Many of us are overwhelmed and alarmed by what is happening politically here and abroad. So much needs attention, and the uncertainty and chaos make it hard to know where to focus. We each have different skills, time, and capacity to act, but together, we can make a difference. We are making a difference.
The one thing we cannot do is give up, so I ask that you do whatever you can, with whatever energy you can dedicate, to be actively working toward a saner, more equitable, democratic, peaceful world. Some options: Attend stand-outs, call or write elected representatives, write get-out-the-vote postcards, volunteer at a food bank, join an affinity, activist, or community-action group, learn how to observe/report ICE activities, support progressive candidates, become an election protection volunteer, donate, and definitely vote in every election and encourage friends, family, neighbors to do the same.
And, there are things we all can do, regardless of political leaning: be kinder and more forgiving of each other, stop to allow someone to merge into traffic, let someone in the check-out line with one item go first, offer a helping hand, and many more.
Equally important, find joy in your life: gather with friends, eat good food, laugh, dance, sing, walk in nature, appreciate the marvels of the season, and keep faith that we can prevail because, if we all do what we can and don’t give up, we can do it, we are doing it. We will do it.
Frances Welson
Holyoke