The (Terre Haute) Tribune-Star

Another year has come and gone.

In many ways, 2023 was a good year. In other ways, it was a hard year.

What does the coming year hold? As is normally the case, we can all look ahead with hope and optimism, just as we brace ourselves for what will surely be challenges.

In truth, there isn’t much we can do to affect larger events on the state, national and world stage.

But there are things we can do, and one of the most important is to strive to be a good citizen. Good citizenship is essential now more than ever. If we commit to do better, to be better in our civic life, then we will have made a significant contribution to the well-being of our communities.

As the calendar turns, resolutions for self-improvement are top of mind. Lose weight. Exercise. Eat healthy. Stop smoking. Think positive. Laugh more. Worry less. Etc., etc.

Mostly, they’re personal goals, and good ones at that.

We’d like to add another for your consideration: Become a better citizen.

How does one do that? It’s easier than you think. You probably do it all of the time, yet don’t think of it in terms of being a good citizen. But there may be more you can do that require only that you engage in your community in a greater variety of ways, each of which contributes to enhanced quality of civic life for all.

We offer the following resolutions from which to choose. Try a few.

• Donate blood.

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine, shots for flu and RSV. They are easily accessible, and many are free. If you’re already vaccinated, lovingly urge those around you who resist it to reconsider for their sake and for those around them.

• Drive safely with an emphasis on construction zones.

• Attend a festival. They contribute greatly to a community’s sense of place, pride and self-worth.

• Volunteer. Plenty of good causes need your help.

• Make a contribution to a local charity and not just during the holidays.

• Read your newspaper. Better yet, subscribe to your newspaper. Yes, we know this sounds self-serving, but let us explain. One key way to be more aware, involved and informed is to know what’s going on in your community and to apply this knowledge to your civic life. The best way to get that kind of knowledge is by reading a newspaper, which is widely believed to be the main source of vital information about government, business and public and private institutions that make up the foundation of every community.

• Disinformation is everywhere, especially on social media. Be skeptical. Seek the truth. Your democracy will thank you for it.

• Use your local parks. They are beautiful places.

• Support community-based businesses. They need you. You need them. Now more than ever.

• Take advantage of cultural opportunities, which are abundant. Visit a museum. Attend a theatrical performance, a concert or the symphony. Venture onto a college campus for something other than a sporting event.

• Be a good neighbor. Mend fences. Build bridges. And no, we don’t mean the structural kind.

• Embrace the community’s diversity. Scrutinize biases or prejudices you may hold toward others concerning politics, religion, race, age, gender or sexual orientation.

• Thank a veteran. When the opportunity arises, attend an event that salutes those who have served in the armed forces.

• Tell public safety officials and first responders how much you appreciate the jobs they do and the risks they take to make our communities safe and secure.

• Express gratitude to all those front-line workers — doctors, nurses, health professionals of all kinds — who continue to give so much of themselves to help their communities through difficult times.

• Stand up for democracy. It is fundamental to who we are as Americans, yet it is being threatened. You have the power to help protect it. Vote. And vote wisely.

• Be kind to the animals. Adopt a pet from the shelter. Be a responsible pet owner.

• Respect the environment. Don’t litter. Take care of community resources. Recycle. Educate yourself about ways to help make your community more sustainable.

• Speak well of your community. Proud of where you live? Tell people about it.

Happy New Year! May 2024 be the best year yet for you, your family and the community in which you live.