What do you do when everything feels out of your control?

By RYANNE JENNINGS

Over the past few weeks, a lot has been happening on the national stage. Communities are experiencing disruption in their lives, a lot of uncertainty and fear. It can be hard to accept when we cannot change what is happening in Minneapolis, Los Angeles or South America. 

When things feel out of control, we can still make a difference. We can serve others and support our local communities. 

Martin Luther King Jr. once described “life’s most urgent question” as “What are you doing for others?” 

Life is messy, imperfect and unjust in many cases. It also has beauty, joy and awe, if you allow for it. When we focus on serving others, it creates space for connection and gratitude. When we can’t control a voting outcome, public policy or legal decision, what we can do is focus on neighborhood items that are close to home. That’s where community is built and where philanthropy is most powerful. Volunteering at the local library, running for the school board, participating in your community’s civic group, saying hello to your neighbors, or even singing in your church choir—these are all ways to connect with your neighbor and serve your community.  These can be rewarding answers to Dr. King’s question.

I have the great privilege of working in a field that serves people every day, but I also choose to find ways, within my control, to serve others in ways that bring me joy. I coach my daughter’s Missy Basketball team; I serve on the board for my son’s soccer team; I pick up litter while out walking my dog. These are all small acts. Some take minutes, others a few hours of my week. These small acts help build relationships and create positive ripples in our community. They can be the building blocks of hopeful opportunity in the places we call home. 

2026 might be off to a bit of a bumpy start, but we always have a chance to right this ship. After all, we are sailing it together. I challenge you to extend an invite to a neighbor for dinner, offer to watch a friend’s dog when they’re traveling, join a committee or board.  Find a way to connect to others by offering your help. Let people know you care.

The mission of the Wayne County Community Foundation is to connect people with financial and non-financial resources to improve the quality of life for all people in Wayne County. For more information about the Wayne County Community Foundation, visit waynefoundation.org.

Ryanne Jennings is the president/CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation, based in Honesdale, PA.

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