Individual Contributions Form a Collective Effort

Yesterday, on the House floor, H. Res 52 was passed, honoring UUSC founders Martha and Waitstill Sharp. In remembering their courageous stand against Nazi genocide, Rep. Tom Lantos (the lone Holocaust survivor in Congress) noted that "recent atrocities like Rwanda and Darfur in Sudan remind us that our pledge 'never again' has not been fulfilled. Let us learn from the Reverend Sharp and his courageous wife to have the fortitude and foresight to act against such evil."

When looking at the situation in Darfur, it can seem overwhelming. And for one person to effect great change, it is. But we can play a part individually to contribute to a collective effort to force change. That's what the Drumbeat for Darfur is all about. Just talking to our neighbors and friends about Darfur, getting everyone to pay attention and listen, is doing something.

On my commute to work this morning, I saw several kids at a very busy intersection, holding up a large, green sign. At first I figured it'd be the usual "bake sale" or "car wash." Instead, to my surprise, it read "Save Darfur." And another sign: "What are YOU doing?" Every car that passed had to take notice that even young children -- standing on a street corner on one of the coldest days this year -- are doing what they can to raise awareness.