Because We're Alive, We Are the Place of Power

Because we're alive, we are the place of power. Future generations are counting on us, as are our ancestors, many of whom dedicated themselves to making a better life for us. We're the ones able to act on their behalf because we are alive.

Taking the long view, we'll need all the love, smarts and resources we can muster to keep our souls from shrivelling and to do what's right. It's up to us to protect our planet, and to bring about a better future for all of us.

We need to cut through the fake news, refuse to be divided and not get suckered into the blame game. We're here to find and support each other as we stand up to politicians who've broken their promises, and to the billionaires who have tainted our politics, media and cultures.

photo courtesy of Kyle Cottrell

Let's face it: most of us are unacknowledged by our media. We're portrayed in all kinds of unflattering ways, but we see ourselves reflected in trends that aren't media driven: the popularity of Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn, the increased number of vegans, the popularity of 'buy local' campaigns and gardening, the tiny house movement, the thousands who take to the streets over injustices, and our love of community. 

We don't need validation by the media when we have each other. We need to reclaim our public spaces, tax dollars and voting rights, and correct the systems that have caused anguish for so many. Let's discuss the future, grieve together, share food and find new ways of expressing what we want so our many kindred spirits can find us and join in.

Branding doesn't work for us; we're learning, growing and evolving from the ground up. We welcome people from all races, nationalities, religions, genders, gender identifications, ages, classes and movements. All have insights and abilities to contribute, and all are worthy of respect and inclusion. Let's demonstrate the peaceful, wise and sensible way forward in all its many forms.

Let's stop those pipelines and end fracking, and get on with clean energy, proportional representation and decent standards of living for all. Let's protect our land, water and air together and stop exploiting each other. It's time to create a harmonious way of being with each other and with the magnificent planet that sustains us.

It's our duty as citizens – as human beings – to seize this critical historic moment and to work together in ways we never have before. If we're alive, our lives have meaning. It's our job to protect and restore our world. 

Future and past generations are counting on us. And we're going to have a wonderful time together while we envision and create the future we want.

photo courtesy of Kinga Cichewicz