Get Involved, Stay Involved!
Long after the elections end we must remain vigilant no matter where we live! What can you do? Start here:
1. Volunteer to help those in underserved communities. When you reach back to assist those who might feel there is no hope– you help them to see the good in the world, give them inspiration to overcome their circumstances and also give back in their own way. There is strength in numbers and the more people we can convince that the world isn’t such a horrible place, the better. Not to mention it does wonders for your state of mind as well when we see there are some things, like love and kindness that still matter!
2. Donate whatever you can to causes you care about. Whether it’s saving the whales or legal defense funds or political campaigns. The hard fact is this: money makes the world go ‘round. And it takes money for a lot of these organizations to continue their work. So, donating $1, $5, $20 or whatever you can afford to donate will help the cause. Not to mention many of the donations are tax deductible.
3. Get involved at the smaller levels of organized groups in your community. If you are so inclined and have the time, consider joining the board of your civic organization or school board. Having diverse voices at tables EVERYWHERE is just a start. You can organize crime watches in the community, or facilitate police-citizen community meetings or even aim for a city council position. If we can’t hold the current people in those positions accountable, it’s time we take them.
4. VOTE DURING THE MIDTERMS! Making sure the Congress is made up of people who will not only have your best interests at heart, but also challenge the President and make sure he’s making good decisions is crucial!
5. Take personal responsibility. If you are concerned about climate change evaluate how you can make changes in your home. Stop using plastic water bottles and get a water filter. Bring your own non-plastic bags to the grocery store. Carpool, bike to work or work from home to reduce emissions from your car. If you are concerned about the education your child is getting, provide supplemental assignments in areas where they struggle in, if you are amazing at math– volunteer at the schools to tutor other students (if your district allows this). If you are concerned about the economy find a way to create jobs even if it’s something temporary or seasonal, tip servers, shop small businesses, or outsource something you’d normally do yourself.
6. Take a hiatus from social media and daily news consumption. Your mind, body, soul and spirit will thank you.
7. Continue to badger but be prepared to act. No matter what they say, many politicians adopt a totally different agenda once they are elected. You can continue to inundate their offices with calls, emails, etc. but truthfully many of your letters and calls will go unanswered. But in the off chance that it has a chance to work, keep at it. Again, the best way to show your displeasure or affect change is to vote them out of office.
8. Maintain a positive outlook. Think about all the GOOD in the world and in your life. Focus on those people, places and things. Count your blessings literally– write them down daily on paper if you have to. You cannot change anyone but yourself, so don’t waste your time or energy engaging in anything that doesn’t make you feel good.
1. Volunteer to help those in underserved communities. When you reach back to assist those who might feel there is no hope– you help them to see the good in the world, give them inspiration to overcome their circumstances and also give back in their own way. There is strength in numbers and the more people we can convince that the world isn’t such a horrible place, the better. Not to mention it does wonders for your state of mind as well when we see there are some things, like love and kindness that still matter!
2. Donate whatever you can to causes you care about. Whether it’s saving the whales or legal defense funds or political campaigns. The hard fact is this: money makes the world go ‘round. And it takes money for a lot of these organizations to continue their work. So, donating $1, $5, $20 or whatever you can afford to donate will help the cause. Not to mention many of the donations are tax deductible.
3. Get involved at the smaller levels of organized groups in your community. If you are so inclined and have the time, consider joining the board of your civic organization or school board. Having diverse voices at tables EVERYWHERE is just a start. You can organize crime watches in the community, or facilitate police-citizen community meetings or even aim for a city council position. If we can’t hold the current people in those positions accountable, it’s time we take them.
4. VOTE DURING THE MIDTERMS! Making sure the Congress is made up of people who will not only have your best interests at heart, but also challenge the President and make sure he’s making good decisions is crucial!
5. Take personal responsibility. If you are concerned about climate change evaluate how you can make changes in your home. Stop using plastic water bottles and get a water filter. Bring your own non-plastic bags to the grocery store. Carpool, bike to work or work from home to reduce emissions from your car. If you are concerned about the education your child is getting, provide supplemental assignments in areas where they struggle in, if you are amazing at math– volunteer at the schools to tutor other students (if your district allows this). If you are concerned about the economy find a way to create jobs even if it’s something temporary or seasonal, tip servers, shop small businesses, or outsource something you’d normally do yourself.
6. Take a hiatus from social media and daily news consumption. Your mind, body, soul and spirit will thank you.
7. Continue to badger but be prepared to act. No matter what they say, many politicians adopt a totally different agenda once they are elected. You can continue to inundate their offices with calls, emails, etc. but truthfully many of your letters and calls will go unanswered. But in the off chance that it has a chance to work, keep at it. Again, the best way to show your displeasure or affect change is to vote them out of office.
8. Maintain a positive outlook. Think about all the GOOD in the world and in your life. Focus on those people, places and things. Count your blessings literally– write them down daily on paper if you have to. You cannot change anyone but yourself, so don’t waste your time or energy engaging in anything that doesn’t make you feel good.
(article by Tracie Momie)
