Participation

I’m not big on resolutions, but I do like to set intentions. I try to spend some time reflecting, not just at the end of the year, but then too. And each year gets a word to drive where I spend my energy, what I say yes to and what I say no to. 2017 is going to be a year of participation.

I’ve never used my voice much. I’ve preferred to let those who are more eloquent or more powerful do it for me. But it feels like the time for that has passed. We can use all the voices we can get right now, to drown out the ones we’ve given power to on a national scale. A community is stronger than an individual, so it is time for me to join mine.

I don’t know yet all that means, and I’m sure my definition will change as I go, but here are some things it might mean saying yes to:

• Contributing to open source. I’m hoping to find a project or two I’m excited about that I can be consistent with.
• Mentoring. I do this as a Turing School alum, but would love to find more ways to get involved locally. Coding feels like a superpower that anyone can learn, and I’d like to share that.
• Calling my Senators and House Representatives. Yes, I live in one of the blue-est states and they likely agree with me, but it can’t hurt.
• Volunteering. Justin and I are currently working with Outdoors for All. We’re considering starting to foster once we’ve got more than 500 square feet, hopefully this summer. (If you or someone you know has fostered, we’d love to hear about your experience, especially if you’re in the Seattle area).
• Write. It is good for my own learning, if anyone else gets anything from it, all the better.

If you have other ideas, or thoughts on local (Seattle) ways to be involved, I’d love to hear from you!