Happy New Year?
Only you can make that happen
2024 was the year that students brought university and college presidents to their knees.
Hope was kindled!
These students were teaching their elders the true meaning of academic freedom. They spoke the truth when others were afraid to do so.
2024 was not the worst we have seen as a nation.
Yet there have been so many indications and warnings of what we will be facing this year when the 48th president takes his oath.
Is it an oath when the person speaking it is a known liar?
There is work to be done
There is a lot to be done, for sure. But now that we’re all over the shock of the election, 2025 is the time to stop ranting about our political losses and to engage in specific, positive action as part of this year’s go-forward plan.
These are a few organizations that I have followed, supported, or engaged with over the years.
Consider taking a moment to read about each one. This is not an ask for financial donations. Instead, you might be inspired to get involved with one of these, to write about them, to share organizations you support in one way or another, or to search for new ones.
Wells Mountain Initiative: From literacy programs to scholarship opportunities and a mission-based marketplace, Wells Mountain is making an impact globally and provides multiple opportunities for participation.
Leila Janah Foundation: Leila Janah was the founder of Samaschool, an impact-sourcing organization that has successfully trained and employed low-income people globally in digital work. She established Sama, a leading data curation company, in 2019 as a for-profit entity, retaining the non-profit as the largest shareholder. Janah passed away from Epithelioid Sarcoma at the age of 37 in January 2020, leaving a legacy of leading technological innovation and giving.
VetToCEO: This organization offers a seven-week online entrepreneurship program developed by veterans for veterans. It’s very practical and hands-on with weekly guest speakers, mentors, and realistic funding strategies.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America: Born out of the Sandy Hook shooting, there are many local chapters to get involved in to help support legislative change to protect our kids with more sensible gun laws. Review their site for valuable info.
Sandy Hook Promise: SHP takes a mental health and well approach and focuses its efforts on identifying and educating teachers, school officials, law enforcement, and communities on preventing gun violence by understanding the causes behind it.
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP): The JVP is the largest Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world. They are fighting for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the liberation of the Palestinian people, and the equality and dignity of all people.
Skydog Sanctuary: Skydog has a Malibu location and a 9,000-acre ranch in Bend, Oregon where they are home to 285 rescued wild horses and 60 wild and rescued burros
Find your passion, your cause. It could be as close to home as working in the church food pantry, helping children at your local library, or participating at an area senior center. Or it may be something more global like the Malala Fund.
There is no shortage of causes to help make your 2025 a more productive year.
The Short Version
All of these suggestions amount to a few simple concepts that come out of a year in which there was way too much darkness, ranting, and complaining. I’m suggesting we turn that around.
The best lesson I ever learned was not in school but on the job, from my friend and former boss, John Panaccione, who cautioned us:
“Never raise a problem without offering one or two potential solutions.”
So, in short form, my recommendations for the coming year:
1. Live 2025 deliberately.
2. Choose your words wisely.
3. Always find a way to give back.
Have a great year filled with good work, learning, and making an impact!
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