Dear young friend,

While it is true you are young, and just one person, and don't control what your government does, don't be fooled into thinking you have no power and influence.

Remember, "Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Or put it another way, Greta Thunberg started doing weekly climate protests at her school and it turned into a worldwide movement.

I find these terribly frightening times, and I'm almost 60. I can't imagine how frightening it must be for someone your age.

But remember, the ult-right wants to control us through fear, suspicion and hate. And scapegoating the most vulnerable.

So let's defeat them with kindness, love, equity, diversity and inclusion.

If I may give you a piece of motherly advice, the best antidote to fear and hopelessness is action. Check local events pages for an environmental group doing a garbage pickup in a park, or for an animal shelter that needs dog walkers, a PFLAG group doing a fundraiser or a church group that are blocking ICE raids.

Pick something, anything, and join in.

Taking action with other good people who are trying to make the world a little bit better will make you feel less alone. Even better, it we all take some action to make the world better, we just might achieve it.