"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

--Desmond Tutu

Complex challenges are everywhere, with political instability across much of the globe; immigration policy gridlock in Washington, D.C.; and legislators in Olympia striving to agree to a budget that funds education and other important governmental functions. All of these have very real ramifications for children and families across Washington State.

Somehow collectively we must address all of these issues, and more. At times I feel overwhelmed and wonder how we can possibly "fix" all that is not working, and create a world of opportunity for all. And then I look in the mirror and know that I am much more privileged than most people in the world. I know that every day people in this community, this state, and the world face much more difficult challenges, and they keep going. This is particularly true for families with young children, who are disproportionately poor, and struggling to make ends meet at the same time as they strive to help their children be healthy and ready for kindergarten. Ordinary people are facing extraordinary odds, advocating for their children, and not giving up. That inspires me.

And so the words of Desmond Tutu help me focus. We each find ourselves in a different place, and over our lives our opportunities for influence will vary. But if we each do what we can where we are--and build relationships with others to multiply that impact--we will change the world. In 2011 I had the chance to hear Desmond Tutu during his farewell U.S. speaking tour, when he addressed Tacoma's "Be the Spark" event. I remain amazed that both he and the Dalai Lama (whom I heard speak in 2008 in Seattle) have such a personable approach and delightful sense of humor! How two people who have faced such extraordinary challenges can be so engaging to people in cultures across the world is remarkable. Yet at the same time they make you feel that YOU matter and can (must!) make a difference. And therein lies their real power.

In the education funding conversation in Olympia, early learning remains both a challenge and an opportunity. There is the very real potential for increased investment in early learning--in child care quality, in preschool expansion, and in Reach Out and Read. But it will require everyone "keeping their eye on the prize" even when the negotiations get tough. The opportunity gap that exists in early childhood persists throughout life, and that is why racial equity, social justice, and civil rights are closely linked to early learning.

The good news is that there are many, many people from all walks of life in this state who have a chance to make a difference. You're one of them--so do what you can in your daily life, and contact your legislators to let them know early learning, including Reach Out and Read, is a priority. It is only in looking back that we see the true impact of our collective actions. This is the year to start the transformation of our state, and our nation, around early learning. Find your "little bit of good" today.

Jill Sells, MD and the Reach Out and Read Washington Team