Yes, we can

I work in the social benefit (nonprofit) sector because I have a big vision of what our world could be and because this is the only sector devoted exclusively to improving the quality of life for all of us.

As the late pacifist A. J. Muste said,

“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”

My dreams for the future drive my life’s work to move forward the causes of justice, peace, equality, human dignity, civil rights, sustainable and renewable resources, stewardship of the planet and its peoples, reproductive justice, and healthy and beautiful communities, whether here or abroad. That my children, and every other child, will have the opportunity to build a fulfilled life without fear of violence and despair.I’ve never really understood why this dream is so hard to bring about … why some can’t see that we are all in this together. Self interest can align with mutual interest. There is enough to go around if we each take just enough, don’t waste what we have and pass the rest around. There is no room or need for greed … in our hearts or in our hands.

Am I hopeful? Only if most of us continue to work hard and smart and together to bring a better vision of the world to reality. For every organization with whom I work, my starting point is making that dream come alive … to help us develop together better work, bigger movements, and a better world, now and into the future.