Make a difference

What a great Jan. 12 opinion piece by Sam Daley-Harris, Don’t despair, confront community challenges, in which he points out the power each individual possesses to make a difference in the world.

I myself was a “reluctant activist,” never wanting to draw attention to myself or rock the boat. Through the insistence of a friend, I attended a Results meeting where I wrote my first letter to the editor — it was published the next day. I also wrote my first letter to my congressman and was thrilled to get a response.

I have had many letters published since then and many visits and correspondence to my congressperson over the years, but that feeling of empowerment that Daley-Harris describes never diminishes.

If we are not satisfied with our government or just want to do our small part in making the world a better place, we Americans enjoy the luxury and privilege of having the freedom to express ourselves without repercussion.

You don’t need to join an organization or donate large sums of money. Just pick up your pen, go to your computer or make a phone call. It’s liberating — try it.

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 7:15 PM with the headline "Make a difference."