Community in Action

Like many of us, I find myself bogged down by news headlines more often than not these days. It’s infuriating and constant. It’s disheartening and illogical. At a time when so much seems to be going wrong, it feels harder than ever to stay in a positive headspace, let alone to take action on these wrongdoings. 

Thankfully, I work at a place like Hydrogen. A place where volunteering in our communities, acknowledging the state of the world through healthy (and appropriate!) conversation, and taking a mental health break are not only allowed, but encouraged. Not to mention the regular donations they make to defunded lifesaving institutions, like Planned Parenthood. 

Last month, our team spent the afternoon volunteering at Backpack Brigade, a local organization whose mission is to end weekend hunger for children in the Seattle area and beyond. In two and a half short hours, we packed 980 meals for kids in the surrounding communities and set up for the next round of volunteers. It was a fantastic afternoon spent away from our computers, coming together to make a tiny impact on our community. 

At happy hour later that afternoon, I noticed the table was a little fuller, the conversation was a little brighter, and the smiles were a little bigger than they normally are. It could’ve been the open bar tab or fresh pizza, but I think it’s because we all felt a little lighter. Speaking for myself, it was the first time in weeks that my frustration and sadness with the world felt proactive and was being put to good use. Making a small difference in our community dissolved a weight I was carrying that was heavier than I thought. 

It’s not profound to say that doing good feels good. But I do think it’s imperative to remind ourselves just how important it is to keep doing the good little things in a time where it feels like you can do nothing. Volunteering with our team was the perfect reminder to get out of our heads and into action, especially at the local level. Our communities are waiting for us. 

I’m thankful to work for a place like Hydrogen. A place where we acknowledge the injustices in the world through action, conversation, and honesty. A place where neutralism takes a back seat, because it’s more important than ever to stand for what you believe in. A place where, as I am constantly reminded, is in the best interest of its team– and community.