By Estefanny Castro.
Stop for a moment and think about all the world events you have experienced in the last 10 years. Maybe, from your perspective, there could have been many or maybe not. We are navigating in a unique time that has been filled with pandemics, wars, and natural disasters. Where we experience everything in real time thanks to the media, which has a strong ability to amplify these messages in positive or negative ways.
It is easy to adopt the view that there is no progress and not much to do. Although global problems persist, we must look at the progress the world has made in protecting and improving human health, quality, and well-being in recent years.
Fighting malnutrition
In a speech entitled “The Hopeful Turnaround in Global Health” given by Benjamin T. Crookston to BYU students in July 2023, he states that, amidst all the global dilemmas we have faced, the world is making much more progress than people think. He expounded “During my relatively short life and through my work in global health and development, I have seen tremendous improvements around the world that are positively impacting lives. People, even in some of the most vulnerable locations in the world, are living longer and fuller lives.”
In his speech, Benjamin presented statistics of different global problems in the field of health, in which many populations have improved and overcome, decreasing mortality rates, and increasing the quality of life in the public health sector. An example of this is infant mortality.
Increasing the quality of life in infants
Benjamin exposed that in 1990 the number of child deaths worldwide has been reduced by more than 60%, from almost 13 million children per year to approximately 5 million in 2022. This is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) which stated: ‘The reduction in mortality of older children (5 to 9 years) was the largest since 1990 (61%), thanks to the decline in infectious diseases. Injuries (including road traffic injuries and drowning) are the leading causes of death among older children.”
Working together for social change
These improvements have been made possible by dedicated professionals, governmental efforts, politicians focused on community improvement, and the unparalleled help of men and women who contribute to the betterment of society.
To improve our society, you don’t just need the financial means, you need men and women who have the desire, ability, and capacity to bring about social change, focused on the betterment of those in vulnerable situations.
Benjamin T. Crookston shared 5 steps that will help you make a change:
1. Choose to love
“If one does not live for others, life is meaningless.”
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Love as the basis of human progress
Loving is the foundation of who we are as human beings; we have all, in some way, been impacted by acts of love from those who know us and care about our well-being.
Love is a verb, and the verb is an action. Benjamin T. Crookston shared a personal story about how love can change everything. Chloe, his daughter, with her unique condition, has faced significant challenges, such as not walking until age four and having cognitive and physical difficulties. Unlike the typical experience of other children, her birthdays have lacked the presence of neighborhood friends. Annually, however, Taylor, a young neighbor, knocks on her door with a gift, becoming her only friend present at these celebrations. These selfless gestures of kindness not only provide material gifts, but also represent a powerful reminder that beyond medical and technological solutions, the true gift that can be given to those facing difficult times is love and human connection.
Love is based on small actions, on stepping out of our comfort zone and opening our eyes to see those who need our love. It is very easy to love those who have been with us for a lifetime, but loving strangers is a challenge that, when taken on, will bring us happiness, purpose, and satisfaction.
2. Build on that love by choosing to understand
“Only he is capable of understanding everything
who is capable of loving everything.”
Gregorio Marañón
Serve with purpose
We cannot love without serving, and we cannot serve without first knowing the purpose for which we are serving. The interconnection between love and service is revealed in the realization that we cannot love fully without engaging in the act of serving, and to serve effectively, it is essential to know the purpose of our work. This principle is essential in building meaningful relationships and making a positive contribution to society. Before undertaking any altruistic action, it is crucial to discern the purpose behind our service, as this knowledge guides our actions toward a deeper and more meaningful impact. By understanding the purpose of our service, we not only give deeper meaning to our actions, but also cultivate a love that transcends superficial limitations, allowing us to address the needs of others with an authenticity that goes beyond mere generosity. Ultimately, the fusion of love, service and purpose becomes the basis for building stronger, more engaged relationships and communities.
3. Change yourself
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Inspiring through change
Change begins with us; if you want to see change, change yourself first.
Asking others to change or contribute to change is more credible when we ourselves have struggled and continue to struggle to be the best vision of ourselves. The example we set in our constant search for progress and improvement becomes an inspiring beacon and a significant influence on the transformation of those around us.
4. Choose to support
“I cannot change the world alone,
but I can throw a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Support non-profit organizations
Choosing to support organizations that are working hard every day to address critical global issues may seem easy, but it is very important to know who to support. Benjamin T. Crookston follows us 3 factors to consider:
• Find out the real achievements of their work.
It is important to analyze the results that organizations have had in the long term, this will allow you to see for sure the impacts that this organization has had and if they have delivered what they promised based on their values and mission.
• Make sure programs are based on research.
Organizations that are evidence-based are more likely to deliver more programs with real and lasting impact.
• Support organizations and initiatives that show a commitment to the community they serve.
Consistent and enduring projects over time will allow you to recognize their confidentiality and commitment. Benjamin T. Crookston states that projects that appear overnight and disappear the next day generate waves of consequences, often unintended.
5. Choose to participate locally first and then expand outward
“The most urgent and persistent question in life is:
What are you doing for others?”
Martin Luther King
Start serving your community
We can’t serve the masses if we don’t start with those around us.
Today, local communities have a variety of social programs, from soup kitchens to efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by abuse.
Service to others stands as a backbone in building a more caring society. By giving our time and effort in a selfless way, we contribute to the collective well-being. The willingness to donate is not only limited to financial resources; even donating time or knowledge can have a significant impact on the lives of those around us.
Change is in your hands
The time to create meaningful change is now. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect; instead, recognize your ability to make a difference. Use your knowledge, skills, talents, service, donations, and love to positively impact and transform the world around you. The revolution begins in the heart of everyone determined to make a meaningful contribution. Go ahead, change is in your hands!
View video of Benjamin Crookston’s entire talk:
Estefanny Castro is a public health student at BYU-Idaho, hailing from Colombia. Her passion and desire to make a positive impact on society are evident in her ongoing commitment to service and continuous improvement. She has devoted her time and skills to various non-profit organizations, where her dedication and hard work have left a significant mark. Currently, she serves actively in the organization “Bountiful Children,” playing a key role in submitting articles for the blog. Estefanny is known for her dedicated approach and a heartfelt desire to contribute to societal well-being through her knowledge and skills.
Thank you for this meaningful post, Estefanny. A great reminder for us all!