“Joy is the oxygen of justice.” —Gary Haugen

In 2016, when I look around, it's easy to only see a single story being told. I see people suffering needlessly and in response, I feel like I’m suffocating.

But that’s not the only story we have the opportunity to tell.

I believe that part of taking injustice seriously is actually not taking ourselves too seriously. The invitation to participate in standing up for others can be joyful. It can be a celebration.

Something like a birthday party.

Birthdays are reminders that the rhythm of the universe is life. The birth-pangs of suffering signal that something bright and beautiful is on it’s way.

My birthday is December 17. Instead of receiving gifts this year, I want to try something different. This past summer, my friend Nick and I biked over 300 miles to raise money for clean water. That money is being put to work right now to combat disease and poor sanitation, towards solutions in communities like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters.

And I want to continue those efforts this upcoming month! I'm pledging my birthday for water!

It doesn’t have to be sobering business. I think it could be fun. If we can raise $1000 before we usher in the New Year on midnight of December 31, I will dye my hair PINK!

We have a chance, each day to make a difference, even if it's some small way. There’s work to be done. So let's try and have some fun.