How Will You Find the Helpers When You Have to Help Yourself?

Shareable image from the PBS Parents website – www.pbs.org/parents/rogers

In times like these, there are always quotes and sayings that people turn to for hope and inspiration. In our social media era, a perfect 140 (or 280) -character quip or well-curated and filtered insta-quote can be a powerful tool for expressing solidarity and taking a stand. Some well-meaning celebs take their demonstration of allyship even further, with fully-produced sing-a-long videos. Thank You?

Among the popular social quotes gaining traction these days is the popular Fred Rogers quote about the importance of finding “the helpers.” Recently, a documentary dedicated to the late Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, gave viewers a glimpse into Rogers’ approach to television through his iconic show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. I may have wept on a plane while watching it.

According to Mr. Rogers, his mother told him to look for the helpers during times of tragedy as a sign of hope. On its surface, the quote feels like a way to help us all find hope when the world us feels chaotic. However, it’s important to remember that Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was intended for children around the age of five.

For adults and society at large, it’s important for us to be the helpers. And for some communities, that has meant advocating for systemic change to make sure help goes to those communities that are often left empty-handed.

In other words, black and brown communities have a long history of being their own helpers when help hasn’t come. And the response to the coronavirus pandemic has been no different. Time and again, there have been stories of black and brown people caring for their communities. Like, Christian Smalls, the Amazon worker who was fired because he organized workers at a Queens, New York warehouse to protest the unsafe work environment at the warehouse. Or South Carolina principal Brian Williams who asked to ride the school bus to deliver meals to students as they engage in distance learning. Or the countless unknown people looking out for their neighbors with a meal or a call.

So how can we actually be the helpers for communities with the most need, especially when the situation feels so big?

Donate to nonprofit organizations in your community with an established track record of connection to that community. Many are tempted to give to bigger nonprofits who are poised and ready (with enough funding) to launch a big media campaign and giving initiative. Research organizations in your community, close to the ground, that are helping the most vulnerable among us now. They will need the dollars. They will need the support. And they are positioned to get help to people who need it.

Connect with community leaders to see where help is truly needed. This can be a DM or email to a local councilmember or leader of your faith community. They may be aware of efforts to mobilize and support families in need or organizations in need.

Donate your time and expertise if you can. For the nonprofit community, we are navigating times of economic crisis on top of a health crisis, making it more difficult to help the communities we serve. If you’re able, check in with your fellow nonprofit leaders to see how they are doing. Set up virtual coffees to commiserate and share tips and ideas and support. Your counsel and shoulder can make a huge difference right now.

In our communities, we have never had the luxury of looking for helpers. Despite that, we have led movements while also taking care of each other. Anyone committed to social impact and justice work should look to do their part to change that.