Between uncertainty and hope, collaboration

They say warriors are born when faced with battle. When we faced the challenges of these last two years, which were so great, we also came to know, as a third sector, our full dimension and capacity. We were warriors in courage and resilience to meet the demands!

Unemployment, hunger, and poverty rates increased. It became necessary to find new ways to meet the challenges ahead. The good news is that we discovered, in the midst of this great battle, that it is possible to move forward. The difficulties we experienced during the pandemic were also a source of learning, bringing opportunities to promote transformation.

At the end of 2020 and even into early 2021, we were filled with uncertainty about the present and the future. A new wave of Covid-19 was a certain threat, the number of hospitalizations and deaths was rising, and mass vaccination was a distant dream.

We've reached the end of this year with a hope that seemed impossible, with a large part of the population vaccinated, some even receiving their third dose. It was an unthinkable reality that became a reality thanks to the united efforts for this common good, along with strategically coordinated actions. 

It has been proven that when we do things collaboratively, we find solutions to challenges, whether local or global. The pandemic showed us what can be achieved when there is alignment of desires and purposes in the pursuit of common goals. 

We learned that we need to keep connected the people who understand the real needs with those who have the power to make the necessary changes. Uniting these two worlds ensures better use of public and private resources for the benefit of society, advancing plans to reduce inequalities. 

Thanks to our joint efforts, we are regaining a valuable asset: freedom. We have an election year in 2022, a period that usually brings uncertainty due to changes, but that doesn't mean we should be paralyzed. On the contrary: we need to work even harder defending democratic rights and social justice, continue to address environmental needs, improve education, and combat hunger, unemployment, and poverty.

Our country continues to face significant obstacles. We have grown through adversity and have observed a wide range of possibilities for work, training, and awareness. We have formed partnerships, connected with many peers, and gained a broader vision of the relevant work we can develop for the country in the areas in which we operate.

The third sector, as a collective, achieved fundamental gains, becoming more aware and with more engaged people. We all emerged stronger, with values ​​that became very clear: supporting others, leaving no one behind, and appreciating the richness of life. We moved forward with greater confidence, realizing that with awareness and leadership we can collaboratively promote the transformations our country truly needs.

May we continue to practice philanthropy in its essence in 2022, sharing love, so that we may have a new year full of good news!

This article was originally published on the website of the newspaper O Povo. 

Image Credit: Press Release/MBM