As communities, we ask this question when our communities experience loss through the impact of civil unrest. For example, the anniversaries of September 11th, an event described by Hillary Clinton as "there will never be peace on earth when there are those who use religion as their excuse to terrorize others.”
symbols of peace designed by members of the National League of Pen Women
Collectively, the experiences of a mass murder – such as the students and staff of Sandy Hook school or bombing which occurred in Boston, as a Nation, we are reminded of the frailty of personal safety. So, how under these circumstances is such loss reconcile, acquire a peaceful existence – the sense of a safe place in which to live?
For those of us who ‘dig in the dirt’, a sense of safety – solace – is acquired when we experience the renewal of season and/or planting living green.For example, although in the state of Virginia the month of April is the anniversary for the Virginia Tech shootings, it also a month in which we celebrate Virginia Garden Week. State-wide, historic and newly installed gardens are open for all to explore. In fact, an awesome smaller-scale neighborhood celebration is an event host by the West Avenue Improvement Association, located in Richmond’s Fan area. Held in late April, this neighborhood hosts a half-day block-party. It begins with a parade in which children march to live-music while holding symbols of the season. Next, there are a variety of fun and games: face painting, magic and whatever other activities the community can solicit to participate. Then, residents open the gates to their alley access gardens inviting visitors to meander, visit restored historic gardens, chat with homeowners, nibble on home-made cookies and drink lemonade occurs.
Similar in scale, nation-wide, there are opportunities to experience Earth Day celebrations. For many, it is an opportunity to encourage children to develop a natural curiosity about nature, allow them to play in natural environments at their own pace and learn to follow their instincts. Still, to mark the anniversary of the modern-day environmental movement, a special day is set aside.
For, in 1970, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest "to shake up the political establishment” and force this issue onto the national agenda. As a result, more than 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. A rare political alignment enlist support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders resulting in the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.
In 2013, a similar opportunity exist. Members of the Global and National Climate Change Academies released eco research compiled by member national and global scientists. Then, elected representatives legislatively reviewed this research to enable eco regulation. In other words, find a way to make sense of our Nation’s loss due to the impact of ongoing natural disasters fueled by unhealthy shifts in the environment. So, hopefully, during 2016-17 legislative sessions, there will also be amongst us those who can make sense of the senseless act of others who participate in mass murder of innocence, find ways to restore our Nation’s sense of public-at-large community safety, too.
So, whether it is recovery from the havoc of natural disasters or impact of global civil unrest or loss through the act of senseless mass murder, in the spirit of the season, let’s seek to protect the safety of our communities – business, civic and environmental. Together, let’s become people who CARE – set a Climate, not merely adjust to a preexisting one; create an encouraging Attitude, not practice ambivalence; are Receptive to people without losing sight of personal needs; and demonstrate Empathy for others while keeping problems in perspective.
Regardless of cultural diversity, let's make year 2016 Earth Day a celebration in which we join in a prayer for ‘a safe place in which to live’, peace on earth - extend goodwill to all mankind. For, as people who ‘dig in the dirt’, we can make a difference. Visit web site TheWrightScoop for additional tips and strategies.
No comments:
Post a Comment