By Trathen Heckman, Executive Director

Happy fall daily actors!

Wowza, I’ve missed you all. In addition to not seeing folks, I haven’t been writing for our newsletters. Though the good news is that I’m close to finishing Daily Acts’ book, which will be out next year. While there are more specifics below in my blog… the short answer to greater joy and impact, is to surround yourself with who and what feeds your passion and purpose. From graywater gardening and regenerative ranching to scaling up grassroots actions, we got great gads of ways for you to power up! And want to experience the health benefits of giving to a good cause? Without our big in-person fundraising events, we could sure use your support. Donate here.

In a world of overwhelmingly large crises, it’s easy to overlook the world changing power of small, small actions, small groups, small gardens even. While we need collective action and political change, we start with the power we have. By focusing here, our influence grows. To amplify your impact, joy and contribution to the larger changes needed, take action at these four levels…

Be the change. Healthy, just, and resilient communities begin with us. It’s the basics you know. Double down on good rest. Eat better. Get some extra steps in. Practice mindfulness and gratitude. Start small, get a win, build from there. Little shifts in attention and action add up and can literally build new neural structures in your brain to change your life and beyond. Give extra attention to your positive feelings and experiences until you feel good and are inspired to do more of them.

Take action at home. Practical action to get small wins builds awareness, inspiration and motivation. This is where Daily Acts focuses a lot of our programs, on the small stuff of building local self-reliance.

Use your voice. Moving from personal action to speaking up for a higher good are steps towards building collective power for bigger change. Engaging with others in causes you care about also increases feel-good neurochemicals, increasing motivation. This is where Daily Acts trains and supports youth, people and leaders through the Leadership Institute, ECO2school and numerous coalitions and networks.

Get civically engaged. From centering in our power, taking action in our lives and lending our voice to larger causes, we build the public and political will to transform our communities. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, rampant injustice and countless critical issues, we must engage and advocate for quicker, bigger change. Write letters, sign petitions, show up at public meetings. Get involved with groups driving the change you care about. Bring your heart, your voice, your skill, your kindness and encouragement.

We know this four-part approach works because Daily Acts has been honing it for 20 years. It’s how we rock a mind-melting array of inspiring change, while staying sane, nourished and connected.

For all of it, start with your heart. Focus on the only power you have, your daily actions. Do your best to act with compassion and encouragement. Doing these things regularly builds in us the resilience to persevere with joy, despite the difficulties, to transform our lives, communities and world.

What small step are you inspired to take in one or more of the above areas? For more ideas, resources and inspirations on each of these levels of action, check out these:

Be the Change

  • Check out this set of questions to strengthen your sense of self and where you come from in order to overcome fears and limiting mindsets that keep you from being the change you wish to see: Personal Compass
  • Sign up for the 2021 Bioneers Conference and use the code bc36a6 for a 15% discount

Take Action at Home

Use Your Voice

Get Civically Engaged

Take heart, take action 

Trathen Heckman
Executive Director, Daily Acts