The Thread of It All
Subscribe
Cover photo

How to Help in a Helpless Time

Karla Welch

Feb 25
2

Ukraine is really bad. It’s really scary. We all know that.

The craziest part is, we know history. War isn’t a new thing. Part of the shock is that… there are so many other things the world should be focused on. Finding new solutions to climate change. Getting over this virus.

It’s easy to feel helpless. We shouldn’t have war. True great leaders, do not go to war. I mean, no mother would ever go to war. We are totally at the mercy of these leaders, and these governments.

So what do we do, when there’s a war going on, on the other side of the world? How do we keep some hope?

Jane Goodall says we start small. She says yes - if we look at all the problems of the world, we will get depressed. The key is to focus on the people around you. “Act locally first,” she tells us. “See that you can make that difference. And when you see that you can make a difference, you will want to do more.”

We need to engage with the people around us. Give our time and resources to the most vulnerable. Build friendship with our neighbors. It sounds simple, but in today’s day and age, one of the bravest things we can do is show our humanity.

And then, we just have to use our voice. There’s a reason Russian citizens went to the streets to oppose the war. They were showing us their humanity. Now we need to do the same for them.

We like to say we’re in a divisive age, but in so many ways, we’re more connected than ever. Finally, social media has a purpose. Use your apps to tell the world that you support the Ukrainians. Someone will see your post, and it will mean something to them.

Because here’s the deal. You and I are not going to change the mind of someone like Putin. You and I are not going to stop this war. But if we help the people around us, and we speak out against this violence, then we are actively contributing to the world we want to live in.

So that’s what I’m doing this weekend. I’m connecting with the people around me, and I’m using my voice. I would love for you to join me.

To end, here are some organizations I’m supporting on the ground in Ukraine.

  • Choose Love provides vital aid and services such as emergency medical care, food, shelter, legal support, support for the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health support.

  • United Help Ukraine gives food and medical supplies to displaced Ukrainians.

  • Revived Soldiers Ukraine gives medical aid to Ukrainian soldiers and provides resources for their families.

  • Vostok-SOS supports conflict-affected people and internally-displaced people.

  • Voices of Children provides psychological and psychosocial support to kids impacted by armed conflict.

x Karla

Subscribe for free to The Thread of It All
By subscribing, you agree to share your email address with Karla Welch to receive their original content, including promotions. Unsubscribe at any time. Meta will also use your information subject to the Bulletin Terms and Policies
2

More from The Thread of It All
See all

The Unacceptable Must Never Be Acceptable

19 students dead. Two teachers.
May 25
1
1

Recharge Your Batteries

Dear reader,
May 20
1

How To Break Into Styling

A lot of people ask me how to break into styling. My answer, dear reader, is always the same. If you really want to work in fashion, then you should get a job as an assistant.
May 12
1
2
Comments
Log in with Facebook to comment

2 Comments

  • Tracy Marsh Hoffman
    BRAVO. We all need to show up & show our humanity in all ways possible. Even the smallest gestures can & will have major impact. XO
    • 12w
  • Aodhan Sheahan
    Love your posts. Including this one. I like to think good fathers would not start wars either. That said, unfortunately, history is laden with women, queens, mothers who have instigated wars, attacked neighbours and even their own people. Men, kings, f…
    See more
    • 12w
Share quoteSelect how you’d like to share below
Share on Facebook
Share to Twitter
Send in Whatsapp
Share on Linkedin
Privacy  ·  Terms  ·  Cookies
© Meta 2022
Discover fresh voices. Tune into new conversations. Browse all publications