Let's Active

"Taking action" on the issues we talk about can seem daunting. In the abstract, the problems of poverty and issues surrounding it can seem (and really are) very big, national concerns that require the action of government and other organizations.

But that kind of feeling of helplessness can stall us from doing the things that are actually possible. Volunteering locally, working in our communities, helping out those around us... these are actions that don't need a decision to fix the world, just a decision to act.

Believing in change, working for change, is a combination of the caring we have and the passion for the issues we care about... and following through with doing. Today, I'd like to offer some thoughts on how to get started with taking action... because I think, sometimes, we leap past the part about where to begin. And in order to get somewhere... we have to start, some time. So here are some suggestions:

• Make the time. If you live by a set schedule, or try to keep track of your time extewnsively... budget some time for volunteer work, community work, something beyond where you normally put your time. If you don't like the ridgity of set schedules... well, I hear ya, free spirit, but you may want to ask yourself if there are ways to balance the things you do now with the things you'd like to do.
• Show up. Once you find the time, make the effort. If you know a soup kitchen or food bank in your area that could use volunteers... go there. Even if they can't use you (and lots of times, they can), someone will probably be able to take your information, gauge your interest, and try to point you in the right direction.  When I decided to get involved in a political campaign, I called my local Congresswoman and found out where her campaign was... and I went there.  By election day, I was helping to plan literature drops, and I had a plan to work all day at a polling place (where I met the former Mayor, David Dinkins, among others).
• Talk to People. You don't have to commit to any particular activity - if you want to see what out's there, talk to some people who volunteer at things that interest you. While I was in grad school, I thought I should look at what it took to get involved with Planned Parenthood. So I went and talked to people who volunteered there. And ultimately, I did some volunteer work... but what made a difference in my life, was the connections I made and conversations I started as a result of going there. Our internet and web-connected culture has broken down, to no small degree, our ability to make real connections with people in person.  Getting out there, helping to reestablish those bonds, is a great way to get something started. You never know where it might lead.
• Start something. You don't have to... but if you see a need and you have the passion for it, start small and find others who share your concern. Realize you may have to figure out how to make a difference with a lot of good will and not a lot of money (especially in these times), at least in the beginning. If you keep your goals attainable, and your expectations in line... you can start to see a difference early on, and build from there.

As I mentioned, one of the most rewarding projects for community involvement I found came from working on a political campaign; in some states - like New Jersey and Virginia - campaigns are already under way for elections this fall. In many places, the early organizing for races in 2010 is already underway.  Most campaigns are thrilled to have volunteers... but some don't need them, so if you can't find a way to volunteer for one, keep looking. The web has made campaign organizing easy to search and easy to find. Take advantage of the tools.

Finally, don't forget about Jobs For Change, the new clearinghouse of employment opportunities here at Change.org. They have even more advice, and ideas, and real opportunities to get involved. And of course, I'd love to hear any ideas you have in the comments.

(Photo of Volunteers on a Sierra Club project in Texas by The Sierra Club, used under a Creative Commons license from Flickr)