There is a familiar saying “we are all in the same boat” meaning, we are all going through the same thing, in a similar situation, experiencing things the same way. While we may all be in the same ocean, we are not in the same boat. Some have ships, others canoes, and some of us may just be swimming. Ferocious winds, rocky seas and oftentimes land just out of sight. Here at UWAC, we advocate for equity to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the tools to handle any sea, calm or turbulent.
The COVID-19 pandemic is coming up on it’s two year anniversary. This has been one heck of a storm. A few of us are starting to see the horizon, the clouds are breaking, the sun is peeking through. But some are still too far back in the storm to see the light. We are still struggling. We still need help. As we head into the darker and colder months, with the holiday season just around the corner, check in on people. If you cannot get together in person safely, send them a message or pick up the phone and call. These small acts can mean so much. This is the time to lend a helping hand. We all need help no matter where we are in our journey.
United Way has three calls to action that are all great reminders of things you can do when you want to help your community; Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
Give to your local non-profit organization. Pick something you feel strongly about and donate, or ask what you can do to help. Local non-profit organizations have been fighting through these past two years just like the rest of us. They have stayed open for our community no matter what the circumstances were. Something as simple as a $5 donation and a message with kind words can go a long way. Unsure where to begin? Visit our website for more information on ways to give.
Another thing you can do is advocate. Join your local school board or town select board, speak up in community meetings about things you care about. No amount of advocacy is too big or too small. Advocate for yourself, your children, your friends and family members, and your community. Want to learn more about advocacy and/or how to advocate? Check out our new page!
Another way to support your community is through volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to connect with your community and experience something that you never thought you would do. Through volunteering, you meet so many incredible people who are working tirelessly to make their community a better place to live. For more information on volunteering please visit our volunteer page and sign up today!
Through acts of kindness, giving, advocating, and volunteering we can all make it to the other side of this storm. We will do it together, because that is what community is all about.
For more information about how you can help your community here in Addison County, please visit our website or email Celia Heath, UWAC's Public Health & Advocacy Coordinator.
