SDG #10 - Reduced Inequalities

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Hello you,

While we are going to talk about the 10th SDG - Reducing inequalities today, first I have to give you a heads up that I almost didn’t get this episode out to you in time this week and might not be able to in the coming weeks. I still intend to finish up the remaining Sustainable Development Goals but my wife has two pinched disks in her spine. She and I have also been working on a website and set of clothing/stickers/temporary tattoos that parents can buy to let anyone help find their child if they go missing. If you know anyone who would like to beta test this, please let me know. However, due to all of these things, I’ve had to take on pretty much all of the parenting duties and have had minimal time for other outside activities and can’t guarantee that this podcast will be showing up every week until my wife’s back is back in order (pun intended).

Anyway, between 2017 and 2022 the gap between the wealthiest and least wealthy within a country has increased along with the wealthier countries creating a bigger gap between the poorest countries of the world. On top of that about one in five people have experienced discrimination on at least one of the grounds prohibited under international human rights law, such as ethnicity, age, sex, disability, religion and sexual orientation. So let’s figure out some things you can do to have an effect on those issues. 

Mint Green Challenge: Use your purchasing power: Individuals can support businesses that prioritize reducing inequality by being conscious of the products and services they purchase. Look for companies that have a commitment to social and economic inclusion, and support local businesses that prioritize fair wages and practices.

Examples include:

• Ben & Jerry’s

• Lego

• Warby Parker

Shamrock Green Challenge: Educate yourself on privilege and bias: One of the most important steps individuals can take in promoting equality is to educate themselves on issues related to privilege and bias. This can involve reading books and articles on the topic, attending workshops or training sessions, and engaging in conversations with others about their experiences. I’ve linked to a few resources I’ve found really helpful through the years. 

• Article - ”White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Knapsack Peggy McIntosh

• Video - "How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion"  Peggy McIntosh at TEDxTimberlaneSchools

• Podcast - Scene on Radio - This is probably my favorite podcast of all time, Season 2 being the best, but seasons 3-5 also being quite good and impactful. 

Forest Green Challenge: Volunteer with organizations that promote social justice: you can support the 10th SDG by volunteering your time and resources with organizations that promote social justice and equality. This can include organizations that provide education and job training to underserved communities, support programs that address housing and food insecurity, or work to promote access to healthcare and other essential services.

The International Rescue Committee: This organization provides aid and assistance to refugees and displaced persons around the world. They offer a range of volunteer opportunities, including opportunities to help refugees adjust to life in the United States, mentor refugee youth, or provide legal assistance.

Habitat for Humanity: This non-profit organization works to address housing inequality by building affordable homes for low-income families. They offer volunteer opportunities for individuals with all levels of experience and skill. This is one I’ve been meaning to try and get my family to have a weekly volunteer night for a while and this would be my pick of places to do it, but between all of the things mentioned at the beginning of this episode, it hasn’t quite come to fruition yet.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America: This organization provides education, mentorship, and after-school programs for underserved youth in communities around the United States. They offer volunteer opportunities for individuals to mentor youth, lead after-school programs, or help with fundraising.

Feeding America: This organization works to address food insecurity by providing food and assistance to individuals and families in need. They offer volunteer opportunities for individuals to help sort and distribute food, as well as opportunities to participate in fundraising and advocacy efforts.

The NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization that works to promote social and economic justice for people of color in the United States. They offer volunteer opportunities for individuals to participate in advocacy efforts, voter registration drives, and community outreach programs

That’s it for this week. Until next time, be green and be seen.

Links from the episode:

• Article - ”White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Knapsack Peggy McIntosh

• Video - "How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion"  Peggy McIntosh at TEDxTimberlaneSchools

• Podcast - Scene on Radio - This is probably my favorite podcast of all time, Season 2 being the best, but seasons 3-5 also being quite good and impactful.