What to do next

So this afternoon I’m forcing myself to think about the fact that whatever we did, it wasn’t enough.

I don’t mean this in a despairing way. I mean that the current level of overall action to improve the mess that is this country isn’t enough. I don’t like this; I want to say that my writing and my involvement with Scouting are contribution to the world enough. And these things are important, and I refuse to set either aside.

But today I’m thinking about what might be one more thing, small or large, that I can do, to add to the overall level of stuff being done in the world.

So there’s whole movement toward dealing more humanely with border issues, which is going to matter quite a bit out here given the passage of a proposition that denies those who can’t prove citizenship basic public services. And there are free speech issues and involvement with the ACLU–important to me both because without free speech nothing else can happen, and because of the fascination I seem to have in my own stories with each individual being able to find his or her voice. And there’s the Progressive Democratic Caucus, which is working from within the party to get progressive issues on the table–because it seems clear to me that a policy of grabbing the center isn’t working, and I think we’d do better to try to inspire folks to action by daring to voice high ideals again. And there’s the issue of the war in Iraq–though I feel like I have less power there, and that focusing on something more local might have more impact.

I know I can’t take on volunteer time devoted to all these issues. The thought of making time for even one is a bit overwhelming. But I’m making the work of this month to choose one, and in some way act. While respecting both the need to make a living, the importance of my writing, and the importance of my existing volunteer commitments.

And I’m thinking it’s also time to up my monetary commitment to the organizations I care about.

So, what areas are others thinking about? Where do you all think you can most effectively work to improve your country, or the larger world you live in? I’d love to hear what other people’s thinking processes are about all this right now.