“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to happen — it’s not.” — Dr. Seuss in The Lorax

The time to act is now — and always.

The Lorax is a great book. It shows how our actions today can impact future generations. It teaches us that we all have a role to play to protect our planet and make the world better for all.

The story tells how the land was destroyed by greedy businessmen who cut down all the trees for their own profit. The conflict is between the Lorax, who “speaks for the trees,” and the Once-ler, who destroys the forest to make his Thneed products that ‘everyone wants’. The reader feels distress at the death of the trees.

But it’s not just the trees. The destruction of the trees sets off a chain reaction. The Lorax must speak not only for the trees, but also for the Brown Barbaloots, who are starving for lack of Truffula fruits; the Swomee Swans, who are choked by the smog; and the Humming-Fish, poisoned by the factory waste that pollutes the lake.

Who will you speak for? What will you stand for? How are you making the world a better place?

Civic engagement is every American’s responsibility. We need to stand up for truth and justice. There are so many issues.

Greta Thunberg has rallied young people around the world towards environmental activism.

Bill McKibben is a local guy who is raising awareness to save our planet. He is lobbying, canvassing, speaking and writing about issues like climate change and renewable energy, like wind, solar and nuclear, to replace fossil fuels that dirty our air and water and cause the Earth’s climate to warm.

When Nancy Murphy’s sister had terminal cancer, she was able to get medical aid in dying because she lived in Vermont. It was a peaceful passing, with the whole family gathered around to share love and bid goodbyes.

This motivated Nancy to work towards passing a similar bill in New York. It took 10 long years of writing letters, making phone calls to legislators and rallying supporters in Albany. The state legislature passed the bill last year and Governor Hochul has promised to sign it — we’re still waiting and hoping that Medical Aid in Dying will soon be a reality in our state.

It’s time to raise your voice, too. What issues are important to you?

There are also many ways to get your voice heard. First, be sure to vote.

Raise awareness of issues you care about. Lobby and push for the things that are important to you.

Sign petitions. Go door-to-door, carrying petitions for legislators running for office. Knock on doors to ask for support for them.

Next, reach out to your representatives on the local, state and national level. Let them know which issues are important to you, and ask for their help in passing legislation. Write letters and postcards. Flood your elected officials with calls.

Make your voice heard. Write letters to the editor of your local paper. Put out newsletters. Post on social media platforms.

Organize. Get other people to work with you on the issues you deem most important.

Attend protests, rallies, and marches in your community. Organize protests.

Show up. Be honest. Have integrity. Show empathy.

Stand for truth, honesty, love, respect for our planet and everything that lives on it.

We are living in an age of bullies. We need to lift others up, help others — not tear them down. We need to work together, to participate and organize a network of moral resistance. We need to shine our lights in the darkness.

Yes, you can work for change. You can use your voice and your hands to make the world a better place for all.

——

Yvona Fast is a resident of Lake Clear.