Somebody Ought to Do Something

Healthcare. Education. Jobs. Homelessness. Violence. Environment. Hunger. Every day we read in the newspaper or view on television stories about the sorry state of each of these and more. Often over dinner with friends, we “solve the world’s problems” by noting “if only they did this or that or the other” we would all be better off. Somebody ought to do something. Well, here’s the situation. You are somebody. I am somebody. We are somebody’s who can make a difference.

How?

1) Decide what is most important to you. Are you appalled by young people dropping out of school? Are you distressed when the oyster beds are closed? Do you ache when you see a homeless person on the street? Do you cringe when you see another shooting reported in the news?

2) Consider the options for involvement. Is there a volunteer role for you? Should you run for office? Can you join a nonprofit board or advisory committee? How about just befriending that teen in your neighborhood who seems angry or lost? Do you have resources to contribute?

3) Make a commitment to DO SOMETHING. If you have trouble getting to this step, call the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. We can help you think through what is important to you—what are your passions. We can help you list a myriad of available options that address your concerns. And we can support you as you move into a commitment stage. After all, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry goes through these steps on our own as part of our daily work. And we know that it will take every good idea, every set of willing hands, and every available dollar to address the critical issues that face us here in the Lowcountry.

4) Don’t wait. Every day matters.

Denise K. Spencer