Resolve to get involved in 2011
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The turn of the calendar is a time to start anew, and in keeping with that many of us traditionally make New Year's resolutions in the hope of making our lives a little better. Whether resolving to lose weight, be more economical, work harder in school or whatever else, resolutions can point us in a new direction. Here are things we should resolve to do in 2011:
1. Be involved in government. That can happen in many ways, whether it be running for elective office or simply attending a municipal meeting to see what's going on in your community. Remember, you pay for government and you should be part of it, especially as costs continue to climb. Hold officials accountable, and as elections near, familiarize yourself with candidates, study the issues and exercise a right very few people in this world have - go to the polls and vote.
2. Get to know your school. You're never too old to get an education, and a visit to your community's school will provide a good one. The taxes you pay to your school district are the biggest chunk of your property tax bill; go see what you're paying for. Responsible parents pay close attention to the local school when their kids are there, but tend to fall by the wayside once they've graduated. That's normal, but stay connected. Attend a music concert, or go see a football game or a school play. It's easy to give teachers and young people a bum rap if you're not around them to see the truly amazing things that they're doing.
3. Support a charity. Charitable organizations reach into all corners of community, often doing remarkable things for people while operating on shoestring budgets with very limited staff. Most rely heavily on donations. Research the good work they do and make a commitment in the new year to lend some financial support. It is absolutely amazing what the talented staffers in these organizations can do with the resources they have.
4. Volunteer your time. The possibilities are unlimited: churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, non-profits, soup kitchens, food pantries. Commit this year to spend some time making your community just a little bit better by providing the gift of your time. It'll certainly be appreciated by wherever you go, and you'll feel great about it, too.
Happy New Year.