To the editor:

I hear you, Mr. Meyer, and I applaud your courage. Yes, we must as individuals and as a community contribute, participate, and communicate with one another.

Several years ago, I decided — as an activist whose hip needs replacing, whose funds are getting lower, and who’s tired of the fight — to do one last thing. So I went to Chicago to “Run for Congo Women.” There I heard Lisa Shannon tell of her journey from concern to becoming a mighty force.

She decided she was to organize runs to raise funds for education and caring for women in war-torn Africa. Her first race was in New York City — a terrible rainy day. She waited, and no one came. She began to think it was hopeless, and then one person showed up. They ran the race, and since that time, Lisa has had hundreds of runs raising millions of dollars.

Her message: “You never know what will happen if you show up.”

Well, I was inspired and shaken from my apathy, and I am showing up for Circles of Marion County, the alternative gift market, and of course Marion PRIDE.

Please keep challenging us to show up. Be counted. I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something.

I refuse to let the knowledge that I can’t do everything keep me from doing something.

Jackie Volbrecht
Marion