Every year on Nelson Mandela International Day, we are invited to devote 67 minutes to helping others. The number 67 marks the 67 years that Madiba spent as a public servant.
This year, there are two ways for you to get involved alongside other United Nations colleagues:
- Group public service project – gardening and plastic pick-up on Randall’s Island
The event will feature volunteer activities such as weeding, planting and pruning; and picking up plastic trash along the water edge on Randall’s Island.
The activity is organized by the UN Department of Global Communications, the Office of the President of the UN General Assembly, the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the UN, NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs and Randall’s Park Alliance.
Date: Friday, 18 July 2025
Time: 2:30PM – 5PM
Transport: We will be using public transport. Tentative meeting point is outside of the 42nd Street UNHQ entrance at 1:00PM that day (possibly a little later if the Mandela Day ceremony runs late).
We will be using the MTA subway and buses.
What to bring:
- Mandela t-shirts if you have them (no new shirts this year). If you don’t have a Mandela t-shirt, please wear a black t-shirt.
- Closed-toed shoes are required.
- A hat and long pants are suggested.
- Gloves and tools will be provided. Sun Block and Insect Repellent are also available.
- Please bring a full water bottle for yourself!
Should I bring my laptop? Please don’t. There is no storage for your bags so please try not to bring too many personal valuables.
Will if I have to…? Restrooms will be available.
I’m in. Where do I sign? To confirm your participation and register as a volunteer, please fill out this form by 11 July 2025: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoImWBAHmqun6jdqCiPHdS3vuklo-tfP4By-W_POKUCrHziQ/viewform
- Individual service projects tracked on the ActNow app
Join the ActNow x Mandela Day challenge – to take care of our planet and each other. By changing our habits and making choices that have less harmful effects on the environment, we can tackle the climate emergency and build a more sustainable world.
The Act Now Team encourages all of us to change our daily habits in the spirit of Madiba.
You may register as an individual or create a team on the ActNow app.
Once registered, it is up to you and your team members to log your actions on the app. The number of actions will be tallied up and will showcase how individual and team actions can make a difference.
Nelson Mandela Day Trello board: Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July) | Trello
Hashtag: #MandelaDay
