support

In recent months we have seen an outpouring of people coming together to respond to a challenge both locally and internationally. Most recently, the residents of Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian have been on the receiving end of this disaster related generosity. There are communities for whom the hurricane has compounded issues that already existed. And while it is good that aid is pouring in now, it simply highlights that help was not being offered prior to the hurricane. Those communities could have used support before and after the hurricane. As a nation we are moved by tragedy, but somehow we are able to look away from day to day suffering. I don’t remember where I heard the term, you are either part of the solution or part of the problem, but its truth resonated. Someone reminded me today of our response to service workers, healthcare professionals and teachers during the pandemic. We celebrated them. It was indicative of our recognition that we were a part of a community and we needed to help those in our community who had a burden to bear. Now that we operate as if the pandemic is over, we are looking away again. We have to do better. I know that we all have our own responsibilities and I don’t support exhaustion, so I do urge balance. But inaction is harmful to all of us. There are a lot of ways to contribute – time, money, intellectual contributions, manual labor. For the most part the people who are in need of the contribution are clear about what they need, and if asked, can articulate what is needed. Although in western society we celebrate self-reliance, the truth is that communities depend on its members to support each other. We see it when disaster hits. But we know full well that there are people who can use support during the daily grind of life. I am under no illusions that I am saving anyone, I prefer to think of it as partnering with others to move the needle on a challenge. For the most part people in need overwhelmingly benefit from partners that work with them; not saviors desiring to have their egos stroked from helping them. Consider partnering with a community, yours or someone else’s, to become a part of the solution before disaster creates destitution. This kind of contribution benefits our entire community. And yes I do contribute but this is not an opportunity to pat myself on the back.