There are many kinds of inequalities in this world, and the desire to straighten up what’s not right has prompted people to create all sorts of initiatives facilitating change. One such initiative is called The Sustainable Development Goals, which originated from the United Nations Conference that took place in Rio de Janeiro back in 2012. These goals were created and agreed upon with the objective of building a more sustainable future for everyone. These goals tackle different challenges that humanity is facing: hunger and poverty, education and gender equality, climate change, and human rights, just to mention a few.
This wish to reduce inequalities or subscribe to a sustainable future is shared by ARMY, who have consistently contributed to charitable causes and followed BTS’s example by being the good force they themselves want to see present in the world. While there has never been an explicit intention within the fandom to contribute to these particular goals, ARMY’s positive actions throughout the years have definitely assisted in making them a reality.
Image credit: institute of Entrepreneurship Development
The Goals
Sustainable Development Goals cater to both people and their environment, a theme that is a staple of BTS’ music as well. ARMY, too, contributes to both the lives of others and their surroundings in an effort to spread positivity.
One In An ARMY (OIAA) is one of the largest ARMY-run organizations that works to connect ARMYs to charities and other organizations dedicated to these causes. It is common practice for the fandom to donate in celebration of the members’ birthdays, BTS’ anniversary, and even monthly campaigns. These contributions are often related to particular details of the members’ lives, such as RM’s love for nature.
Particularly concentrated areas include health, education, world hunger, and environmental causes. On several occasions, animals and trees alike have been adopted by ARMY in order to preserve endangered species.
For instance, in honor of BTS’s 7th anniversary this year, OIAA contributed to “Goal 2: Zero Hunger” in collaboration with The Global Food Banking Network. Nearly $8,000 was raised, which could provide about 42,000 meals to food banks around the world. In addition to this, six other programs were run to match the number of years BTS has been in the industry — seven. As a follow-up, there was a Freerice challenge; Freerice is an ad-supported website/app that allows you to play games to earn grains of rice for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). It is also an excellent example of donations that do not require money — you can still play a game and help feed someone in need!
Other goals have been supported to a lesser extent but not with less enthusiasm. One example is this year’s birthday campaign for Jimin, organized by OIAA in benefit of Free the Girls. This organization supports and empowers women rescued from sex trafficking, which contributes to “Goal 5: Gender Equality.” Back in 2018, another initiative contributed to “Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.” This was one of OIAA’s first campaigns, and it raised $3,412 for Thirst Relief, which could provide 34 BioSand water filters for safe, drinkable water generation. One more campaign was made possible by the partnership of various fanbases with OIAA to celebrate Jin’s birthday in 2018. This time, the beneficiary was The Purple Community Fund, an organization that, among other things, provides families and communities in poverty with skills training, which improves their ability to earn a reliable income. Therefore, this campaign had a positive impact consistent with “Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.”
While many of the causes mentioned here come from the same source, it’s important to acknowledge that countless BTS fan bases around the world, as well as individuals, also carry out their own initiatives to contribute to reducing inequalities. Such efforts can be seen on the ARMY Charity Projects Map compiled by OIAA. It’s said that an image can tell more than a thousand words — that’s true for this map as well.
Image credit: One In An Army
Get Involved
Getting involved is simple, and the reward does not end with just a good feeling. By helping someone, ARMYs have likely changed someone’s life for the better. It is truly worth every penny and every minute.
In this blog, there are several links that can lead you to organizations contributing to Sustainable Development Goals. If you wish to find more, One in An ARMY is an excellent source to find all kinds of similar campaigns — authentic ones, at that.
When or if unable to donate, a difference can still be made by sharing such projects, spreading the word, and, as aforementioned, taking part in initiatives such as Freerice. Simply giving away belongings that are in good condition but of no use to you can make just as much of an impact as donating money.
Each and everyone can contribute, even if only a little, towards making the world a better place and closing the gap between standards of living. After all, the Earth is a home for each and every one of us and, from that perspective, we are all connected to each other in one way or another. Thus, every life counts, and every effort matters!
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Written By: Rebeca & Wayna
Edit By: Esma
Checked By: Vera