I agree with all you said. But one thing is missing here. In our atomized consumer culture, we are accustomed to framing issues in two polarities: individual action or political advocacy. This dichotomy leaves out an important middle ground: community building, not just among “like-minded folk” with whom we generally interact, but also with people who may be very different — whether ethnically, culturally, or politically. A good place to start here is with our neighbors — whom most of us, especially in suburbia, scarcely know. Next is to join local groups with whom you share one interest — say art or gardening — and gently lead them to greater awareness of our common plight. I have codified this approach in a simple slogan: “Grow gardens, Grow community; Grow awareness.”