Thousands of Tunisians wave red flags to celebrate victory in the Jasmine Revolution and the ouster of an iron-fisted dictator. A young Egyptian hugs a soldier on top of a tank. Thugs in Libya open fire on unarmed protesters who scramble for cover. Compelling images like these from the Middle East and North Africa have been splashing across newspapers and computers worldwide. It's no understatement to say that I have followed the protests with bated breath as courageous men and women risk -- and sacrifice -- their lives to be free.

These everyday heroes of the Arab world deserve our deep admiration and unflinching support.

As history unfolds before our eyes, might we not take time to figure out how we can support their transition to representative forms of government? And what lessons apply to our work of keeping our democracy strong here at home? About two weeks ago, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton convened a gathering of civil society leaders from around the globe. I listened raptly as she said, "We support citizens working to make their governments more open, transparent, and accountable. We uphold the universal rights of every person to live freely, to have your voice heard, and your vote count." To you I ask that we momentarily stop the hands of time and explore the very real connections between civil society and revolutions erupting half way around the world.

Take Tunisia. While discontent simmered for years, the people there unseated a dictator of 23 years in 28 days. Since Ben Ali's exodus, social unrest has washed over Tunisia as the people of this small country convert their vision of a better life into reality. At this early stage, there may be more questions than answers. Will the emerging government honor the rights of its citizens? Will the Islamists, formerly outlawed, be allowed to participate in the political process? What rights will be afforded to women? And ultimately, will the new government perform the duties needed to keep society functioning such as creating a fair legal system, educating children, or growing the economy for all?

As the Tunisian people struggle to translate new found freedom into a new form of governance, we might remind ourselves that doing so can take years. The American Revolution ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris. After that milestone, we struggled mightily to find the right balance of power between a weak federation and a strong central government. We did not ratify the Constitution until 1788 – some 12 years after declaring independence from Britain – and we did not adopt a Bill of Rights until even later in 1791.

Although there are many differences between then and now, it's helpful to call for patience and understanding in the wake of the epic changes in Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and elsewhere so long as the successful uprisings are part of the drumbeat towards greater permanent freedoms for the people. We can help by publicly supporting the impulses towards democracy, building strong civil societies, and condemning the savage dictators who thwart them.

1. We can reach out using Twitter, Facebook, and email – one person to another – to cross the divide of oceans, of religions, of culture and of histories in support of their movements and our shared values. If anything, the revolutions underscore how social media unites people and the enduring power of words.  
2. We can seek out our counterparts. An art museum in Chicago could adopt and support an art museum in Cairo; a child care center in Tampa with a child care center in Tunis. Might now be the time to twin with communities, cities, countries that share a similar mission or approach?   
3. We can assist NGOs with a history of good work in the region. Given that markets have been shuttered and hospitals filled to the brim, NGOs such as CARE or Save the Children (and the local agencies they work with in Egypt for example) would likely appreciate your support.

What happens when we extend a hand to others in times of crisis? We often get more than we give. We feel our shared humanity. We find solidarity in waging the right fight. And we may discover common ground that for years to come broadens understanding and deepens bonds. While the political situation abroad is wildly different than in the US and we face our own struggles now that strike at the very heart of our democracy, let us not set history aside. As these events continue to unfold in the vivid imagery of real time, let us make sure that our actions will be remembered for how we supported millions of people putting their lives on the line for liberty.