When I think of climate change, the problem seems insurmountable. But…have you ever heard of the butterfly effect? The dictionary definition is “the phenomenon whereby a minute, localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere.”
I think this is true of lots of things. But, as we turn the calendar to November, the one that comes to the foreground in my mind is exercising my right to vote.
Often people think that their vote doesn’t matter. “I am just one person among millions,” I hear people say. And while that might be true for some political races, it most certainly is not the case the more local the race or the issue. Personally, I can think of a city council race last year that was won with only a handful of votes, like 19. And even in those wider races, all our voices together is what creates the world we want to live in.
When it comes to advocating for what you believe in, you can make your vote count by researching the candidates and questions, and voting for what you believe in. And…if you want to make an even greater impact, you could have meaningful, respectful conversations with your “sphere of influence.”
One last thing…the flip side. What happens if you don’t exercise your right to vote? Other people, who do vote, make decisions for you. And they may not care about the same issues that you do.
I’m grateful that I can vote and will keep trying to advocate for what I believe is important. I invite you to do the same.
Submitted by Laura Beck