Offering gifts of service

Description

Offering gifts of service involves providing practical assistance, skills, or time to individuals or communities in need, without expectation of material reward. This strategy directly addresses unmet needs, alleviates burdens, and fosters social cohesion by mobilizing available human resources. By matching specific services to identified problems—such as caregiving, repairs, or education—it delivers immediate, tangible benefits, strengthens support networks, and empowers recipients to overcome challenges more effectively.

Implementation

Gifts proposed to the 1999 Parliament of the World's Religions give expression to one or more of the following aims and are consistent with each: (1) to embody the highest human aspirations for meaning and purpose in life; (2) to alleviate suffering; (3) to assist in the pursuit of justice peace and the humane treatment of all human beings; (4) to nurture harmony with the Earth; and (5) to foster respect and mutuality between diverse peoples, cultures and religions.

Claim

In spite of the progress made through ambitious endeavours and noble institutions, the fate of the world continues to rest on gifts of service, now more than ever.