All over, everyone's saying, "What now?" Some are thinking about fleeing to Canada, others plan to crawl in a hole for the next four years and just hope for the best. Most, though, seem ready to dig down and fight the good fight. But what is the good fight? What can we do individually to make a difference? I know I am often paralyzed by the enormity of the situation—so much needs to change, from the "system" on down to the individual level. The task is daunting, so more often than not, I choose to roll over and go back to sleep, because really, what difference can one person make? In talking to some smart people today, I realized that it's important that we don't lose sight of the things we can or already do in our everyday lives: volunteer work, donating goods and money, engaging each other in dialogue about our lives both large and small, keeping abreast of the news (all the news—network, cable, blogs), being kind, having empathy.

There are people out there who are trying to make it easier for other people to help. The hilarious and incomparable Sarah of TomatoNation.com is promoting DonorsChoose.org, which connects teachers in some of the poorest public schools (the majority of the kids in the schools qualify for free lunches) to people who want to directly affect the lives of kids. Classrooms are receiving the books, equipment, and supplies they need. You can peruse the projects at the Donors Choose website and donate to what resonates with you, or donate through TomatoNation (and be in the running for tomato-licious TN swag!). This is just one of many places where you can help. It's heartening to know people are out there, doing what they can and trying to help others do the same. Rock on, y'all.