What is a 49 year old mother of 3 doing at an environmental summit with 11,000 college aged green activists? Why would I take the time to drive 5 hours spending a weekend away from my home and family when I could be doing so many other things that require my time and attention? The answer is simple. I’m here for a contact high and to rebuild my mojo. I’m in need of inspiration that just maybe, the world is gonna be OK.
Despite the election of President Barack Obama, it’s been a long, cold, hard winter. My family and many others have lost 50% or more of their net worth thanks to the real estate and stock market free falls that have not finished falling. Schools across the country are slashing budgets, downsizing teachers, eliminating health classes and getting rid of the better food that we fought so hard for.
Beyond money, I keep wondering: what are we gonna eat when the oil runs out? I’m not kidding or being overly dramatic. Our industrial food system is broken,we’ve all seen examples of it starting to hit the wall. Last month’s peanut recall is a grim reminder. When peak oil and climate change really kick in, high prices and low availability will create a food crisis that will make the slide on Wall St. look like child’s play.
Powershift is teaching me that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste I’m reminded of the powerful Hindu goddess, Kali. She is the embodiment of Mother Nature who cleanses away the old with natural storms and fires to make the ground fertile for new crops and life. She pushes us beyond our comfort zone to get things done. Kali is here at Powershift.
After spending the day yesterday with Marshall Ganz and folks from the New Organizing Institute, I’m starting to feel confident that these 11,000 kids (who could have easily gone to Key West for spring break) are going to be the change that wakes up the sleeping complacent consumers in our pollution based economy to take action. These folks understand that democracy is not a spectator sport. They plan to engage their senators and other elected leaders directly to create the changes we need so that we will thrive, not just survive the challenges ahead.
With two more days and a lobby day on Monday, I can feel my mojo returning already.
