With the recent passing of Nelson Mandela, I find myself thinking of the power of one – the amazing difference one person’s life can make, of the way one person’s commitment to justice and his life example can make everyone around him better.

A friend shared a touching story about being in Mandela’s presence. My friend was at a banquet charity event, working as a server. Mandela was speaking. My friend shared these words about that first-hand experience of seeing the power of Mandela’s mere presence:

“When Mandela entered the room, everyone suddenly grew silent. Without being prompted, the whole room stood up and start clapping. The standing ovation must have lasted for more than a minute. I still get goose bumps thinking about it. We were all humbled by this man who had suffered so much for what he believed in and then risen to such great heights. That night after his speech, everyone was a bit nicer to each other. No one grumbled about the food; no one offered up a snide remark about the service. Mandela had this effect on people.”

Nelson Mandela lived his life in a way that inspired others, that empowered others, that made others better, that allowed a nation deeply divided to begin to heal.

Not all of us can be a Nelson Mandela. However, each of us can contribute to a better world. We can do something simple and kind for someone else. We can focus on treating each person we meet with respect.

Last year around this time, I wrote a column about a couple with four children who were struggling as the father battled cancer. The family needed $8,000 for an important treatment for his cancer. I did not have $8,000 to give, but I did have my words.

I wrote about the family here and shared their need and their giving page, and someone out there, one of you perhaps reading today, read it and was able to give nearly all $8,000. This act moved me and so many others quite dramatically. If you who gave are reading this right now: Thank you. Your act signified to me the difference that each of us can make through our own small acts. I wrote a few words, and someone made a donation that changed a family’s life.

What I realize now is that it is actually never really the power of one. It’s the power of one plus one. It’s the difference that is made when people come together.

I know Mandela would be the first to say that yes, his life was powerful, but also that he didn’t do it alone. He inspired others, but they had to join him. They had to do their part to change the world.

We can all do our part. As people honor Mandela’s life over the coming days and, I’m sure, weeks, I hope that process will include looking for the ways in which we can contribute to creating a more just and compassionate world.

Today, look for that opportunity. Trust me: If you’re looking, you will see it.

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.