The new year is here, and with it the countdown to the presidential inauguration and a new and uncertain direction for the country.

For many of us, the prospect of making a difference on the national stage seems more daunting than ever. To counteract that sense of helplessness, we asked a few friends to suggest some modest new year’s resolutions for Vineyarders to consider that could bring positive change to the Island. Here are some ideas:

Volunteer. Libraries, schools, the food bank, and many nonprofit organizations can always use help. If you don’t know where to look, the Gazette often lists volunteer opportunities in its Classified section.

Pick up beach trash. Sure, you already carry out what you carry in, but save some room in your trash bag for what washed in on the tide. When walking on conservation land, take a moment to help keep trails clear.

Rent your guest house year-round. With affordable housing more scarce than ever, this is a simple way for those who have the means to support Islanders who perform essential services.

Carry reusable bags. The plastic bag ban is now law in every Island town save Oak Bluffs. Bring a canvas tote and eliminate brown paper waste too.

Eat local, buy local. Spending on-Island helps keep your neighbors employed.

Run for office. Contested races have become the exception on town ballots. If you don’t like how decisions are being made, become a decision-maker.

Engage your representatives. Maybe you don’t have time to stand for elective office. You can still get involved by meeting and talking with the people you elected to serve.

Yield to other drivers. Drive as though you know the person in the other car and understand she needs to get home to her kids. You probably do and she probably does.

Embrace native plants. Lawn fertilizer accounts for up to fifteen per cent of the Island’s controllable nitrogen, affecting both ponds and groundwater.

Stand up for your beliefs, respectfully. Demonstrate. Write letters. Attend rallies. Testify at hearings. Comment on news stories. But, please, be willing to put your name to your opinions and be civil when you disagree.

Open your land to deer hunting. An overabundance of deer is in part responsible for the spread of tick-borne illness on the Vineyard.

Befriend a child or an elderly person. A small show of interest can open the world for the very young and the very old.

Take up less space. Consider a smaller footprint when you renovate or build a new home.

Give generously to local charities. Martha’s Vineyard has scores of deserving nonprofit organizations that help the less fortunate, contribute to our rich arts and cultural environment and protect our natural resources.

Be kinder than necessary. We are constantly reminded that people around us are suffering in ways that may not be immediately obvious.

Support responsible journalism. Thank you for your readership. With your help, the Gazette resolves to bring facts and fairness to its reporting in 2017 and the years to come.