It is no surprise that Gen Z is the most exposed to social issues, due to the rise of social media. But does being more aware automatically result in an action being taken? I have noticed that yes, bringing awareness to certain issues has become easier, but due to this influx in new issues coming into light, the people are slowly becoming desensitized to issues that were once big and impactful–not that these societal problems aren’t impactful, but the effect they once had no longer compares to now. I have seen several social media posts, may it be online forums or videos posted online, bringing up the issue on constant animal abandonment in the Philippines, which is why it warmed my heart to find out about Davao Animal Rescue Volunteers, a non-profit organization which aims specifically to combat that specific issue. I’m a person who loves taking initiative, someone who likes giving without expecting anything in return. I like offering help to those in need even when it’s a huge inconvenience for me–which is why I hold initiatives like these so close to my heart. I see posts on their facebook page asking for support to help accommodate the animals in need, some even going viral. However, I feel as though awareness is no longer enough.

The bystander effect is what they call it. An individual who comes across DARV’s page will instantly want to help, but believing that everyone else will help as well, they view their own ability to help as useless or insignificant, causing them to not take action at all. And when every individual goes through the same thought process, no change happens. Taking action means more than, "I'll do it later”, or “someone else will probably do it”, for true change to really occur, it begins with every individual out there–including, and most especially me. I’m thankful that I am able to directly help our partnered organization, DARV, that I may serve directly to those in need, and I’ll be a bystander no longer.