Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Chose 15 "Forces for Change" to Follow on Instagram
They picked organizations that are "connecting our global community."
Social media can be a terrifying hellscape, but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are committed to using it to effect meaningful social change. Case in point: their "Forces for Change" campaign, which started with Meghan Markle's guest-edited issue of British Vogue and has continued on the couple's Instagram, @sussexroyal. Last week, Meghan and Harry unfollowed everyone on their account, and asked for suggestions of "people or organisations doing amazing things for their communities and the world at large" to follow in August. This week, the couple announced the 15 accounts that made the cut.
Meghan and Harry asked their followers to nominate "someone you look up to, the organisation doing amazing work that we should all be following, an account that inspires you to be and do better (or that simply makes you feel good), or the handle that brims with optimism for a brighter tomorrow."
On Monday, they explained their approach to selecting 15 accounts: "Many of you have suggested that we use this month as an opportunity to highlight lesser known organisations and shine a light on those working hard behind the scenes that may not get the level of attention that they so rightly deserve," they wrote. "These accounts showcase those persevering at the grassroots level, connecting our global community through a shared lens of giving back and helping one another. We were so happy to learn about them and are now able to share them with you!"
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on
Meghan and Harry selected the following organizations: Rafiki Mwema, an Australian charity operating safe houses in Kenya for children who've survived sexual abuse; Lion Guardians, a Kenyan conservation organization that promotes the coexistence of people and lions; Beyond Blue, a mental health charity in Australia; Love The Oceans, a marine conservation charity in Mozambique; and Art of Hope, a U.S. charity offering art therapy and vocational training to Syrian refugees dealing with trauma and PTSD.
Also among the Duke and Duchess' "Forces for Change": Global Wellness Day, a not-for-profit holiday established in Turkey that promotes "living well"; the global environmental movement Earth Day Network; Children International, a U.S. based charity dedicated to supporting children living in poverty; Plan International U.K., which campaigns for the rights of children and girls; and the Pawsitive Change Program, which matches up shelter dogs with inmates in California.
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on
The final five organizations Meghan and Harry chose to highlight? Free Wheelchair Mission, a U.S. charity which provides wheelchairs to those who can't afford them; Tiny Tickers, a British charity working to improve early detection of heart conditions in babies; Beescause, a Canadian movement helping to revive threatened bee populations; Waves for Change, which offers "surf therapy" to vulnerable young people in South Africa, the U.K., and Liberia, and the BlinkNow Foundation, which established the Kopila Valley Children's Home and School in Surkhet, Nepal.
Want your daily scrolling to have a little more purpose? Meghan and Harry might just have shown you the way.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
4 Key Layering Pieces I’m Relying on This Fall and Winter
From snug shackets to tissue turtlenecks.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Timothée Chalamet Crashes a Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest
Today in sentences I never thought I'd write.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Dax Shepard Admits Kristen Bell Has Never Kissed Him Like She Kissed Adam Brody
Shepard REALLY loves 'Nobody Wants This.'
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals How Meghan Markle Is Different From Other Royal Women in Viral TikTok
The Duke of Sussex is always ready to defend his wife.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Shares Rare Comments About Princess Diana and Prince Harry in New Documentary
"She took Harry and I both there... And I was a bit anxious as to what to expect."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Has Beat Out David Beckham and Channing Tatum on 'Hottest Men of All Time' List
Gingers for the win.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
King Charles and Queen Camilla Just Recreated Meghan and Harry's Famous Sydney Opera House Photo
They're channeling the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Australia.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Gives Rare Insight into "Beautiful Friendship" With Her Wedding Dress Designer
The Duchess revealed which pieces she owns from Clare Waight Keller's Uniqlo collection.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
During His Royal Tour in Australia, King Charles Reveals One Way He Won't Be Following in Prince Harry's Footsteps
"If I was a younger man."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Purchased Portugal Home to Stay "Connected" to the Royals
A royal expert called the move "extremely significant."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Eugenie Is Reportedly in a "Precarious Position" Between Prince Harry and King Charles
"Eugenie is in a difficult spot."
By Amy Mackelden Published