Six ways we can ALL help weather this storm

By Richard Eckstrom

No history or economic textbook contains the solution to our current economic troubles. This crisis is complicated, unlike any we’ve ever seen, and perhaps the most far-reaching since the Great Depression.

Amid anxiety about the direction of our country and the quality of our daily lives, state and national leaders are struggling to get our economy back on track. Yet even as their national strategy unfolds, there are many ways we can all help weather this storm, improve our quality of life, and strengthen our communities and nation.

1. Above all, believe in the greatness of America. Wear a confident smile, and offer an encouraging word. Ronald Reagan’s buoyant optimism helped pull America up from the gloomy decline of the 70’s. He helped teach us that hope trumps pessimism. Hope is infectious. Think about our rich heritage as Americans and be thankful for it!

2. Think of your neighbors. Get to know others in the community. Make new friends. If there’s a silver lining to this crisis, perhaps it’s in rediscovering the great American ideal of pulling together during tough times. Those who survived the Great Depression will tell us they found strength in pulling together -- as families, as communitie s, as a nation -- during a dark time. Differences and disagreements can give way to unity and determination. Our differences shrink in comparison to the common bond we share in our love of America.

3. Buy American, and shop locally. Buying American goods reinvests in our country and keeps jobs here. And shopping locally shows support for your community and boosts your local economy. Local businesses sponsor community events and support Little League teams, civic clubs and schools. These, in turn, improve our local quality-of-life and strengthen your community.

4. Donate. Give to the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, or other charities that help the less fortunate. Tough times elevate the plight of those less fortunate. When those who already have what they need help out those who do not, both groups benefit. The entire community benefits when you help the less fortunate.

5. Volunteer. If you can’t contribute financially, contribute your time, effort, and energy to make a difference in your community. Even if your volunteer effort doesn’t seem related to the economy or quality-of-life, it probably is. Volunteerism helps solve local or national problems, and when problems are handled by volunteers instead of government, financial resources are free to be applied where they’re needed most.

6. Get involved in the community. Light a candle rather than curse the darkness. Become more active in your church, your school, or a civic club. Consider public service. Lead. Help guide the community’s future. Now more than ever, we need leaders to encourage and inspire their neighbors and restore confidence.

Sure, times might be tough. But America’s spirit is even tougher. Better days are coming. They always have.