Small Intentional Acts, Big Ripple Effects... Rosa Parks, Greensboro Four, Anne Atwater...

What’s Good Friend! 

Can we talk about the the power of small, intentional acts? Because sometimes the smallest, most deliberate actions create the biggest ripple effects. We often underestimate the impact of these seemingly minor efforts, but trust me, they can lead to real, lasting change. Every intentional choice you make—no matter how small—can touch someone or even start a movement.

From local community initiatives to the larger national movements, we've seen how small actions can grow into something massive. Small intentional actions have always been the foundation of change. Think about Rosa Parks, a black woman. When she said “No” on that bus in Montgomery, Alabama, it wasn’t just about sitting in a seat—it was about standing for what was right. That one simple act ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which wasn’t just about not riding the bus; it was about showing up, intentionally, day after day. It was the collective power of small choices made by everyday people that forced change and eventually dismantled the segregation on those buses.

Then there’s the Greensboro Four. Four young black men walked into a Woolworth’s lunch counter, sat down, and asked for service. That was a small but intentional act. They didn’t have to do it. They could’ve stayed quiet, stayed out of trouble, but they chose to act. And in doing so, they sparked a movement. Sit-ins across the nation followed, challenging segregation in public spaces and proving that small, intentional actions can change the world.

And then we have Ann Atwater, another black woman. Her work didn’t always get the spotlight, but it made a huge impact. She led in the quiet, consistent way of doing the work—especially when it wasn’t popular or easy. Her fight for desegregation, her work bringing people together to have hard conversations—it was all about intention. She didn’t just sit back and hope things would change. She stepped into the discomfort, putting herself in spaces where change was needed. That’s how transformation happens. By being intentional.

These aren’t just stories of the past. These are reminders that each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small the act seems. Intentionality isn’t always about making a big splash. It’s in those small choices we make every day that we shift the direction of our communities, our country, and our world. 

People who chose to act with intention have changed the course of history. And you have the same ability to create change, right where you are. So, what’s your small intentional action today?

Reflect on how you can make small, intentional changes in your own life and community. May ask yourself the following:

• What small, intentional act can I do today to make a positive impact on my community?

• Think of a time when a small gesture had a big impact on you—how can I pay that forward?

• What obstacles or self-doubts are preventing me from taking small steps toward the changes I want to see?

I believe this quote reminds us that major change doesn’t always come from the top. It’s the power of small, intentional acts that drives progress. I’ve also learned the very hard way that you don’t have to be the biggest or the loudest to make an impact… start where you are!

Save the Date: Transitioning Power w/ Skippy Mesirow – February 25

Join us this Tuesday, February 25, for a powerful episode of Key to the City with Skippy Mesirow. He shares his leadership journey, discussing the true nature of power, overcoming personal challenges, and the importance of inner work. Skippy explores how leadership goes beyond titles and emphasizes self-love, community, and collective growth.

When we look at today’s societal issues in underrepresented communities, we see how small, intentional acts of kindness, support, and advocacy can spark real change. It’s the everyday people—united in purpose—that challenge the systems trying to hold us down. When we stay aligned with our values, we create the impact we’re meant to have, one action at a time.

Right now, my pulse is telling me that we all need to prioritize kindness and respect for one another. We don’t need to understand everything, and sometimes, it’s better we don’t. But we can choose kindness.

For example, I’ve seen people shout “ICE” when they see Hispanic/Latino people, just to instill fear especially when children are around. Now, I’m not here to debate politics or justify any votes, but what I know is this: it’s cruel. Yelling “ICE” at children who have no voice in these issues is inhumane.

Let’s take ownership of how we show up. Instead of absorbing cruelty, let’s focus on the love and kindness we can put into the world. We all have that power. And it starts with us.

• Book: The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging by Charles Vogl – Learn how intentional acts of inclusion and collaboration can transform communities.

• Podcast: The Good Life Project – This podcast features stories of individuals who made a significant impact through small, intentional actions in their lives and communities.

• Resource: National Urban League – The National Urban League focuses on economic empowerment and equality for underserved communities. Their work in education, jobs, health, and housing fosters opportunities for all, especially in Black and Brown communities, and provides tools for engaging in activism and systemic change.