Today is Blog Action Day 2012!! This years theme is the Power of "We." I am a strong advocate for making change, and the best way to do that is to join a group that beliefs in the same things you do. It's great to stand for something, but when you stand alone, oftentimes your force is not heard.
There are a number of organizations to join to make an impact: from AmeriCorps, the Red Cross, United Way, Global Healthy Organization, Junior Chamber of Commerce. But the power of We doesn't stop just by joining another group. An individual can find a way to become a "We" through conscious everyday decisions. For instance, choosing to purchase coffee from companies who use free trade coffee beans, purchasing clothing/objects made in the USA; purchasing local farm grown fruits and vegetables; walking instead of driving; turning off the lights when they are not in use to save energy for others, not wasting water, etc. There are a ton of small ideas that, when done by a ton of people, make a HUGE impact. The key is to do it and encourage others to do it. Publicize WHY you are doing it, and that individual action becomes an action that WE all are doing. Read my earlier entry on "What is Wrong with the World? I AM"
The Power of "We" becomes a lifestyle when you realize that it isn't all about you. I've heard countless times people don't care about saving water or electricity because they 'aren't paying for it.' That couldn't be further from the truth. Just because you don't physically pay for it doesn't mean you won't reap the drama caused by an unnecessary drought because everyone wanted to waste water, or when gas and electric prices go up because you refused to conserve. Maybe it won't even affect you, but somewhere down the line your kids or your kids kids will see the effects of previous generations' waste.
The Power of "We" is about collectively putting efforts toward a cause. Not only through joining groups but facilitating change in our smaller, personal circles. Do something. Or you have no right to complain.