As Changemakers,
part of what can makes the climate crisis (and even more the planetary crisis) so overwhelming is that it so amorphous, and involving so many different things, and at such a large scale, that it can seem impossible to find a hand-hold on it, something actionable. One way in, though, the one we're using here, is to pull it apart into the many different kinds of challenges, sectors and solutions actually involved, and then to focus on those we're each particularly drawn to instead of trying to take if all on. Thus each doing out part, we can make the whole that much less overwhelming for all, knowing the other bases are covered.
Kinds of Concerns
These could include, singly or several, and to name but some of many: saving nature in a myriad of forms--forests and waters, seashores and habitat; changing laws at all levels, or rules and requirements across any of the trades or profession or getting money out of fossil fuels; inventing and installing new technologies; farming renewably, healing the soil; anticipating, dealing with, and recovering from disasters; seeking justice in the many forms shouting out in the crisis; making sure the famine struck, from drought or flood, have food--the list goes on, each an essential part of the work now needed.
part of what can makes the climate crisis (and even more the planetary crisis) so overwhelming is that it so amorphous, and involving so many different things, and at such a large scale, that it can seem impossible to find a hand-hold on it, something actionable. One way in, though, the one we're using here, is to pull it apart into the many different kinds of challenges, sectors and solutions actually involved, and then to focus on those we're each particularly drawn to instead of trying to take if all on. Thus each doing out part, we can make the whole that much less overwhelming for all, knowing the other bases are covered.
Kinds of Concerns
These could include, singly or several, and to name but some of many: saving nature in a myriad of forms--forests and waters, seashores and habitat; changing laws at all levels, or rules and requirements across any of the trades or profession or getting money out of fossil fuels; inventing and installing new technologies; farming renewably, healing the soil; anticipating, dealing with, and recovering from disasters; seeking justice in the many forms shouting out in the crisis; making sure the famine struck, from drought or flood, have food--the list goes on, each an essential part of the work now needed.
Resources Under this Topic
Here we have collected and sorted out resources of particular value in dealing with each of the several kinds of climate, including:
Here we have collected and sorted out resources of particular value in dealing with each of the several kinds of climate, including:
- Stories and strategies that suggest effective ways of addressing each of the kinds of concerns found in this section, Acting on Our Concerns, and the next section, Achieving Systems Change
- Stories and experiences from other Friends and Meetings of their own or those of others that they suggest
- Carefully chosen websites with tools, guidelines and excellent resources
- Commentaries and analyses by Friends and others on their concerns that they author or offer
Finding Companions
As we discover the aspects of the planetary crisis that we are especially moved by, it helps to find companions on this journey, Friends and others, perhaps in other Meetings or at a distance, who are also focusing on this part of the puzzle, and can come together to act on their shared concerns. In this part of the website as you find sets of resources organized around the several focused concerns, you will see organizations, programs and actions where you may find more companions.
As we discover the aspects of the planetary crisis that we are especially moved by, it helps to find companions on this journey, Friends and others, perhaps in other Meetings or at a distance, who are also focusing on this part of the puzzle, and can come together to act on their shared concerns. In this part of the website as you find sets of resources organized around the several focused concerns, you will see organizations, programs and actions where you may find more companions.
Connecting Concerns
Even as we grow our sense of meaningful contribution around the concerns we are most involved in, we are the better able to do so knowing that others are handling their parts of the challenge, equally strongly, and that between us we cover the many sides of the challenge. At the same time, as we move into deeper impact, or down the line, we are also connecting our varied concerns--not "either/or" but "both/and", exploring the usually many ways our different efforts are interdependent--in the end each needing the other to see the greatest impact, or even to have any substantial or sustainable effect at all.
Even as we grow our sense of meaningful contribution around the concerns we are most involved in, we are the better able to do so knowing that others are handling their parts of the challenge, equally strongly, and that between us we cover the many sides of the challenge. At the same time, as we move into deeper impact, or down the line, we are also connecting our varied concerns--not "either/or" but "both/and", exploring the usually many ways our different efforts are interdependent--in the end each needing the other to see the greatest impact, or even to have any substantial or sustainable effect at all.
Helping Others Find Their Own Focus
Working with others, also we may be able to figure out how best to find and support some of all the now vast numbers of people with their own growing concerns about the crisis, but not yet having anywhere or any way to act on their concerns. Some among them will also care most for what we care most about, and if we can make the connection, they may desire to work with us in advancing our particular shared concerns for the good of all. Reaching out, we can listen deeply attending to others, helping them discern their own particular concerns, even "leadings", and to find the groups and resources most useful to each set of concerns.
Working with others, also we may be able to figure out how best to find and support some of all the now vast numbers of people with their own growing concerns about the crisis, but not yet having anywhere or any way to act on their concerns. Some among them will also care most for what we care most about, and if we can make the connection, they may desire to work with us in advancing our particular shared concerns for the good of all. Reaching out, we can listen deeply attending to others, helping them discern their own particular concerns, even "leadings", and to find the groups and resources most useful to each set of concerns.