RADA Inspired for April: Keep Calm and Serve On

Treat Others the Way You want to be Treated!

We all have our own struggles in life, that’s for sure, but sometimes we become so self-absorbed in our worldy chaos that we forget to be mindful of those around us. To recognise and smile at the people who pass us by on a daily basis, from the gardener who cuts the grass, to the check-in lady at the doctor’s office.

Kicking off the month of April, RADA will aim to change people’s attitudes towards those in public service, by shifting perspective and creating a better understanding of the daily lives and struggles of those who work in the service industry i.e. waiters, petrol attendants, domestic workers, cashiers, the police, nurses and everyone in public service.

This forms part of the RADA Inspire movement, launched in March this year as a means to inspire the nation through a simple shift in perspective.

The aim: to encourage the citizens of South Africa to inspire both themselves and others by marrying action with awareness, and making a difference in people’s lives one day at a time. It is based on the premise that one person can make a difference, and that when you change yourself, your energy resonates, creating a ripple effect of positive change. You don’t have to be exceptional. You don’t have to exert yourself beyond your means. In the end, all it takes is to do one small thing differently, empowering others with the belief that they may do the same.

The unprecedented ten-month social campaign kicked off with a look at road users, delving into the daily lives of taxi drivers, who are responsible for transporting the majority of the population.

While providing serious food for thought around public transportation in the country, RADA will now shift their focus to the service industry, addressing issues of respect and understanding for those who serve us in various areas of our lives.

Much like RADA Inspire Taxi Month, the aim is to encourage collective empathy (the idea of shared respect and understanding) among people. To highlight the importance of being mindful in our interaction with others, to take a step back and recognise people for who they are. To remember to show appreciation for services offered, so that we can change our behaviour and how we treat other people to something inherently more positive. It is often our disregard for others that leads to hostility and tension among people.

Over the course of service month, RADA will initiate various activations, showing their gratitude for those in the service industry, to hopefully inspire others to do the same, to generate mutual understanding and respect among persons.

RADA seeks to stimulate conversation through, you the media, and to reshape the ways in which we as a society behave towards others.

Top tips: 

• Acknowledge those in service by refering to them by name. If there is no nametag present, introduce yourself and ask them their name in return.
• Consciously ask people ‘how their day is going’ and do not always accept ‘fine’ as an answer.
• Encourage conversation and take the time to listen to the answer.
• Don’t offend or use obscene language.
• Don’t take things personally.
• Practice wisdom and understanding for others.
• Be tolerant and forgiving.
• Remember mishaps aren’t always the fault of the person in service, though they often bear the grunt of it.
• Spread positivity

Call to action:

Share your positive service industry moment with us on social media #RADAinspire