“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela

What is Nelson Mandela Day
The message behind Mandela Day is simple – each individual has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better. Each person gives 67 minutes of their time.
Mr. Mandela spent 67 years in prison to make the world a better place. You give 67 minutes of your time in return.

Nelson Mandela Day is a call to action. Each of us can celebrate this day by helping to address real problems in our communities. Together we can give great meaning to our celebration by paving the way for a better future.

How did Nelson Mandela Day originate
Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July, 2009 via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly.

It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now”.

It is more than a celebration of Madiba’s life and legacy. It is a global movement to honour his life’s work and act to change the world for the better.

What is required of ME
If each one of us heeded the call to simply do good every day, we would be living Nelson Mandela’s legacy and helping to build a country of our dreams.

The baton of leadership has been handed over to us. It is in our hands now to make a positive difference.

2014 is particularly symbolic as we work to honour a great statesman and make every day a Mandela Day as we mark South Africa’s 20 years of democratic freedom.

Guidelines for Your 67 Minutes on Mandela Day

• Use your resources and talents (entrepreneurs offer mentoring, tutor and teach skill, building or handiwork, read a story at a crèche or arrange a tea at an old age home)
• Choose something you are passionate about (animals, children, sport, environment)

Start small – don’t try to change the world (Do something that will change one person’s world, if even for only a day)

• Make it fun – you will find the experience as rewarding than the recipients
• Lead the way, involve others – encourage your children or if you a child then your parents, work colleagues, book club, sports team
• Don’t make excuses – Too busy or no time to take part the give a financial contribution equivalent to 67 minutes of your time is just as beneficial.

More Information on www.awesomesa.co.za and www.togethersa.co.za

This post was shared on the SMILE 90.4fm Thursday breakfast show with Bobby Brown and Tracey Lange. For more weekly Awesome discussion tune into SMILE 90.4fm every Thursday morning at 7.10am. or listen live via live streaming.