At Invisible Children, we operate on the belief that the world can be better than it is. Nelson Mandela is an incredible example of that conviction, and his work for human rights in South Africa makes him one of our heroes.
Today, we join the world in celebrating Mandela Day, a recognition and continuation of his legacy of justice and service. Mandela was born July 18, 1918; and in 2009, the United Nations made today an international day of service in his honor.
This year’s theme? Free yourself. Free others. Serve every day.
This movement is inspired by the profound words that Mandela shared near the end of his life: “It is time for new hands to life the burdens. It is in your hands now.” The #MandelaDay site urges everyone around the world to take 67 minutes, for Mandela’s 67 years of public service, and follow his example by volunteering in your own community.
We encourage you to take 67 minutes today and do something positive in your neighborhood or for people across the globe. We’ve got a few ideas: volunteer at a local food bank, clean up trash at a park, or host a fundraiser for Invisible Children or another nonprofit you believe in.
We believe that a life lived for others is the best kind of legacy. Mandela has not only made history as a great leader who helped end apartheid in South Africa, but as an international peacemaker who taught us what it means to live for justice.
In case you’re not inspired enough, we’ll leave you with a few of our favorite quotes by Mandela:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”
“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”
“I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.”
“I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.”
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