By Samay Jain
Unprecedented times need unprecedented efforts to overcome the challenge. It is, for this reason, a country of more than one billion needs to come together to sail through the COVID crisis in India. We need to help, support, donate and do whatever we can to help those who are in a greater need than us. But limited resources, pay cuts and the anxiety of economic slowdown is keeping a lot of people away from doing their bit. Here are five things you can do without breaking your budget.
Volunteer Your Skills
If you cannot donate the money you can always donate your skills and what you are good at. Many organisations and NGO’s are currently surviving on the efforts of volunteers. Government Tamil Nadu called for the techies, coder or developers to help in building technology solutions to combat the crisis. Government of India has rolled Self4Society initiative under which volunteers are needed to drive, health, communication, infrastructure, administrative efforts. You can also volunteer with technology companies like Ethereal Machines which are trying to escalate the production of essential medical products and equipment. The government has also called for retired and private doctors to volunteer with the public health system. Read here
Stop Scaremongering Start Care Mongering
There are hundreds and thousands of people who are in need for the essential items but are locked inside their houses. If you want to help and don’t know who, then turn up to this amazing page on Facebook that has created a community of care-mongers who are signing-up to help others by delivering essential items and helping them in peculiar situations. CareMongers India needs volunteers who are willing to connect with people and resolve their crisis. The location-based help mechanism ensures that everyone is able to find someone around them to assist them during a need.
Break the Chain of Fake News
Fake news and rumours create a roadblock for necessary communication. Wrong information can land many in trouble. From the fake news of the extension of lockdown to the homoeopathic and Ayurvedic cures of Coronavirus, these messages confuse people and motivate those who may not be literate enough to act in the wrong direction. As a fake news warrior who can break the chain and create awareness about the right information in your own circle. So, next time you get any such forwards hold for a second and do your bit to cross-check the information. Break the chain of these forwards and stop the spread of unwanted panic. Check this piece here to know how it can be done.
Help in Mobilising Help
You can volunteer with NGOs that are cooking on a mass scale to feed the needy. They need manpower for the groundwork. Covid19Alliance is trying to bridge the gap between people who need volunteers and volunteers who are keen to help. A group of NGOs need help in translating the COVID19 related information in Indian languages and dialects so that the awareness and information campaigns can reach remotest of remote areas in India.
The help is needed in every corner and all it takes to make the difference is your willingness to help.
