I’ve never been more frustrated, reading the national news each morning. I think Trump and his sycophantic group of unqualified losers are causing so much damage to our country – and it’s reputation worldwide – that it will be irrecoverable. The question I wrestle with is what to do about it.
I’m not going to do something rash on a national level. Every once in a while I lash out on social media but that’s useless and helps in no way – people who agree with me like it and those who don’t, don’t.
I am convinced that the answer to “what can I do” lies in local solutions. I have tried hard to ‘reinvent myself’ after 40 years of corporate life. I spend time helping my son with his sea kayaking business (having declared myself Chairman of his company) and am also doing volunteer and board work for 3 non-profits.
The one I joined 3 years ago is the Island Institute. They help waterfront communities across Maine. Their programs help support climate change solutions and working waterfront economic diversity issues. I also do volunteer work for them, providing tech support at weekly meetings for the elderly on Deer Isle. They love it and it’s fun.
Last year I joined an even more local non-profit, called Project Launch. This is led by a wonderful lady who provides coaching, support and programs for local teenagers, opening their eyes to possibilities in addition to commercial fishing.
And most recently, I joined the board of Junior Achievement (JA) of Maine (logo at the top). I have been involved with JA for 20 years, starting in New York City when I did volunteer teaching at a middle school in Harlem – so rewarding. Then I taught for a while in Norwalk CT. I also joined the Boards of those chapters, and chaired the board in CT for a number of years, until 6/30/25. At that point I contact the head of JA in Maine and she offered me a seat on her board.
These are my current involvements – I enjoy them and enjoy how they make me feel about helping at a local level. At least I’m contributing in small ways at local levels. It’s the best I can do for now.
Trump can’t see me, so I’m pretty sure I can continue to get away with this. :-).
mikesteinharter.com 