Greenpeace

Greenpeace is one of the best known environmental groups in America, and even better known around the world. They fall roughly left of center in the spectrum of environmental organizations, right about where I do. They combine careful and thoughtfully researched work with bold actions that capture our imagination and spirit.

At 35, they haven’t entirely lost their adolescence but are at the same time a fully responsible adult. They are led by a real visionary, John Passacantando, who believes in the same possibilities I do, and is willing to do what ever it takes the make the world a just and sustainable place for generations to come. Just the kind of guy I like to hang out with.

in awe of all they brought
and the energy leaving the room
missing it already

we end with reciprocal gratitude, sweaty hugs
and what’s the next chapter?
what change will be brought by those empowered?

I can feel the momentum created
and know that it can’t be stopped
an overdue change has become inevitable

________

Yesterday was new for me. I received so much gratitude, so many heart-felt hugs, and even a standing ovation (during which I turned bright red); at first I felt really embarrassed by all of it, like I didn’t deserve their thanks.

According to news reports coming out of Brazil, the Amazon rainforest has been granted a stay of execution at the hands of soy bean growers. Responding to public protests and activist pressure, Cargill, Inc. and other major soy traders have declared that for the next two years they will stop buying soy from growers occupying newly deforested lands.

The decision should go a long way toward halting the clearing of rainforest for massive soy plantations. At least in the short term. If growers and potential growers know they won’t be able to sell their crops, they’ll have zero incentive to undertake the hard work of clearing tropical forest for new plantings.

As Jeffrey and Gregor discovered when they visited the region in June, soy farming has become perhaps the most destructive force in the Amazon basin. (Greenpeace has an excellent overview of the issue here. Be patient… it takes a minute or so to load.) The word that big international soy buyers will now refuse to tacitly fund this destruction is very welcome. It’s a temporary solution, of course, but it will buy some much needed time to (hopefully) put some meaningful permanent protections in place.

As part of the Change It training, students worked through a simulation earlier this week where they were challenged to solve an energy crisis in “Sweet River, USA.” At first, as with any simulation, there were some participants who seemed a bit apprehensive. But eventually everyone really got into it and enjoyed their simulated energy campaigns, lobbying sessions, and the community events held in Sweet River.

We’ve been really blessed with our guest speakers this week at Change It. Christine Kelly from the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education woke us up with her Systems Thinking training first thing in the morning yesterday. It was fun, and everyone really seemed to get how it applied to the work that they’re doing here, and out in the world.

100 of the brightest, most passionate college kids committed to learning the art of social and environmental change have gathered at our Greenpeace activist camp in the 100 degree heat of Washington, DC. These kids have stepped forward to hold themselves accountable for ensuring that we create the kind of future we all dream of. They are not afraid to dream big dreams. Dreams of a world yet to be born. Of a world we are not yet able to see.

The future is in their hands and, more than most, they are willing accept it. They do not look back. They look forward. They are less encumbered by the paths and patterns that keep us locked into the endless cycles of the despair that dissipates hope.

They are curious and unafraid. They have a spirit that is infectious. I am honored to be in their presence, honored to have helped bring them together, honored to share in this small part of their journey with them.

The second in a series of on the road interviews with the many to find the Inspired Protagonist in the ALL.

We have been on the road for 3 days collecting inspired protagonist quote-vlogs from a variety of people. We were at the GreenPeace office on Friday and had a moment with John Passacantando, the Executive Director of GreenPeace, USA.

WR

Change It 2006 was finally born on Friday night. And it’s amazing!

After nurturing Jeffrey’s idea for over nine months, with the equal support of our partner Greenpeace, we’ve birthed this wonderful program into the world. And now my role has changed – I've become the Seventh Gen sponge so that I can share the inspiration with you. Below is what I’ve soaked in so far.

Day 1 - 10pm