undefined undefined 16 Things You Can Do to Be a Humanitarian

If you have ever felt absolutely overwhelmed at the level of suffering and difficulty in the world, you are not alone. The unrelenting news of disasters can make any of us feel powerless to influence issues that are complicated and often far away. But the gospel teaches we are agents to act and that as disciples of Jesus, we have access to the power of God. I spoke in general conference this weekend about how each of us can be a humanitarian, and I’ve shared below 16 things you can do. Each of these suggestions is simple, but I believe the little drops of good each of us contributes add up over time to truly change the world.

Fast and give a generous fast offering. There is untold power in a person of covenant fasting for something they want to bring to pass. The promise to those who fast is: “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am” (Isaiah 58:9).

Volunteer regularly. Most agencies are happy for one-time service, but they crave regular, consistent volunteers they can count on to build relationships with clients. Read with children at school, drive seniors to appointments, translate for medical appointments, mentor a refugee family—the options are almost endless. JustServe.org is a good source to find opportunities.

Focus on the rising generation. Learn children’s names. Have a special friend or two in the Primary. Find out what they are passionate about, and help them with their dreams and desires. This is sustainable development at its most basic.

Talk to your municipal leaders. What are their local priorities? What help do they need? How can you contribute and involve others? Again, consider posting a project on JustServe.org and inviting others to help.

Ministering. Whether assigned or unassigned, ministering is the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the litmus test for any humanitarian—do you minister? Help people with their problems. Let them feel your sincere interest and love.

Pray for the improvement of circumstances you hear about on the news. There are many people and places we cannot reach, but we can always pray and use our faith to call down blessings from the Lord. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous [person] availeth much” (James 5:16).

Reach out to other faiths and congregations, and build relationships. Do a service project in the community with people of another faith. Celebrate a holiday together. Help them with one of their congregational priorities.

Serve a mission or support a missionary. “And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:88).

Learn a skill, teach a skill. This simple action bonds us to each other in ways that can last decades. It’s the humanitarian superpower. Sports, trampoline tricks, chocolate mousse, scriptures, history, gardening, science, rock collecting, making jam, wood turning, home repairs, ministering, raising chickens, quilting, family history, dancing, cursive—anything at all will do. And don’t be afraid to learn something new yourself!

Think of emergency preparedness beyond food storage. What could your family or neighborhood do to be proactive? Learn the lessons of earlier disasters and how to be flexible and prepared.

Ask the bishop, Relief Society president, or elders quorum president who might need some special, unassigned attention and care. Offer your service: “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Donate to the Church’s humanitarian fund. And follow Latter-day Saint Charities on social media to see how donations are used.

Reach out with friendship and understanding to someone who is not attending church right now. Find things in common even if you don’t agree on religious topics.

Make things accessible for everyone. Look for ways to make the ward, the neighborhood, and your community more accessible for everyone. Invite others to join you, and act together.

Learn more about nutrition. Being overweight, being underweight, and not getting enough vitamins and nutrients all bring their own challenges. How could family dinners, school lunch, food bank donations, and treats be made more nutritious and healthy? Share with your family, class, friends, quorum, or Relief Society.

Pray for God to send you to someone who needs you. Every day.

I invite you to join millions of other friends in the world who, like the Savior, go about quietly doing good. I promise you will feel more empathy, love, and hope, and you will have evidence that the world is still good. And best of all, you will be making peace by following the Prince of Peace.


Sharon Eubank
First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
3 Oct 2021 | 3 min read
Sharon Eubank is the first counselor in the general presidency of the Relief Society, the Church’s organization for its six million female members ages 18 and over.

Comments

31
Grace J.
10 Oct 2022
Thank you Sister Eubank. This is a very empowering list of where we can personally make a difference in our own communities.
Don H.
2 May 2022
@Jacob A. You are correct. It is Christlike charity. However, I believe that the church has chosen to call it "humanitarian aid" to appeal more to people from other backgrounds (of other religions or no religion). Appealing to their humanity can be an easy way to find common ground. Additionally, the church wouldn't be able to work in certain areas of the world under a blatant banner of "Christianity". Many regions anti-christian sentiments might be unwilling to work with or accept help from "Christians".
Jacob A.
24 Oct 2021
I have a problem with the labeling of this kind of service. It is not "humanitarian", it is Christian. We serve as representatives of Christ, not as emissaries of "humanity". Humanity is necessarily fallen, but Christ is all that is good in the world. Stop calling it humanitarian. It is Charity, the pure love of Christ.
Keke E.
23 Oct 2021
So uplifting.will help me more as a serving bishop to make the ward more accessible and accommodating to all members and visitors.Also help us see various ways to participate in humanitarian activities. Uyo, Nigeria
Samuel B.
23 Oct 2021
Mosiah 2:17. I feel the Holy Ghost as I read this list.
Leo J.
23 Oct 2021
Sister Eubank what a simple list of things to do, that can greatly impact others lives. As you oversee LDS Charities and see first hand the needs of others here and abroad, yours truly are 'words of wisdom'. Percentage wise I believe that very few in the church know that 'Just Serve' is under the direction of LDS Charities. What a great partnership this can be. Living in southern New Mexico, and being a Stake Just Serve Coordinator for a little more than 5 years, I can testify that doing the Lord's work changes hearts and minds. We participated in the 2018 - 2019 Asylum seeker surge at the border. Members and friends who thought the gist of surge was 'political' had their hearts and minds changed as they decided to 'see for themselves' these immigrants first hand. The experience softened hearts and opened minds - and they came to realize that these 'people' were sons and daughters of Heavenly Father. Our participation with Afghan evacuees is different - but we stand ready and willing to serve our brothers and sisters no matter their place of origin. Thank you for all you do! What a great example we have in you, and the true charity that you extend to all you meet. Leo Cleat
Kendy K.
19 Oct 2021
Dear Sr. Eubank, Would you be interested in sharing thoughts on serving when one is living with a high-functioning autism condition, social anxiety, and/or depression? When one has these issues, personal interaction with others is very draining. I am trying to understand how to obey the teachings to serve and love others in the face of these disorders. I know the Holy Ghost is key. But I would appreciate some concrete suggestions as in the 16 you have given for the general population. I really want to help others and grow in love for them. Thank you for ALL that you do to help and serve so many.
Kaitlyn W.
18 Oct 2021
"As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together, the blessings of God on our labors we'll seek, we'll build up His kingdom with earnest endeavor, we'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak". This is our purpose, to serve and lift all those around us! We can do so much good! I am a Service Missionary and as my focus has been on helping others, I have been greatly blessed!
Everly E.
18 Oct 2021
Thanks Nice one , it's is good to contribute to humanity.
David T.
17 Oct 2021
Responding to Maria M., who asked if the majority of funds are used for their intended purpose. The following is from the LDS Humanitarian Services web site: "100% of every dollar donated is used to help those in need—without regard to race, religion, or ethnic origin." Here's the website: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services