Ultimately, “raising awareness” does little to affect change. If you protest amid a throng of thousands, what are you accomplishing? Who will hear your voice? Will anyone even notice you were there? Doubtful.

If you want to stop violence and hate, start by taking a look at your own beliefs and actions. There are no angels in America (or anywhere).

The biggest impact you can have is on yourself and the people closest to you—your friends, family members, and neighbors. Before you wade into to swamp of national politics, ask yourself…

Who needs me in a hundred-foot radius?

Become a mentor for at-risk youth. Found an after school program. Make a card for someone who’s underappreciated. Moderate an argument. Build a community garden. Reach out to someone who’s in pain.

If we don’t get “specific” about our goals and efforts, we’ll be doomed to ride out the same old patterns into extinction.

Change happens one person at a time—and it starts with you.