I have the perfect coffee mug. It was a Christmas gift from my husband years ago -- and its perfect in breadth, depth, and message. I am picky about all three areas. I want enough coffee in cup to wake me and satisfy that itch, and I don't want to have to move for a refill in order to get it. I can also use a little messaging to remind me of why I do get out of bed in the morning. This mug is one of those "Quotables" and on it reads the, perhaps trite but still all so inspiring, quote by Ghandi:
Be the Change You Want to See in the World.
I love this quote because it underscores my own belief system -- my "theory of change" as some of us geeks like to call it -- which goes something like this:
I believe our world is interconnected and we all need to take responsibility for our surroundings. Within this statement is the belief that if we all took action on the injustices around us, the world would be in good shape. This is a world in which a women's fund is unnecessary. A world in which I could be professional chef and a libertarian, and nobody would threaten me with violence or take away my ability to make my own choices.
But that world is a long way away, perhaps because that type of tireless activism is so hard for us mere mortals to tap into on a daily basis. For example, I was sharing these beliefs with my office mate the other day, explaining how I would like it to play out. Her response? "Then why don't you recycle more?" And it's true. On so many days, I fail in my own activism, unable to surface the energy or discipline to rinse and separate my plastics.
Many of do the best we can by picking and choosing our areas activism, and arming ourselves with appropriate tools. Mine is philanthropy. It's the easiest way for me personally and professionally to support the change I want to see in the world. I also vote, buy products that support social and environmental practices, and write/blog/yell at the top of my lungs about the issues nearest to my heart.
Most importantly, I serve an organization that believes women have the ability to change our world for the better -- an organization that believes in investing in the power of women and dreams of girls. This statement is as much about helping women and girls reach their full potential as it is about helping women and girls be the activists that will create long lasting change for everyone. This change, however, most often begins with small acts and is sustained when a critical mass of individuals adopt new behaviors.
What actions will you take? What issues will you tackle? How will you persuade others to join you?
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