The world is full of inspiration, initiative and people working together for social impact, wellbeing and a sustainable future that benefits human beings, other species and our unique and precious planet.
It's impossible to list every amazing link here. From time to time, I become aware of people doing stuff that inspires me:
quality work that is about enabling others.
As I can, I share the links on here.
The time is over for blind faith in trickle-down economics.
We have enough evidence, and no unexplored continents to continue the long tradition of sending 'unwanted' societal elements to far away places where we can pretend the problems have been solved.
Ignoring people: rural areas, reservations, sections of town, institutions to contain and hide. It's ignoring your own cancer.
If people on the boat are too weak to row, capitalizing on them (at least they consume stuff: cheaply built products and non-nutritional food which pays enormous salaries and share dividends to others), or throwing them overboard (allowing the consequences of socio-economic determinants to play out) are unsustainable options.
Blind faith in a mysterious invisible hand that somehow transforms self-interest into the good of the whole;
the worldview of sink-or-swim/the worthy will pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is, insufficient.
We can do better.
The fact that socio-economic situation is a determinant of mental and physical health and lifespan thriving is an embarrassment to a sophisticated, democratic, scientific and liberal society that believes in basic human rights.
It's also a shame to belief in a Creator.
The most powerful, untapped, plutonium on booster rockets energy on the planet that we waste daily,
is human potential.
There is no neutral. There is only being part of the solution, or part of the problem.
It's impossible to list every amazing link here. From time to time, I become aware of people doing stuff that inspires me:
quality work that is about enabling others.
As I can, I share the links on here.
The time is over for blind faith in trickle-down economics.
We have enough evidence, and no unexplored continents to continue the long tradition of sending 'unwanted' societal elements to far away places where we can pretend the problems have been solved.
Ignoring people: rural areas, reservations, sections of town, institutions to contain and hide. It's ignoring your own cancer.
If people on the boat are too weak to row, capitalizing on them (at least they consume stuff: cheaply built products and non-nutritional food which pays enormous salaries and share dividends to others), or throwing them overboard (allowing the consequences of socio-economic determinants to play out) are unsustainable options.
Blind faith in a mysterious invisible hand that somehow transforms self-interest into the good of the whole;
the worldview of sink-or-swim/the worthy will pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is, insufficient.
We can do better.
The fact that socio-economic situation is a determinant of mental and physical health and lifespan thriving is an embarrassment to a sophisticated, democratic, scientific and liberal society that believes in basic human rights.
It's also a shame to belief in a Creator.
The most powerful, untapped, plutonium on booster rockets energy on the planet that we waste daily,
is human potential.
There is no neutral. There is only being part of the solution, or part of the problem.
Click the images below for more information.
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4-H Ontario, my research partner.
The 4-H organization has been developing leadership and life skills in rural youth in North America (and around the world) for over 100 years by offering engaging programs that inspire kids to find their strengths, love learning and commit to being a positive contributor to their families, their economy and their society. Programs are accessible to all socio-economic brackets, and many are accessible to youth with learning, mental and physical disabilities. Youth brain drain is intolerable. If we don't have environments that train and support youth to be part of resilient communities and economies, and we train the 'good ones' for jobs they have to leave to find...who does that leave? Filling the hole with newcomers who are unaware of the unsustainable structures in rural communities is no solution. Their kids will leave too. Let's not cop out. Let's do the job right. |
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4-H offers rural exchanges for it's members (under 21 yrs). This is another organization offering exchange opportunities to young people 18-35yrs. Exchanges change lives because they change your world-view. They build ties with other countries. People bring home better practices. Experience births passion. I once heard an arctic youth expedition leader say that the reason they do what they do is because you can only care about what you know. You know by experience.
Exposure to difference is what fuels innovation. |
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Thirteen is an urban teen social enterprise based in Ottawa. Youth learn about food security, business skills and mentoring other youth. Plus, they make an amazing, nutritious product available at several healthy food hot-spots in town.
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The Wrench is a newspaper started by University of Ottawa student, Joey Clavette to raise awareness about homelessness, poverty and housing insecurity issues. Articles are written by homeless people. Having a voice gives people dignity. Plus, you get to listen. For real. That's how we understand. That's how we change.
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