In election years and otherwise, it seems every other day can bring something new to be stressed and despair over when reading or watching the news. When the world feels like it is spiraling out of control and we don’t know what to do in response, it can be easy to feel like our actions don’t really matter and freeze.
When those frozen and helpless feelings come up, it can be helpful to sit with them, examine them, and then think of small steps we can take to improve our community. This can be something basic like taking care of yourself, your family, and your neighborhood.
AYLA and the Austin Bar provide lots of opportunities to make our city a better place and make meaningful connections. Please make plans to join fellow AYLA members in wrapping gifts for Partnerships for Children on Sunday, Dec. 8, and volunteer at nonprofits all over town during our MLK Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20.
The Planning Committee does a great job of identifying all kinds of service opportunities that will fit nearly any ability, so be on the lookout for the signup link and see what works for you! These volunteer days may not bring sweeping changes at a systemic level, but they can be building blocks toward something lasting and good: gifts for a child who may not feel loved, books that can inspire a new skill and future for an incarcerated person, or a blood donation for someone in need.
We each have the power to make a positive impact with our daily choices. As members of the legal community, we have a duty to help people who are less fortunate.
As we enter the holiday season and look ahead to a new year, I encourage each of us to seek out opportunities to do something kind, give the benefit of the doubt when possible, and ask questions when we encounter someone who may think differently than we do.
Connection can open windows for change in people who may otherwise be closed off. I hope you can each prioritize taking time for yourself and your families to rest and enjoy special moments together and head into 2025 ready to continue showing up for our community.
Happy Holidays!