It’s July 4th, Independence Day. It’s the day we celebrate the founding of the United States of America.

Traditionally, we celebrate with cookouts and picnics, parades and fireworks. But this year, I feel like we need more.

It’s no secret that our country is divided. So this year, let’s celebrate the USA’s birthday by helping the nation live up to its founding principles:

• Register to vote and help register other eligible voters.
• Get informed about community affairs.
• Program your representatives’ phone numbers into your phone and communicate with them regularly about issues that matter to you.
• Research things you can do to improve your neighborhood.
• Get to know your neighbors.
• Volunteer to help on a political campaign.
• Learn more about American history.

This year, let your Independence Day fireworks add light, not heat.