(BPT) - Celebrated on December 20 every year, International Human Solidarity Day is a time for communities around the world to come together and celebrate the universal values that unite all people irrespective of culture, color or creed.
This holiday season, when making new connections or renewing cherished bonds, why not share the spirit of solidarity with as many people as you can, and help make the world a better place.
1. Learn About Other Cultures. Take every opportunity that comes your way to learn about the beautiful differences of humanity's many cultures and feel how connected all of us really are.
Visit a Museum. What better venue than a museum to appreciate the diversity and beauty of human endeavor? Whether the focus is art and culture, history, science or fashion, the exhibits on display can broaden your perspective and make you feel connected to others through a shared and rich history. Next time you pay a visit, try to imagine the emotions, concerns and desires of the people behind the innovations and artifacts you see, and take a moment to realize that they are no different than the ones that all humans experience regardless of who they are or where they are from.
Broaden Your Horizon with Art. Through the medium of art, we can learn about the poignant and moving stories of people from all around the globe. And thanks to the magic of technology, we can now do so effortlessly in the comfort of our own homes. Watching a movie or documentary online about a culture you're unfamiliar with can help you explore and understand how others live - without even having to leave the couch.
An artistic collaboration between creators from various cultures can provide both an educational and entertaining experience - such as LG Electronics' uplifting Life's Good Film. Helmed by up-and-coming director Jackson Tisi, the film showcases the exquisite differences of the world's natural environments, cities and people, using footage submitted by young filmmakers from a total of 33 countries. A masterful meditation on how what separates us also unites us, the 20-minute short film will be screened at the Arpa International Film Festival, Creation International Film Festival, and the Oregon Documentary Film Festival in the coming weeks.
2. Start the Conversation. The more people know about International Human Solidarity Day, the bigger its impact will be - so take a proactive approach to spread awareness and promote the importance of international solidarity through your words and actions this December 20, and beyond.
Raise Your Voice. Speak up about an issue that requires attention and action from the global community, such as diversity and inclusion, child hunger or environmental protection. Be open and honest about your views and share your own personal stories to reach out and truly make a difference. If you're starting off the conversation on social media, use the hashtag #humansolidarityday2021 to spread the word and draw others to the cause.
Create Shared Experiences. It doesn't always take a big, important imperative to gather people around - sometimes, having fun is enough for the job. In this day and age, social media platforms connect us to people all over the world, allowing us to enjoy shared interests and to create mutual experiences. Young talents around the world gathered in the virtual platform of LG's Life's Good Music Project, firmly connected by their mutual love for music. Their talents were ultimately combined to produce an uplifting song that is all about holding hope for a better future. Dancers were called onto the stage as well, with LG's #lifeisgooddance TikTok challenge, which featured the cheery Life's Good song - the perfect tune to tap your feet to.
3. Be the Difference. There are global entities working at the highest level to tackle worldwide crises, including poverty and climate change. Stand in solidarity with them by doing what you can as an individual to make a positive difference.
Give to International Aid. For nations whose citizens are living in extreme poverty, international aid can provide critical support and resources to help move the needle in the right direction. Play your part by making a donation to an organization that's dedicated to getting help to those who need it. It doesn't have to be a financial donation either - many global non-profits have volunteer programs that allow you to get more directly involved in the task of effecting change.
Be a Green Citizen. Fight back against climate change by adopting a greener lifestyle. By following environmental activists and sustainability gurus online, you'll be able to pick up a range of green-living tips that you can easily incorporate into your daily life. Influencer Immy Lucas, a goldmine of sustainable life hacks, joined with LG to share her knowledge in a short film called Life's Good: Environment. The film not only introduces easy ways to live more harmoniously with nature, such as growing your own herbs and vegetables, but also shows the importance of community and coming together in the name of something bigger than ourselves.