Land, Language and Identity
Even in developed countries, indigenous peoples consistently lag behind the non-indigenous population in terms of most indicators of well-being. They live shorter lives, have poorer health care and education and endure higher unemployment rates
The Power of Sweat
Something powerful happens when people work on a physical activity together.
Dying to be born
But above all- I need a challenge. I currently work with smart, creative, interesting people, and I need that in the future. I need to work on projects that I believe in, that have impact. I need to break barriers. I need to have my time be my own. I want to be mobile. I want options.
Creating Space for Change
We organize to build power for social change. There is an ancient Chinese saying: “Talking will not cook the rice.” Cooking the rice makes space for change, for justice, for equity. Its hard work, but someone has to stand up and cook the rice. Will it be you?
The Things You Need
No one wants anyone they love to think less of them. And sadly many of of us in this country equate worth with income and things. The more stuff you have the more popular you are and well liked you maybe. Some where along the line money and self-esteem made some kind of unholy pact that the majority of modern society took to be true.
We are all Neighbors.
This country was built on the premise of neighbors helping neighbors. They would gather and work together to build a house or help clear a field , often in a single day. Neighbors lent a hand when they became aware of neighbors they could help. Nobody expected pay. No one knew if they would be helped when they needed it. They took responsibility for one another. More than crops were planted in the process.
Rebuilding with equity
Bone deep inequalities based on race and class — along with massive institutional failure — and with a country as poor as Haiti- turned natural disasters into a man-made catastrophe.
The Transformative Power of Service
Seeing is hard. Its painful and sometimes its riddled with guilt and shame. You feel bad for what you have, the stuff you own and shame because you do not give more. I am here to tell you to let it go because Service is transformational.
The Despair of Displacement
We must not forget them or the despair of their displacement. Whether you are a Honduran teenager fleeing homophobia or Congolese elder desperately trying to start a new life all alone in a strange land after escaping conflict or a woman from Afghanistan who has walked the long journey into exile having to engage in “survival sex” to feed her children – even after reaching an apparent place of safety.