We all know someone who’s quick to spot a problem but stops short of doing anything about it. Noticing an issue is one thing — real change starts when we shift from “someone should” to “I will.”
Take Dallas resident Lori Charles. When she saw cars speeding down her street, she didn’t just post about it on social media; she got to work. Lori learned the City’s requirements to place a stop sign, gathered signatures from her neighbors, and brought the issue to city leaders. Her efforts paid off: the city installed two new stop signs, and her whole block felt the difference.
Civic engagement doesn’t have to be loud or headline-making. It’s about steady, thoughtful action. One small step creates a ripple. And ripples lead to waves.
So what can you do to make waves?
Right now, many communities are in the midst of local elections — city leaders are on the ballot, and so are important bond measures that impact schools, roads, and safety. Now’s the time to step up. At a minimum, vote, but ideally, do even more. Take a position. Share what you believe in. Help get out the vote for your candidate or cause.