Happy new year. Do Something.

Be the Change in DC wishes everyone a happy new year. As 2011 begins, it's a good time to think about how we can make an impact. This doesn't have to be helping the homeless (sure, we'd love to have you volunteer with us) but it could be something closer to you or more dear to your heart. For example, you could start recycling this year. Or maybe you rescue an animal from a shelter. I say this because today I noticed a campaign from the Washington Humane Society that says "Don't look away from animal cruelty. Do something. Call somebody. Spay or neuter your pet. Volunteer. Donate."

This campaign struck a chord with me. It's not because I have a pet. It's because the message is to do something, whatever it is or however small, but do take action. Don't say you want to get involved in something and then never act on it. Gandhi once said that "you must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi's words inspired me to start Be the Change in DC over four years ago. Today on the first day of 2011, this Washington Humane Society campaign inspired me to write this blog post and hopefully can inspire someone to do something good. Maybe you could pick up that piece of trash lying next to the garbage can and throw it away. Or instead of throwing away your aluminum can or plastic bottle, hold on to it a bit longer until you get to the recycling bin that you know is around the corner. Instead of taking a cab, try using the metro or subway or taking the bus. Why not? Save some money and the environment. Or even better... say you walk by a homeless person on your way into a food or coffee shop and decide not to give them money because you don't know how that money would have been used. Try asking the homeless person if he or she is hungry/thirtsy. If so, ask the person to come in with you to the local eatery and buy him/her a sandwich or a cup of coffee. You will feel better about yourself for helping someone and knowing that your "donation" was put to good use and that person will have gotten a meal or drink. Try it. Do something.