We Act our Way into Hope
by Dr. Mark Smutny
As the New Year dawns, we find ourselves in uncertain times. News headlines speak of polarization, economic uncertainty, and global challenges that can feel insurmountable. Yet, as we turn the calendar to a fresh page, I find myself drawn to a simple but profound truth: we act our way into hope.
Hope is not a passive feeling. It is not something we wait for or stumble upon. Hope is created by action. It is cultivated in the everyday deeds that bring light into the darkness, warmth into the cold, and connection into isolation. Every deed of compassion, every step toward justice, every encouraging word—these are the acts that build hope, not only for ourselves but for those around us.
When I think about hope, I think of the nonprofits I’ve had the privilege to serve. I’ve seen organizations mired in toxic conflict transform into vibrant communities united around a shared mission. These transformations didn’t happen overnight. They happened because people chose to act. They chose to listen deeply, to extend grace, and to move toward solutions rather than further division. Each act, no matter how small, was a step toward hope.
I think about the executive who decided to lead with empathy rather than authority. In doing so, they created a workplace culture where collaboration thrived and team members felt valued. Or the parent who told a captivating story to their child, igniting curiosity and wonder. Or the moment an older adult was asked to share the richness of their wisdom, feeling seen and celebrated.
Each of these acts is a seed of hope planted in the soil of the present. They remind us that even in the darkest times, hope is a practice—a discipline we commit to through our choices and actions.
As we face the uncertainties of this New Year, I invite you to consider how you can act your way into hope. Perhaps it’s by extending a word of encouragement to a colleague or neighbor. Perhaps it’s by volunteering for a cause that matters deeply to you. Or maybe it’s by taking the first step toward healing a fractured relationship.
In my consulting work through Civic Reinventions, Inc. I see daily the power of action to transform not only organizations but also communities. When we engage with others to build more inclusive and compassionate spaces, we create ripples of hope that extend far beyond what we can see.
Hope is not a luxury reserved for the few. It is a necessity for all of us. And it is available to us when we choose to act—when we choose compassion over indifference, justice over apathy, and connection over division.
So, as we step into this New Year, let us act our way into hope. Let us commit to being builders of a brighter, more inclusive world. For every small act of kindness, every courageous step toward justice, every moment of genuine connection—these are the building blocks of hope. And together, they create a foundation strong enough to carry us through any uncertainty the future may hold.
My friends, together, as the New Year dawns, let us act our way into hope.
All the best,
Dr. Mark Smutny
Contact Information for Dr. Mark Smutny
Organization: Civic Reinventions, Inc.
Mission Statement: Helping Non-profits Thrive in an Increasingly Diverse World
Email: mark.smutny@civicreinventions.com
Phone: (626) 676-0287
Website: https://civicreinventions.com
Author: Thrive: The Facilitator’s Guide to Radically Inclusive Meetings, 2nd ed.