Nelson Mandela International Day is a big day for the civil society community and the world of community service. It is a beautiful day that should be celebrated as it encourages coming together and giving time and resources to impact lives. The day does not only apply to civil society organisations but also individuals and companies. It is on one day a year but also encourages people to on everyday of their lives adopt a mind of service.
It is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010.
The day honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former President, and his values, through volunteering and community service. It is a celebration of our collective power to create a global movement for good and make a positive impact on the world.
Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.
The Mandela Day campaign message is:
- “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.”
- “We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity,” according to a statement issued on Mandela’s behalf.
It is important for us to continue to honour the day, keep the legacy alive and encourage generations to come to adopt the mentality encouraged by the campaign.
Now is the most important time for people to embrace the Nelson Mandela Day campaign and do whatever they can for their community. The past year has been the hardest for our nation. People have lost their jobs, their belongs and their loved ones. We need to be kind and give 67 minutes of our time to make a change in someones life.
Mandela Day will this year be on a Sunday. We would like to urge all individuals, organisations and companies to embrace the day, donate their resources and volunteer 67 minutes of their time to making an impact in the world.
It is our aim to create awareness for the day and the importance of volunteering time and resources to helping the world. Not only does the day encourage a life or service, it also impacts the lives of beneficiaries and creates a better world.
As part of our project we would like to invite all individuals, companies and organisations both believers and non-believers of Nelson Mandela Day to participate in our survey. Our survey aims to raise awareness and track people’s knowledge and participation.
Click here to participate in the survey.
