OPINION: Resolve to act

Resolution is a word that crops up frequently at the turn of each New Year.

Resolution can mean the act of solving a problem or settling an old score. Goodness knows 2023 left us with more than enough problems to solve and scores to settle.

More often though, a resolution means a vow made at the start of a new year to improve one’s personal behavior.

It’s a hopeful effort to make 2024 a better year through personal commitment.

We say to ourselves, starting today and forever after, I will exercise more, eat healthier, temper my emotions and show greater consideration for others.

Unfortunately, most personal resolutions don’t last very long. We tend to laugh about them, minimize their importance and, finally, forget them all together.

Within a few weeks of making a personal resolution, we give in to temptation and go back to our lazy ways.

But suppose that instead of making resolutions that only impact our personal lives, we resolve to positively impact the lives of other people?

Would such resolutions live longer? It’s worth a try.

Let us say for example, I resolve to dedicate one hour each week or one day each month to a worthy cause? 

Choose to work for social equality, or to promote human rights or a sustainable and clean environment.

The list of worthy causes is almost endless.

And some worthy causes are worthier than others, because they are endangered.

Reproductive rights and open access to library books are two worthy, but endangered, causes.

Working for a worthy cause feels good even if it might not bear fruit right away.

It provides us with a sense of hope that the challenges we face can be overcome if we address them together in formalized ways.

And it provides a sense of satisfaction that you did something about it. You may not have solved the problem, but at least you contributed to its solution.

The experience of working for a worthy cause is even more uplifting when it involves interacting with like-minded and caring people. It expands your circle of friends.

Resolving to work for a cause you believe in is more promising than working for one in which you’re not all that invested.

That’s because experts say that people are more likely to stick with a resolution if it resonates with their values.

If you believe in what you are doing, you will stay motivated for more than just a few weeks.

If these considerations make sense to you, take a moment to visit the Democratic Party website. Make note of our values and see if you don’t agree with them.

Resolve to act.

Visit kootenaidemocrats.org/ourparty. Click on the “Take Action” button and fill in the volunteer form.

2024 will be an action-packed year. We have a caucus, a primary and a general election, and two conventions to manage. We need your help.

Join us and be a part of our extended family.

But don’t wait too long. Do it before you lose the impetus. Even before you finish reading this column (which won’t take you much longer).

Be more than a concerned citizen. Score a few points for common sense. Together, let’s resolve to build a more perfect union.

Happy new year everyone!

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee.