Giving Back Every Day

Each year when the holiday giving season arrives, we are reminded that every act of generosity counts. Every act of kindness is an action worth pursuing. And – doing good feels good, too.

But what if we treated this practice as a mindset – a way of seeing the world and interacting with it not just around the holidays, but on each and every day?

Our on-the-ground team in Indonesia provides water and care to confiscated songbirds, West Bali. Credit: DolphinProject.com

A mindset of giving back begins with paying attention. It’s when one asks: “Where did this dolphin come from?” when seeing an ad for a marine park or a swim-with-dolphins program. It’s the moment where one chooses an act of kindness and instead of supporting an attraction that exploits wildlife, helps to educate others on why the confinement of dolphins for profit should not be rewarded.

Dolphin Project has always believed that education = empowerment. But it also equals awareness. When one takes the time and care to make conscious choices and decisions (something captive dolphins can never do), it becomes more and more difficult to accept that which is wrong, or cruel. Thus, giving, or giving back often begins with small acts that have the transformative power to evolve into something much bigger.

Perhaps the most profound gift of all is that, in the midst of giving, we also give back to ourselves.

Confiscated dolphins Rocky and Rambo rehabilitating in the healing waters of the Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: Pepe Arcos

So, as we approach the year’s end, what if we each made an early resolution to engage in one daily act of giving, or giving back? It can be as small as:

• sharing a story about dolphins in the wild,
• choosing not to visit a facility that exploits marine life,
• taking 30 minutes to clean up trash in a local waterway,
• turning a personal challenge into a creative fundraiser,
• researching a topic of interest, then sharing this knowledge with others, or
• making a donation to Dolphin Project to help us continue our lifesaving work around the globe

Rescued macaque monkey receives critical medical care at our Primate Facility at the Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’re already aware that each thoughtful choice matters. The next step is simple: let’s take one action today and keep making a positive difference in the lives of those with whom we share this planet.

Featured image: Our Indonesian team is overjoyed when, after months of intensive rehabilitation, Lucky, an endangered green sea turtle is released back into open water, Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com