With the recent attacks in Paris, along with other cities and countries, The Harbinger Editorial Board feels that we must address the significance of unity, and the positive impact that it creates.

Living in a small community can make it hard to imagine the effects of something so disastrous. In order to comprehend and potentially alter the dire situations of others on an international level, we must first make a difference locally.

We would like to acknowledge the unification of individuals and their concern for the victims of the Paris attacks.

In the past couple of weeks, a photo of the French flag has been trending on social media, replacing users’ profile pictures or starting a new post in order to draw attention to what occurred.

However, many people express their distaste toward such actions, and argue that changing or posting a photo, in the end, does nothing to help those concerned and is a pointless action to undertake.

So does posting a photo really mean something?

In the broad scheme of things, it does not necessarily change nor do anything, although it’s a considerate gesture that displays the positive encouragement felt by people around the world.

With that, we find it necessary to illustrate the hypocrisy that may be present. While some who change their photo are truly supportive of the cause, many are all talk with little action. However, some take it upon themselves to seek out ways to try and make a difference. For those who would like to help the individuals affected by the incidents that transpired, take it upon yourself to go above and beyond, and really get involved in the issue. In times of fear and sorrow, even the smallest of actions can make an impact, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

While Paris is an ocean away, there are still tangible ways for people here to go the figurative distance in order to help those whose lives have been shaken up by the terrorist attacks.

Donating online to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will aid those in critical condition and allow the assembly of more mobilized volunteers to bring relief to the victims.

The Friends of Fondation de France, Inc. (FFDF), a public charity located in the United States, has recently launched a program called Give For France, which is dedicated to supporting France’s Fondation de France and various other organizations who are helping the victims recover. The FFDF utilizes donations in order to make strides in health and medical research, social services and sciences, and the environment alongside French charities.

Restaurants du Coeur (Restaurants of Love), a French organization whose main priority is providing food to those in need, accepts online donations to bring meals to many who are unable to obtain them.

While those communicating messages of solidarity and support help bring the concept of local unity up to a global scale, challenge yourself to take action to help those suffering from the loss of family members or loved ones.

With the slew of support being advocated by those around the world, a sense of international unity has descended upon Paris, and has left an impact so profound that the “City of Light”  hasn’t gone dark.

The unsigned editorial reflects the views of The Editorial Board.