30 Days of Good Citizenship

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Permalink Reply by Ken Stolz on March 2, 2012 at 11:33am

DAY TWENTY FIVE: Make an appointment to give blood.

My friend Claudette has given blood every two months as long as I've known her. I asked her why: "Because it's easy. Because I can. Every two months it's something I can easily do to give back to my community. I'm a universal donor (O Negative), so my blood is most prized, it's most needed. And I get a cookie and a sticker every time I give." She paused on the way out and said, "Give the gift of life, give blood." Contact your local blood center today to make an appointment. What more basic way to be a good citizen.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Stolz on March 3, 2012 at 6:47pm

DAY TWENTY SIX: Ditch your car for the day.

Have you considered life without a car? While it's impossible for people living in communities with no other options, it's doable for many others. Cars have been a big part of American life since the Model T rolled off the assembly line in 1908, and owning and driving your own car can seem downright patriotic. But views on car ownership are changing. Young people are waiting longer to get their driver's license and there's been a significant increase in biking, car-sharing and making cities more livable through better public transportation.

Too many of us rely on our cars purely out of convenience and habit. Do you live in a city with a decent bus or light rail system, but continue to drive to save time? Do you drive across town to do something that could be achieved closer to home with a good walk? Give it a try and see what new things you discover in your own neighborhood and community when you hang up your keys and walk, bike, ride the bus, or share a ride instead.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Stolz on March 4, 2012 at 11:00am

DAY TWENTY SEVEN: Support a local business.

How can you help build a strong local economy and maintain the unique character of your neighborhood? Shop locally as much as possible. Small businesses respond to the wants and needs of their loyal, local customers. This creates more variety and paves the way for yet more neighborhood businesses.

Check out the 3/50 Project to learn how you can make a difference in your own community by spending $50 a month in three of your favorite independently owned businesses. Let us know where you're shopping and what you love about "your" bookstore, "your" coffee shop, and other businesses you can't live without.

Reposter's Note:  I took action on this one personally yesterday - bought my son a tuxedo (for Missoula Mendelssohn Club performances) from a downtown men's store.  Much more satisfying buying experience than the Mall or the Net.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Stolz on March 5, 2012 at 8:50am

DAY TWENTY EIGHT(and final): Clean up your neighborhood's sidewalk (and other random acts of kindness!).

A total win-win! Performing random acts of kindness is good for you. It releases those warm and fuzzy brain chemicals that put a smile on your face and a skip in your step. And did you know that a clean and tidy community may stop vandalism and reduce crime? It's true.

We like doing things for our neighbors without telling them, just for the fun of it. But if you want to record your activity and read about the kindness of others, check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

Want a little inspiration? Take a peek at this short video about a school built on trust and kindness. The Puget Sound Community School begins each day with expressions of gratitude and students regularly perform random acts of kindness.

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