Since I returned from Lesbos, I’ve spoken with many people and addressed various gatherings. I find it important — and meaningful — to share stories and reflect on what I’ve seen.
What I often encounter is a deep sense of despair and sadness in people about what’s happening. Whether I speak about the hellish conditions at the edges of Europe or small projects here in the Netherlands, the reaction is often: I didn’t know. Not that this is going on. Not how serious the problems are. But also not how many people care — and take action.
It’s like practicing the art of not becoming disheartened. Because despair leads to helplessness, which leads to apathy.
Where do you find hope, and what should we do to hold onto it?
I get asked this more and more, and the question seems to become more urgent each week.
There’s no standard answer.
But there are things I’ve learned that help:
- Look at what is happening. At all the people who are taking action. Wherever, however. There really are so many!
- Contribute financially to initiatives where there is immediate need. Now is the time. Donate to the last remaining community centers in Gaza, support organizations that strive to preserve humanity in the hell at Europe’s borders, back that tiny neighborhood initiative helping people no one sees. And trust them.
- Don’t drown in the big-picture, systemic issues that seem impossible to solve. That can make you feel powerless. Instead, look at now — there is something you can do today, even if it’s small. And small steps are always more than nothing.
- Stay informed. Even if the news overwhelms you. Even if it’s just on one topic close to your heart.
- Join those already doing something. That feels far less lonely. So many people have already started — help is needed everywhere. Even if you have little time, there’s always something you can contribute.
- Sign petitions. March. Join the Red Line in The Hague tomorrow and Straat op! in Amsterdam next week. It may not change the world overnight — but it will change your sense of hope and courage. You are not alone, and we show the world that we do care. Moral support can sometimes be more powerful than financial. People from Haella will be at both protests — don’t want to walk alone? Let us know, and we’ll create a meeting point.
- Take care of each other — and yourself. Share your grief and frustration, and share your hope. Again and again. You are not alone. Truly.