Think globally, act locally.

Just the other day, a colleague and I were discussing the fact that large, global problems like war, hunger, racism, poverty, environmental degradation, and the like can seem so overwhelming and unmanageable that some folks give up trying to solve them. That's a shame. Especially since readers of So what can I do know that we all can make contributions to solving the worlds problems. Part of the key is to start small. Make micromovements by taking small steps in the right direction, focusing on your community, your network, yourself, realizing that your actions impact all of us and have ramifications for our world. Collectively, our small steps make a big difference. You choose whether that is a positive or negative impact.

Here are a few steps you can take locally to address and correct the big global problems we face:

--> Take steps against WAR:
* Wage peace. Remember, peace is not the absence of war.
* Hold your media and elected officials accountable. If you don't like what they're doing, TELL THEM!
* Live ethically even when it's unpopular, uncommon, unexpected or inconvenient. Consider not only what you do, but also what you don't do.
* Strive to behave justly. Remember, No justice, no peace.

--> Take steps against CLASSISM, SEXISM, HOMOPHOPIA, and other unjust forms of DISCRIMINATION:
* Teach and model tolerance of those who are different from (or the same as!) you.
* Consider the role of class in your society. If you don't like it, model something better.
* Make sure your actions reflect your beliefs.
* Learn to communicate precisely so that you can avoid misinterpretation and say what you mean and mean what you say to whomever you want.

--> Take steps against HUNGER, FAMINE and HOMELESSNESS:
* Build a home for someone who needs one.
* Donate food from your pantry, party or garden to a shelter, food rescue agency or food bank near you.
* Make free donations to agencies working in these areas.
* Become a social entrepreneur and find creative ways to solve your community's problems.

--> Take steps against POVERTY:
* Insist on economic justice buy purchasing fair trade products.
* Invest responsibly in socially-conscious businesses.
* Support sustainable development which is one of many ways to actually END POVERTY.
* Fund microloans and help a family take care of itself in the long term.

--> Take steps against VIOLENCE:
* Report abuse and assault of all kinds.
* Consider how you may unknowingly support violence.
* Get the help you need to deal with being a survivor of violence.
* Support agencies that work to end violence.

--> Take steps against ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION:
* Reduce, reuse, recycle, restore everything, in that order.
* Insist on environmental justice. Whose neighborhoods are the dumps in?
* Conserve water and make sure it is clean, and physically and financially accessible to everyone.
* Choose heirloom or recycled jewelry to avoid the damage to earth and communities that mining can cause.

--> Take steps against SICKNESS:
* Donate platelets blood, organs or tissues to save or improve someone's life.
* Make good choices about your personal physical and mental health.
* Donate stethoscopes and other medical equipment to clinics and hospitals around the world.
* Support health initiatives at Carter Center and Clinton Center.

You'll find many more ideas in the archives of So what can I do (see sidebar). Now let's get started! Thanks, Pat, for this suggestion!

"I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And just because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)