I was asked to be a judge for a Racial Justice award – organizations and individuals submitted entries describing the work that they have done. I read for hours. I am humbled by these people. People who have spent their lives working toward building real understanding in their communities and who have expended energy beyond description teaching tolerence in so many ways. Study circles, workshops for corporations, learning through the arts, interactive learning with teens and even preschool programs. Some taught leaders how to lead their organizations to be more inclusive. All worked tirelessly to start dialogue. Some in small groups and some in large groups. Some in politically charged directions and some in informal settings.

I learned a few things. First of all, that I am in no position to judge these people. They all have put the betterment of the world before all and who am I to decide who did more? For all I know, a preschooler taught by one could be the president of the United States in 2045. So would that be the individual who has contributed the most? Secondly, I learned that I have a lot to learn about racism. I know it exists. What I don’t know is what to do about it. And lastly, I learned that there is real goodness in the world. I have always known that there are people out there who care for the greater good. But reading the details of lives spent focused on making our world better is inspiring.

I do feel that I give back. I volunteer. I care. But I can do more. And I will.