By Jill Cotu in conversation with Peter Walzer
Peter Walzer and Jill Cotu, Viewridge buddies and Topanga New Times contributors, find themselves in conversation about the election year, the upcoming season of giving, and good old fashioned neighborliness.
Peter: Have you been watching tv politics these days? Former First Lady Michelle Obama fired up the crowd at the 2024 Democratic National Convention with a rallying cry: “do something.” Vice president Kamala Harris echoed the sentiment when she recounted her mother’s words “never complain about injustice, but do something about it.” These women don’t just talk the talk.
Jill: They walk the walk! Let me tell you a little story about that. A few years back, I saw a comment on Nextdoor disparaging playground patrons who left trash everywhere. I discussed the situation with my husband, who then told me that he too was at the Topanga Community Center the weekend in question, and he too saw the trash. He quietly picked it up and disposed of it. He didn’t take to social media to put our neighbors on blast, he simply decided to do something.
Peter: It’s easy to criticize and point out the flaws in any system; it’s much harder to take action.
Jill: I recently read the book, No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts To Save The Planet And The Discoveries He Makes About Himself And Our Way Of Life In The Process. No joke, that is the title in its entirety. Author Colin Beaven reflects, “I sometimes wonder if our lack of social connection and community is at the root of our environmental problems. I wonder, at least in my case, if that lack has meant that I don’t feel responsible or accountable to anything behind myself. Without real community, where is the visceral sense of connection to something larger, to something to which I owe my care? Maybe one reason I felt like I couldn’t make a difference…was because I wasn’t firmly connected to anything to which I could make a difference.”
Following in his stead, one might start on a journey of service by rooting into their local community, and fostering a sense of both belonging and responsibility. The more connected we are, the more we not only see where we are needed, but see the real impact of our actions.
Peter: It is empowering to take action. It is grand to have noble thoughts. You feel good about yourself. But unless turned into action, your thoughts have no meaning. They are mere ideas. They are ephemeral. They evaporate into the mist of time. But when you turn those thoughts into action, however small, then you are able to better the world.
Jill: That is not always second nature. We all know human beings are killing the planet .Farm out the blame to large, greedy corporations if you will, but at the end of the day, we know greenhouse gasses are warming the planet, contributing to all kinds of disasters and weather incidents, lack of food and water, starving children all over the world and right here in Los Angeles….and still we go buy a $7 latte in a throwaway cup, or take the bait and make an impulse buy of shiny plastic toys while in line at Target, because will not making those purchases truly save the planet?
Peter: We rationalize by saying that one small effort will not change the world. That is only true when everyone has that attitude. What really happens is that your neighbor sees what you are doing, and steps up. And then another neighbor, and so on. Good deeds are contagious. So many of our wonderful Topanga initiatives and events started with one person’s idea, and grew into a tradition. Even if you are not the one with the grand idea, you can carry it forward. That is how community is built.
Jill: There is a sign in my office wryly declaring, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” Recently I talked to my kids about this concept. I knew what was going through their minds as we sorted old books into piles, preparing to donate them to the Topanga Women’s Circle. There are so many Los Angeles families underserved and in crisis; will a couple copies of Dr. Seuss stories really make any difference to their plight? I held a piece of twine down with one finger so my daughter could tie a bow over a bundle, and offered, “The child who receives these will be filled with joy and gratitude and may feel that maybe, just maybe, things are looking up. You may not solve the housing crisis with this act of kindness, but you’ll make a difference to this one kid.”
“Yep,” she echoed, “We’ll make a difference to this one.”
Peter: Why do we volunteer? To make a difference even for just one person. If you want to change the world, start with just one person.
Jill: We live in such a vibrant place, full of intelligent and kind do-gooders and change-makers. I’ve seen our community come together time and time again, to help someone struggling to open a new business, to financially and emotionally support families after the loss of a loved one, to bring soup and gift baskets after a hospital stay or the birth of a new baby. We take care of each other. Sometimes all it takes is an awareness of where we are needed.
With that in mind, and in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday when everyone’s heart grows three sizes, Grinch-style, let’s grow a list of community organizations that welcome volunteers.
Peter: If you see something that needs improving, be the person to start the ball rolling, or join others to push the ball forward. Do something.
Editors Note:
The Topanga New Times Volunteer Portal
Looking for volunteers to help with your organization? We are updating our Volunteer Portal of volunteer opportunities in Topanga and our neighboring communities in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Please email TNT at [email protected] if you would like your organization to be included, or if you have a favorite volunteer organization.
Make sure to send us a short description, how volunteers can help, and what your organization currently needs. We’d love to include photos, logos and of course, links to current websites, emails and phone numbers for contacting for more information.
Some of Jill and Peter’s favorite volunteer organizations:
Topanga Women’s Circle
This all volunteer based group welcomes previously homeless families going into transitional housing. Specifically, TWC collects monetary contributions and gently used household items, and furnishes apartments with the little necessities we take for granted. TWC is always looking for help on Saturday mornings, when they receive donations at their Pinetree Circle bin. They also need help on move-in days, when a team transports goods to the Westwood housing center and outfits dwellings based on each family’s needs. topangawomenscircle.org
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains
RCDSMM is involved in habitat restoration and encouraging property owners to plant native landscapes, combate invasive species, and conserve water. Volunteers help monitor wildlife and the watershed, plant and care for trees, remove invasive crayfish from our creeks, (pretty rewarding, from personal experience). www.rcdsmm.org/resources/newsletters/
West Valley Food Pantry
The West Valley Food Pantry’s mission statement is to end hunger in the San Fernando Valley by providing food and supportive services for individuals and families in need. Though the pantry receives immense support from grocery partners, they can’t always predict what will be received. Help them fill the gap by donating non perishables Monday-Thursday between 9:30am and 11:30am. www.westvalleyfoodpantry.org
Assistance League of Los Angeles Foster Children’s Resource Center
This program provides critically needed clothes, underwear, blankets, toiletries, backpacks, school supplies, books, and toys to foster children. Often these children are removed from their homes in the middle of the night with only the clothes they are wearing. Their main building is in Hollywood, close to Sunset and Highland, but virtual volunteer opportunities are also available. www.assistanceleaguela.org
Topanga Library BookStore
Jenni Klemp is the president of the Friends of the Topanga Library, and she coordinates all volunteers. Currently, the bookstore is a small storage room just outside the library main entrance, off the patio. You may see the dollar book cart on display, but the store itself is only open when volunteers are available. You can also drop off good condition gently used books with library staff during business hours. Proceeds from book sales go directly to our library to help cover the cost of programs and materials. Jenni can be reached at [email protected]
Canyon Sages
This is Topanga’s only social and service organization designed for the older generation. The Sages create activities for seniors, and reach out to those who are isolated or in need. Canyon Sages is allied with the Topanga Community Center, under their non-profit umbrella, and they welcome volunteers. To get involved, email [email protected] or call 818.225.1909
Boys and Girls Club of West Valley
Located in Canoga Park, this division of the boys and girls club was founded in response to the need for safe, affordable, educational, and productive activities for at-risk youth during non-school hours. In addition to the clubhouse, the boys and girls club partners with ten local schools to provide after school care on campus. And I happen to know they are looking to hire additional help at the Woodland Hills Elementary Charter for Enriched Studies site. As a volunteer you will engage in their programs, support the administration, take on a project at one of the facilities, such as being a reading mentor. https://bgcwv.org/volunteer/
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Northridge
This organization offers mentorship to local youth, many of whom are identified as at-risk. Enrolled youth are paired with adult mentors who plan outings, help with homework, and take on the role of friend, guide, listening ear, and safe space. The supportive relationships that grow out of these connections can last a lifetime. If you’re ready to make a huge difference in the life of a child, fill out an application at: https://bbbsla.org/volunteer/
Heal The Bay
Topanga Elementary Charter School recently partnered with this fab group on coastal clean up day, removing 82 pounds of trash from Topanga State Beach. Heal the Bay works with Los Angelinos to protect our coastline, restore waterways, and speak out for clean water policy. On a timely note, Thursday, November 14, 2024 there is an in-person volunteer orientation at Heal the Bay Aquarium, off the pier in Santa Monica. https://healthebay.org/take-part/
Topanga Town Council
Direct from their homepage: The Topanga Town Council, though not an official governing body, hears your concerns and works to facilitate solutions for the community with the county agencies that have oversight on local issues. Formed nearly 40 years ago in response to needs unique to our mountain community, residents created the all-volunteer town council to serve as a liaison with Los Angeles County Supervisor’s Office and other relevant agencies, such as the CHP, Sheriff’s and Fire Department.
Become a town council volunteer. You can contribute as much or as little time as you want – everything adds up to make a collective impact. Help out with things like emergency preparedness programs, the fire station 69 chili dinner, and even grant writing.
C.A.T.S.
Volunteering with a hospital, in any capacity, puts things in perspective. It’s a sure fire way to start counting your blessings. Center for Assault Treatment Services is an organization founded to address the needs of the many abuse and domestic violence victims who receive care at Northridge Hospital. After clothes are removed by forensics, patients are often discharged with nothing but a hospital gown on their back. C.A.T.S. collects new with tags clothing to stock a closet that victims of all ages can shop when their treatment concludes. A warm sweater or snuggly teddy bear provides both comfort and dignity. C.A.T.S. also hosts an annual walk-run fundraiser in the spring. www.supportnorthridge.org
Baby to Baby
This non-profit provides supplies to children living in poverty, including diapers, formula, and all the basic necessities every child deserves. When these needs are met, families can focus on securing food and shelter. There are many ways to help out at the Los Angeles headquarters.
Donation inquiries: baby2baby.org Volunteermatch.org is a one stop resource for volunteer opportunities. Plug in your location to get a list of places that need help. If you’re waiting for a sign from the universe, here it is. You are officially invited to be the best version of yourself. Get out there. Do something.
