Volunteering might often come across as a great feat, which is perhaps why some of us hesitate or hold off on getting involved in meaningful causes.
But 32-year-old Navaneetha S Nath – known to friends and family as Nava – believes that simply starting out with the right intentions is enough to bring about great impact.
The changemaker herself began her volunteering journey at just nine years old, learning the ropes from others around her with similar ideas and goals. Then at 29, Nava started her own ground-up initiative, Togather for Good.
Her organisation collaborates with communities, schools and workplaces to administer programmes and solutions for a more conscious, capable, connected and compassionate society.
Growing up with a family that gives back
As a child, Nava witnessed how her family members actively participated in volunteering and philanthropic work. She would often tag along as her parents actively engaged as volunteers in Punggol, sparking an early start in the volunteering space.
Seeing the people around her create positive change by earnestly giving within their means – whether through volunteering or donating – Nava found joy in community work at a young age.
“I grew up with that lens, so it is innate for me to do what I can in my capacity,” she shared after years of volunteering in the community.
For younger Singaporeans, Nava advised that it is okay to start small, suggesting that they could first get involved by volunteering at community events at school or in their neighbourhood.
“It is very easy entry because you know the space, you know your neighbours, you know what needs to be done,” she said. For a start, she suggested that youths could become more active citizens by engaging in conversations with neighbours to see how they can support fellow community members.
Kickstarting her own initiative
Nava now leads Togather for Good, a ground-up initiative she founded that champions mental, social and occupational wellness in individuals in all areas of life, whether in a social setting, at school, work or home.
The mental health focus stemmed from witnessing those closest to her battle with their own struggles, as well as observing the quiet strength and strain on caregivers who supported them.
Amid the Covid-19 outbreak, she saw that the need for better understanding and support for personal well-being became even more evident as people sought access to help and resources during a collectively difficult period.
