Embracing the spirit of meaningful volunteerism

Raising funds is often in the spotlight in the world of giving and making a difference. Nonprofits and organizations work tirelessly to gather the resources needed to support their missions and projects. While fundraising is essential, something even more potent is often overlooked: the passion for advocacy and spreading awareness.

At our school, we think of it as the "Three Ts" - Time, Talent, and Treasure. Everyone, including our youngest students, can get involved and make a positive impact.

Advocacy is the heartbeat of making the world a better place. It's about people or groups championing a cause they care deeply about. Advocates have a long history of challenging systems that oppress, advocating for issues like civil rights, gender equality, and environmental protection. Their work is driven by a sense of urgency and a desire to bring compassion and empathy to the forefront. It's a force that compels governments, corporations, and institutions to listen and take action.

We're all about service learning, which is a vital part of our students' growth, confidence, and leadership development. Through local and international projects, we show our Walden scholars how our beliefs are at the heart of everything we do.

One such project is our involvement with Oakville’s Lighthouse For Grieving Children & Families. Our art teacher, Barbara Hewitt, organized students to create artwork that demonstrates support for the people who benefit from the resources offered by Lighthouse. I invite you to learn how Walden’s kids shine a light on children’s grief by watching this brief video.

One remarkable aspect of advocacy is its ability to give a voice to those who may not be heard. It's like a megaphone for marginalized communities, empowering them to demand justice, equality, and fairness. Think of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement; their work was about more than just raising funds – it was about igniting a collective spirit that led to transformative change.

On the other hand, creating awareness is about educating and enlightening the public on important issues. This can take many forms, from public speaking to social media campaigns, art, and storytelling. Raising awareness is crucial because people need to know about a cause to support it. It's often the first step in any mission to create social change.

In today's digital age, spreading awareness is easier than ever. Social media platforms have opened up new opportunities for grassroots movements to reach global audiences quickly. Just look at the incredible climate change movement led by inspiring activists. They mobilized millions of young people worldwide, urging governments and corporations to take meaningful steps to combat climate change.

And don't forget raising awareness can shift public opinion and change societal norms. Recent years have seen remarkable shifts in public attitudes toward many complex issues, largely thanks to awareness campaigns that challenged stereotypes and stigma. These campaigns have made our societies more inclusive and accepting, demonstrating how awareness can lead to long-term social change.

While fundraising is crucial for keeping nonprofit organizations running and supporting social programs, advocacy and awareness form a powerful wave of support. They inspire individuals, foundations, and corporations to invest in the causes they believe in.

At Walden, we're all about embracing the spirit of meaningful, gentle, and compassionate advocacy. Our students learn and take these valuable lessons back to their families, neighbourhoods, and the broader communities where we all live.

They are making a positive impact, and we proudly say they are good people.