Awareness Campaigns
I have a problem with awareness campaigns for already well-known causes, even very “catchy” ones. They cost a lot of resources of all kinds, be they money, time or manpower, and that reduces the chance of something actually being done for the cause they’re trying to raise awareness about.
I think that, at least when it comes to the big issues, those who are going to care already do, and those who don’t right now won’t give a damn even after being “informed”, so it’s a complete waste. But even if some people would start caring, they’re very unlikely to actually do much of anything about it all of a sudden, so the simple fact that they care doesn’t do much for the cause. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who care but don’t really get involved. Making those who already care get (more) involved would be a much more worthy way to put those resources to use, don’t you think?
Maybe the next time an organization will think about what to do next to support a certain issue, they’ll think of providing their current supporters with the means to have an impact themselves instead of trying to come up with and broadcast an interesting ad in hopes of gaining more “empty” support. They should find ways for each to do something for the cause according to their own skills, resources and dedication.
Some can’t afford to donate, or are too shy to take part in public activities, or don’t have a way with words to write letters, or are too busy to allot a noticeable amount of time, or simply aren’t dedicated enough to follow a plan of action. Yet there must be something each can do to help, if only they would be given the opportunity. People are far more useful when given the opportunity to help while staying true to who and what they are instead of being forced into the patterns determined by others’ expectations of them.
Also, organizations should offer opportunities for all those who support the cause, including those who don’t endorse the organization itself! After all, it should all be about that cause, not about who’s in charge, so it doesn’t matter if those who wish to help follow your lead or not. Yes, all those who fight for a certain cause are united under one banner, but that banner is the cause’s banner and not any other. It’s simply an issue of not letting your ego get in the way, but many still have a lot of work to do when it comes to this.
