There is a grand, annual tradition of making “New Year’s Resolutions” wherein we write down all of the lofty plans we have for personal change and self-improvement in the coming year. We swear to live healthier lives, be kinder to our neighbors, pursue our dreams, or correct whatever our particular peccadilloes are. There is also a grand tradition of breaking or forgetting almost all of these by early February.

This year, however, I hope to keep mine, and maybe you can help hold me to it. There’s no stronger motivation for me than the threat of public shaming. Better yet, join me and we’ll help keep each other on track.

My resolution is simple: Get more involved in my community. After all, this blog is called “By the People,” and as someone in daily pursuit of a more perfect union, it is my duty to get in line with the values I espouse here week after week.

Democracy isn’t about the power of the leading men and women of society; it depends on the actions and involvements of people at the smallest level. A commitment to democratic change cannot be fulfilled by just casting a ballot for your favored candidate; it must be followed by personal action, locally to help bring about that change.

Mahatma Gandhi instructed us to “be the change you want to see in the world.” With the first decade of the new century behind us, a decade that saw a great deal of change (not all of it positive) but left much for us to grapple with (and created new challenges and opportunities too), that quote is more powerful than ever.

I will start by committing to do more volunteer service, and to report back to you on it once in a while. Will you join me in my resolution to take local action in 2010 to my make my community a better place? Let me know how in the comments!