How to Rebuild Community

Being ethical and being vegan, are the same to me. I can not have one without the other. At the same time, I see at times, that community and our future are crumbling under the weight and pressure of hate.  Barry and I founded Sanctuary Bistro as part of a mission to take a stand and re-create a world that can be a Sanctuary. Each one of us can do our part to make this happen. It may not seem like a lot but a little gesture has a ripple affect.  Let's start our ripples of goodness into the world and have it take over.Here are simple steps you can take.Say hello to strangers.Talk to everyone.  Do not be afraid to say hello to anyone.  Do not worry if people think you are weird or dorky.                    Smile at FolksTalk, learn, and share interests.Be genuine.Be passionate.Be thoughtful.Accept Responsibility.Change your mind as you learn- I would rather flip flop my thoughts than remain stagnant and wrong as I learn more information.Never stop learning.Pick up trash when you see it on the sidewalk; in the park; whereever you are. Clean our earth.Stay humble.Treat kids, animals, and families well.Plant food. For you and for others.Teach what you know.Create teams.Lead and follow with honor.Share your talents.Share others' talents.Share only positivity on social media.Ask about peoples lives and genuinely take the time to care.Understand your privileges in the world. Put everything in perspective. Fifteen minutes of watching the news can help with that if you're having trouble!Keep an open mind.Listen to feedback.Stay true to yourself.Feel things.Be real.Bite your tongue. Not everything needs to be said.  Use your filters and ask yourself, "Is what I am about to say going to make a true impact on the world?"Breathe the fresh air.Think about those that might be less fortunate than you.Talk to people.Share ideas.Offer a platform for people to share i.e. artists, non profits, and community members.Work on your own weaknesses.Share your strengths.Remember everyone has an interesting story.Meet your neighbors.Try not to judge and if you do, recognize when you do. The more aware you become, the less you judge.Treat people as you want to be treatedDo not let someone walk around with kale in their teeth.Make sure to help everyone keep their dignity intact.Work through your own fears of people who are different.Speak up for those that don't have a voice.What else can we do to rebuild community - leave your ideas in the comments below?Photo Credit: Mylla via Compfight cc