How Can You Help?
Wondering how you can give back and help spread awareness about Lupus, the mysterious disease, that affects millions? Below you will find various ways you can help causes that will cost you little to no money, just your time.
Donate:
First off, if you have the wherewithal to donate monetary funds (to your local Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) chapter or to the National leg of LFA), please do! If there is another local lupus organization or nonprofit that you support, share the wealth (if you can).
Volunteer Your Time:
Nonprofit organizations are known for supporting many as a part of their mission, while stretching resources which can ultimately result in cutting corners or the closing of their doors. Communities that rely on these nonprofit organizations don't want that. There is a way to help: Volunteer. Volunteers are vital to the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization. While donors play a crucial role, but volunteers become the face of the organization and a reflection of the community they serve. Volunteering your time helps nonprofits achieve their mission and meet goals set by the organization and community.
With the current COVID-19 situation, the idea of volunteering seems like a distant memory, but it doesn't have to be. A lot of organizations could use help online or with other tasks that could be completed from home. Not sure where to start? Think about a few organizations you may support or follow and start there. Look at your local Lupus Foundation of America chapter. Go to Volunteer Match and search for opportunities near you.
With the current COVID-19 situation, the idea of volunteering seems like a distant memory, but it doesn't have to be. A lot of organizations could use help online or with other tasks that could be completed from home. Not sure where to start? Think about a few organizations you may support or follow and start there. Look at your local Lupus Foundation of America chapter. Go to Volunteer Match and search for opportunities near you.
Advocate:
Have your voice heard! I understand that the idea of speaking up or out can seem daunting, but the only way to have change is to demand change. There is a large Lupus community that has your back when speaking up in support of lupus funding and advocacy. Don't fret!
How to be a Thoughtful and Successful Advocate for the Cause of your Choice post COMING SOON!
Get Creative:
Have a knack for creativity and some free time? Why don’t you create some type of art (picture, photograph, video, poem, writing, etc.) and share it to spread awareness about this mysterious and confusing disease that affects so many. Don’t forget to tag me and my appropriate social media channels (sol.lady_sayshii, s0langegarc1a) with the hashtag #LittleLivingLupie and #TheLikenessofLupus. Remember spreading the word about this disease is important because knowledge is power and that power is what helps us advocate for ourselves.
Share Share Share:
The most obvious way to help is right at our fingertips: social media. You can post and share information about causes that you support, so that all of your friends and family can see them, learn, and share. Then, the cycle continues. *cue "The Circle of Life"*
Start your own blog:
Are you a lupus warrior? A loved one of a lupus warrior? And you want to share your story? Try blogging! Your story could become a resource for someone you've never met. Your story is valuable!
Attend local nonprofit events:
Attending a nonprofit event, whether it's a fundraiser, rally, seminar or anything in between (virtual or in person, once we can...), can be an inexpensive way to show your support of an organization. Visit your local nonprofit of your choice's website or your local community page on social media to find out the "going-ons" of the town (or city or state or region or nation or world).
Just Be a Friend:
This suggestion is the best free option there is! People with lupus or other autoimmune diseases/invisible illnesses really need their family and friends to practice patience, consistency, and understanding. Lupus is a tricky disease and works wonders on our mental health. Major depression is present in approximately 25% of lupus patients, and major anxiety in 37% (NIH). Energy and mood will begin to change due to medications, as well as biological changes in the body. Also remember, life doesn't stop once a person is diagnosed. Things such as milestones and relationships will be affected and that can become difficult for some. Support is crucial to the well being of patients with autoimmune/invisible illnesses.
If you can think of any other ways to help spread awareness, please let me know!
If you have an event you'd like to share, please, let me know!
If you have an event you'd like to share, please, let me know!
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