Inauguration day blues? Know that you can make positive change in your community.

No matter what side of the political fence you are on, today is a new chapter in our history and some are feeling apprehensive and uncertain. How this will play out on a national or global scale no one knows. The one thing you can count on is that you can make your own change by being involved in your local community and advocating for the cause that you are passionate about. I have volunteered non-profits for most of my life (domestic violence advocacy, homeless organizations, Special Olympics, emergency housing, at risk youth organizations) and the one thing I know one is . . . the sitting President does not affect LOCAL change. You and I are the soldiers for our local communities and sometimes just the simplest act can make a huge difference. We can make change through volunteer organizations, running for local offices, and simply being a good example to others.

Example
In Seattle, the non-profit I volunteered for was partnered with a Homeless Coalition One Night Count that does a head count one night a year to assess how many people are homeless in Seattle, and the numbers are stunning. In 2015, over 3000 people were found living outside (bridges, doorways, wooded areas) and 6000 people in transitional homeless shelters/houses. That is an insane amount and even more insane is that 500 of these people were under the age of 18.

President Obama was not able to put a dent in the homeless population in Seattle and it has continued to rise every year. How would he be expected to, given that most major US cities have similar problems and he had many other issues to deal with as a sitting president? What did actually make a difference was the countless non-profits and all of the volunteers that put time in to doing what they could in their local neighborhood to end homelessness. There is even a non-profit just to collect and pass out socks to the homeless, one of the most coveted things to have on the streets are clean and dry socks. One could argue that a President can "create jobs" to get these people working, but I can tell you the people that actually help them find jobs and keep them are the many volunteers and employees working in those organizations.

What are your concerns and how can you help?
-Concerned about immigrants being deported under the new President?
There are many organizations you can get involved in that advocate for their rights, Immigration Advocates Network is a great place to start to see what you can do on a local level. Local churches are another great resource to call to find out if there are immigrants in the community that need food, clothing, etc.
-Concerned about Women's rights, Civil rights, LGBT rights? Many organizations exist in your local area that you can get involved with and advocate for the cause of your choice. Other ways to make change with the above is to set an example in your local community and stand up against hatred or injustice.

Local Politics
Before leaving Seattle I ran for a seat on a neighborhood community council board in the downtown area and became Chair of the local/social issues committee. On that board of 20 people were also transportation, zoning, and other committees. We advocated for our local neighborhood of 56,000 people. Whether it was addressing a local crime issue, advocating for homeowners about zoning, attempting to keep a school for special needs children open, or getting the flowers approved for the sidewalks, we were the voice of the locals. Not one of these issues would be addressed by a US President. Did things still get done? Yes.

Now more than ever, young people in their 20's and 30's should start running for these seats in their local communities. It was paramount to have voices under 50 on the board to make sure to represent every type of person from all stages of life. Not only do you directly affect change in your local community it is a valuable piece for your resume and leadership experience.

Resources
CHURCHES! I am not affiliated with any religion but over the years I have learned from working with non-profits that churches are an excellent resource. Often they will know of certain people, families, children, or groups that need something in particular. Many churches are constantly holding some sort of drive where you can donate food or clothing. Churches usually keep a roster of non-profits in your local area as well. Churches are sometimes the only resource to find out about those in need in your area especially in small population areas. Just an overall great resource.

Idealist Volunteer Network - one of my favorite online sites to find volunteer needs in your area. You can select what kind of issue you are interested in and you can find long term or short term volunteer positions.

VolunteerMatch.org - another excellent online searchable database of volunteer opportunities near you.

Final Thoughts
I know not everyone has the time to give to non-profits, or time to become involved in local politics so do not feel bad. If you do have the time, and are passionate about a particular issue, then get involved. It is extremely rewarding, especially when you see that you can actually create change and make a difference in your immediate environment. Big government politics become irrelevant when you see what you can do in your neighborhood. It is all of these small changes on local levels that can meld together into much bigger change on a national and global level.