Today, December 20, marks the International Day of Solidarity 2021. It is a time to recognize the need, importance and value of helping, without expecting to receive anything in return.
As this article explains, “solidarity is the circumstantial support or adherence to a cause or the interest of others, for example, in difficult situations.” It is a mutual collaboration between two or more people, a human value that has made it possible to overcome some of the most complicated historical moments. Solidarity can be understood as a system of support, help or backing for those who need it most.
The origin of this date
Solidarity is one of the fundamental and universal values on which human beings’ relations in the 21st century should be based. Several experts have established that promoting a culture of solidarity and a spirit of sharing is important in the fight against poverty. For this reason, the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim December 20 of each year as International Human Solidarity Day, in its 60/209 on December 22, 2005.
From United Nations Guatemala, they explain that the celebration of this day came after world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The ultimate aim of these goals is to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure dignity for all.
In the current historical moment, favored by the current pandemic, inequality between countries has been on the rise. Therefore, as explained in Antena 3 Noticias, human solidarity becomes a crucial concept in the fight against poverty.
What can I do as an individual today?
Solidarity can also encourage activities that increase your well-being. It should be included in spiritual self care, since helping those who need it most can nourish our soul, our deepest self. How can I be supportive?
- Within your means, help; every small action can make a big change. In the case of solidarity, unity is strength. Is there someone in your own environment whom you can support in some way?
- Do you volunteer for a cause that is aligned with your values? Maybe it’s a good time to find out about it if you don’t already. Some of your time can make a difference for others.
- This article from Action Aid also explains why not show solidarity in favor of the environment and future generations. Responsible consumption is another example of solidarity that you can bring to your daily life. How to do it? You can bring the three Rs rule to your routine: reuse, recycle and reduce.
- Donate what you don’t need. It is likely that you have some object or garment at home that someone else can use. If you haven’t used it for a while, donate it!
- One of the objectives of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of solidarity and encourage discussion on ways to promote it. If you come across an article about it, simply sharing can support the cause.
The Value of Solidarity at Wemby
Wemby is a certified Social Enterprise. If you choose to partner with us, you are not only helping improve the mental well-being of your team, but you are also helping us give vulnerable people access to mental health support.
For every session that an employee has through Wemby, we put aside a percentage of our earnings to free services offered to disadvantaged people.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Laura Lillo, a forensic and clinical psychologist. I strongly believe that psychology services should be accessible to all. I’ve worked in prisons and with kids with risks of social exclusion. This has taught me the importance of constant learning and improvement as a person and as a therapist.
If I’m not cooking, drawing or singing, the most likely scenario is that I’m playing board games. Right now, I’m busy learning and writing content for Wemby, an online psychology platform. During my weekends I’m Game Master in Exit Madrid, a escape rooms company.
