.
Time: 15 minutes
15. Spread the world about the SDGs
Tell your local community about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, how you helped work towards achieving them through ICS, and why they should care too. Get in touch with your ICS country office to tell them how you’re talking to schools and community organisations about ICS.
Time: 1 hour
16. Stop wasting food
Around a third of the world’s food is wasted. This year, resolve to save some money and help the planet by planning and eating better. This handy guide has some good tips – including keeping a tally or taking photos of what’s left inside your fridge and avoiding shopping when you’re hungry!
Time: 2 hours a week
17. Celebrate Fairtrade in their fortnight of activism
Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from 25 February to 10 March. This year, the event, which focuses on cocoa, is looking at the crash in prices that has affected West African farmers. Host your own events and awareness of Fairtrade at work and in your local area.
Time: 2 hours
18. Get back in touch with your ICS team
Why not organise a reunion, get back in touch with your counterpart or organise a cross-country campaign? Now’s a great time to see where everyone is working and use your contacts to help each other. And sign up to our newsletter to hear about what events we have coming up.
Time: 30 minutes
19. Skill up
Join one of FutureLearn’s free, online, month-long courses on international development and global politics, taught by world-leading lecturers and gain skills and training that you can include on your CV and in future applications. Browse what’s on offer.
Time: 1 month
Six things ICS staff around the world pledge to do in 2019
