Vote. Every Day.

I rarely express my political views in such a public forum, but since it is election day, I'll share this much with you. Yes, today is the day where you'll walk into the voting booth, push a couple buttons, see some red lights come on and then submit your votes. But I believe it doesn't end there. Too many people get caught up in one candidate versus another, one platform versus another, one campaign ad versus another. Yes, it's all fascinating, but that's not what it's about. Voting is about making your voice heard. Too many people think that pushing a button once every four years is all they can do to make a difference.


So, you want to know where I stand on the issues?

Here's where I stand:
YOU VOTE EVERY SINGLE DAY WITH YOUR ACTIONS!

Vote with your time. If you want to see better healthcare, start with the healing effects of cheering the soul. Volunteer at your local hospital or clinic. Children's hospitals are always looking for people to do arts and crafts projects or read to the kids. Nursing homes are clamoring for volunteers to spend time with their residents. Hospital patients need cheering up year-round, but particularly during the holiday season, when they tend to feel the loneliest. If you want to see better educational opportunities, volunteer to tutor children or adults who need academic help. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, an animal shelter, a food bank, a school, a daycare, a nonprofit organization, a neighborhood cleanup crew, or wherever you feel that you can be of the most use.

Vote with your dollar. Donate to a cause about which you feel strongly. Love animals? Donate to the ASPCA. Love kids? Donate to an afterschool program that gives kids something constructive to do between school and home. Into human rights? Donate to a cause that fights for human rights. Love the environment? Find a cause that most closely aligns with your beliefs and throw a couple dollars their way. Give what you can, give where you want.

Vote with your voice. If you feel strongly about a cause or an issue, talk to others about it. But follow the golden rule. Be respectful and aware of the opinions of others. Not everyone is going to feel the same way, but intelligent discussion will almost always be welcome, no matter where you stand. Open other people's eyes to causes they may not be aware of or problems they don't yet know about. But make sure you play nice.

So there you have it. Vote. Every day.