Letter to the Editor: It’s Time, Folks

Are you as devastated by the news as I am? It’s time, folks. Time to do more than just talk and wring our hands. Please, everyone, do something. Take at least one action to help right the world. Imagine the power in that! 

I realize many are busy, stressed, working multiple jobs, and caring for kids and parents, but I dare say that everyone can take some action to effect the change we so desperately need. Some of the most impactful actions take very little time or effort! 

Here are 10 suggestions:

1. Complete and submit your census form at 2020census.gov. It all starts there! It determines how many seats your state has in the House of Representatives and the amount of funding your state receives for schools, hospitals and fire departments.

2. Register to vote at vote.gov.

3. Vote – not just for president, but also for local and state elections. The people in office represent you, so help decide who they are! 

4. Need help deciding which candidates deserve your vote? Look to trusted organizations for guidance, such as the League of Women Voters, the Sierra Club and the National Education Association.

5. Post yard signs for your chosen candidates. Does that really make a difference? I’m told it does!

6. Send postcards to your elected representatives and fellow citizens about topics that concern you. Organizations such as Indivisible, Citizens Climate Lobby and Organizing Together 2020 can offer suggestions about what to write. Does that really make a difference? I’m told it does!

7. Write a letter to the editor about topics that concern you. Does that really make a difference? I’m told it does!

8. Donate to your chosen candidates’ campaign or to an organization that you believe can make a difference, whether it’s political, environmental, medical or humanitarian.

9. Learn about gerrymandering.

10. Volunteer with groups that are working to bring about change: Indivisible, Citizens Climate Lobby, Organizing Together 2020, Doctors Without Borders, the NAACP, the Sierra Club and more (showingupforracialjustice.org).

Just please: Let’s everyone do something.

Amy Dwyer

Ellison Bay, Wisconsin