No Response

I sound "holier than thou," but bear with me. Mea culpa. Why are so few willing to be involved? My question is for those comfortably retired, empty nesters, and those who do not have to work.

I guess my brain was formed differently. I feel very lucky. Ever since I was 14 or 15 years old, I felt the strong need to help others less fortunate than myself. Without direction from adults, I set forth on my journey. Not being bold or confident as a teenager, I tread with tiny steps--teaching swimming for the Red Cross, tutoring, swimming with children with cerebral palsy, attending protests. I selected a major for undergraduate and graduate work that steered me directly to a career aimed at helping others.

I have written about this topic before, and I suppose there is not one answer. Why do moral individuals sit during a presentation about a social need, go home, and return to a comfortable routine? People protect themselves and their time. I am not referring to the millions of unpaid caregivers, parents of children, single mothers and fathers, mentors, and coaches to name a few of those who devote themselves to others.

Throughout my life I have found that from a crowd of a hundred people, maybe four or five will respond to a plea for help and follow through. I am NOT Mother Theresa. I have strict limits. However, wherever I go, whatever I do, I see the same people respond for help, donate time and money, and show an interest in others. Those who have little, often give the most of themselves.

My paternal grandmother--who lost family, friends, and monetary assets during World War II-- was one such individual. She gave food and time lovingly to those who needed assistance. She suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and mental illness. But when she was up and feeling well, she could be seen walking up and down the hills of San Francisco carrying large bags of stuff for others. She traveled by bus.

My father was the same. He did not give much money to others; he held on tightly to what he earned. He gave his time to organizations that called out antisemitism during the so-called "good old days" of the 1960's and '70's when antisemitism seemed, to me, to be an antiquated idea. He worked for political candidates and was an avid supporter of the Democratic Party. A Hispanic woman I know houses undocumented immigrants without fanfare or publicity. She encourages the refugees to get jobs and housing.

Donating money is very important. Sufficient funds are a prerequisite for good works. I salute the fundraisers. I could not do the job. I give more freely--albeit on a small scale--now that I have the means. Action is necessary, as well. I am believer in "showing up." The smallest actions become noticeable when many individuals sign on. Look what happened with the Woman's March in January 2017 and the recent No Kings Rally. There are countless groups assisting undocumented immigrants, writing letters and postcards, boycotting corporations that support the present administration, supporting candidates for change, working to maintain voting rights, and insuring that reproductive freedom remains. When one decides to "do something," one encounters overwhelming information. It is difficult to decide in what direction one should place one's energy.

My wish for 2026 is that my readers do more. I will try too. Please--older people with the means, we do not have limitless time. We will not be aware when future generations ask, "What were they doing to stop the assault on Democracy?" The question will be asked. For that I am certain. I hope we can increase the numbers of people who participate in proactive measures, so future generations, especially the young, will not ask that question or will have, at least, a partial answer.

©Karen Levi 2025