Urban Gives That Spread Kindness – Be Kind To Humankind Week

These urban gives will spread kindness. Why are urban gives important? With 68% of our worldwide population living in urban centers, giving is needed to help us sustain and maintain a quality of life in mega and large urban cities. (2018 Revision of the World Urbanization Prospects is published by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

Living in the city has its benefits and its challenges. People are rushing, roadways are jammed with traffic, so many people just put their heads down and do with little public contact with others. There is vertical living, lots of traffic and little neighbourly contact. Gone are the days of Jane Jacobs veranda that she stressed to be so important for happy, engaged urban living that is healthy for those living in the city.

Compared to rural residents, researchers have found that urbanites are 21 percent more likely to have anxiety disorders and 39 percent more likely to have mood disorders. A 2017 source also found that rates of the following mental health conditions were higher among those living in urban areas:

• PTSD
• anger management
• generalized anxiety disorder

This is why urban gives are extremely important! We can utilize some simple, easy urban gives to make sure we don’t fall into a state of poor mental health. Giving does help us keep a positive state mind, feel a part of our communities, and lets us lead by example so others fall suit. When we start giving others who witness our gives will start doing the same. When our friends and colleagues at school or work see how we manage our mental health by giving, they are going to want to do the same. But what is a urban give and how do I participate? Keep reading and find out. It is easier than you think!

Take Pleasure in Public Green Spaces – Urban Gives

This planet give can be done on your lunch break, on the weekend, or on your day off. Taking pleasure in the natural green spaces around you, is a planet give. It is a walk of gratitude that has you appreciate the green spaces in your city. Some cities have more green spaces than others. That is true, but finding that green space is part of the give!

Shop Local – Markets, Small Businesses & Street Vendors

The past two years have shown all ofus the importance of shopping local as global distribution routes have been fractured during the pandemic. Shop local, buy local and support our local artisans, farmers, and hobby farms that take great risks to do what they love. Small business owners need our support so think twice about your shopping habits the next time you venture out to buy necessities, presents or day to day needs.

Participate in Free Community Events – Urban Gives

Community events are a great way to show your support to your neighbours, businesses and those celebrating something that is important to them. Discover the cultural diversity in your city, or neighbourhood, learn about local holidays and historical events. Celebreate community accomplishments and public celebrations! Supporting our cities and those who live in them is a great give! All you have to do is show up and learn!

Walk, Bike or Take Public Transit

I think we all know that our planet is hitting a critical point. A large part of that problem is single car use, with cities jammed with traffic as people try to get around. Take your bike, walk or take public transit for your planet give! Every alternative to single car use supports our planet in a way it needs right now.

Volunteer in A Local Community Garden

Our cities need fresh food, our people need access to locally grown food. Volunteer at a local community garden to cultivate a urban growing mentality that can help our planet and our people. If you love to garden and want to participate in more ways, volunteer at a local flower garden, help to plant more trees in the city, or grow food. Take your pick or do all three, your volunteer efforts will make you feel great and others feel seen.

Our mental health is important. These urban gives will help create a happier, healthier you while being a positive example for others that giving in our city neighbourhood makes the world a better place. Imagine if our urban population gave simple, easy gives daily throughout the world. 68% of the world would be contributing to a happier world. Let this start with you! Join our 365give Challenge and start your urban giving habit!