Even though much of my work is literally TOO BIG FOR WORDS, occasionally I am inspired to write, and this is the place for that. Feel free to join in the conversation. Thanks for reading.
![]() This week I had the privilege of facilitating an amazing coming together of local community leaders in the sustainability movement. Under the full moon, in the newly renovated Thatcher Woods Pavilion, nearly 100 of us gathered to celebrate what’s working in OP/RF, hospitality courtesy of Green Community Connections. Oh my — did we have fun! Over the past six months, a group of us have been gathering in ProAction Cafes, sharing ideas and collaborating, brainstorming, cross-pollinating, all the while intent on taking action. Since we first met in February, we have: curbside composting, opened Sugar Beet Coop, sparked natural lawn care campaigns, created time banking projects, sent Citizens Climate Lobby delegates to wake up political leaders, orchestrated a native landscaping conference, noticed that the monarchs are returning as we expand our wildlife corridor, counted the trees and Oak Park is officially an Arboretum, and more! We exceeded our wildest expectations! In a day when the news is dismal, especially on the environment, this was news we could use… and hoot and holler about! Remarkably, all of these endeavors began as the dream of one individual and grew into a campaign engaging dozens if not hundreds, and together included thousands. And we are just two villages among many. Produce sitting too long on the vine withers; the harvest is as critical as seeding, watering, cross-pollinating. With noisemakers as the center piece of each table, we invited local activists to share accomplishments, to harvest what had blossomed from seeds of ideas months earlier. The enthusiasm in the room was palpable. A few spoke about the magic of cross-pollination, the uplift that occurs when leaders and visionaries and activists connect in one room and together share what we care. Whether carbon, chemical-free lawns, monarchs or maple trees, caring concerns in one space connected elevates conversation, creates community and energizes action. Driving away under the light of a foggy moon, I noticed raccoons and skunks scurrying from my headlights. I couldn’t help but smile a huge, satisfied smile. How lucky was I to be part of such an active community! As Grace Lee Boggs says at 100 “What a time to be alive! We have the capacity within to create the world anew!” Hop aboard the bus to building a better future! Let’s do it NOW NOW NOW: Listen in: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=sing+for+the+climate+belgium+%E2%80%93+final+clip&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=DCBD67145F2BDC6C2995DCBD67145F2BDC6C2995
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
Susan LucciAlthough most of the work I am privileged to do in the world is literally TOO BIG FOR WORDS, occasionally I am inspired to put some words to my experience, and this is the landing place. Chime in on the conversation. Your voice is needed. |