Change Cleveland in 2008

Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine. ~Robert C. Gallagher

With that being said, why not make a few small changes this year that can create some positive change in your local community. Even small changes, if changes for good, are worth the effort. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

1. Hunger doesn’t only strike during the holidays. Consider making a food or monetary donation to the Cleveland Foodbank. Or, sign up to be a volunteer. There are many different opportunities for you to lend a helping hand. Interested? Visit the Cleveland Foodbank.

2. Put more effort into recycling. The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District offers a web guide and printable guide detailing the recycling programs of each city in the county.

3. Give the gift of literacy. Cleveland Reads is a resource and advocate for both child and adult literacy. Find out how you can donate, help or volunteer at Cleveland Reads.
4. Make sure your politicians work for you. Register to vote in Cuyahoga County. Then write to your politicians and tell them what you want. You can visit Write to Your Politician.com of any number of sites to find out how to contact yours.
5. Shop for your food locally. (Especially organic!) You can still even do this in the dead of winter at the North Union Farmers Market.
6. Support the Arts. It’s no secret I think the arts are vital to our economy, our lifestyle and our environment. I won’t list any organization or artist in particular as that is one of the major purposes of this blog. Simply visit the theater, purchase your goods from local artists and crafters, check out local art galleries, watch a dance performance, donate to arts organizations, take an art class, etc… There’s an entire wealth of possibilities.

More ideas to come soon…!