Hundreds of islanders attended 14 events over the course of four days last week to discuss the topics of death, dying and end-of-life planning. With a dinner, a live music event, art displays and prominent guest speakers, the event was no small task, but was organized by only a small group of eight volunteers.

The Vashon Conversation for the Living about Dying represented the first event of its kind for Vashon. While groups throughout the nation have been attempting to increase awareness about the importance of end-of-life planning and advance directives and how they can aid family members at one of the most vulnerable and emotional times of life, last week’s event was a culmination of the smaller events that have attempted to bring islanders on board. It was also the beginning of a movement that organizers hope will grow in the coming months and years.

The event showed just how much can be accomplished by a small, passionate group of people who, with no compensation or promise of recognition, can start conversations and change attitudes. And the eight organizers are only a small portion of the island population who find themselves wanting to make a difference and are passionate enough to do so.

Since the most recent presidential campaign and election, islanders have kickstarted the well-known Vashon activism by writing letters, calling representatives and senators, as well as organizing multiple groups addressing a range of issues, from climate change to health care. These groups are noted in a story on the front page. And just this week, another islander organized a training through the ACLU to teach islanders about civil liberties and what to do to protect them.

Vashon has always been an island of passionate people with opinions they are willing to put their actions behind. Given an impetus, those passions get put to use and can create far-reaching effects, sometimes beyond even the organizers’ expectations.

The chances to get plugged-in are numerous and diverse. The Beachcomber urges everyone who is passionate about an issue to get involved by joining an existing effort or creating a brand new one.