“Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can’t try to do things. You simply must do things.” ~ Ray Bradbury, American writer
I have been glued to my television this week. With transportation being a tangled knot, if it exists at all, I wanted to let those who really need public transit access it without people like me adding noise to the system. In the past day or so, I’ve found myself incredibly anxious and antsy even though I was completely unaffected by the ravages of Hurricane Sandy. I donated money to the Red Cross but that one action wasn’t sufficient for me when my city is in such dire need. I needed to stop watching and start doing.
This weekend, local efforts to mass mobilize volunteers are getting underway. After signing up for countless lists, my inbox is flooded with requests for help and I couldn’t be happier. I’m rolling up my sleeves, heading outside, and pitching in. It will take all of our creativity, patience, and compassion to get us moving again. We can’t just try to make a difference; we must actually make a difference. The health of our city depends upon it.
If you’re in New York City, or plan to be, and you want to lend a hand, New Yorkers can use your support. Visit nyc.gov/service to learn about volunteer opportunities with the City and community-based organizations working on the recovery. Please check the website periodically in the coming days as they update the opportunities.
Christa Avampato 