A Paradigm Shift - The World We Know is Possible

What a tremendous opportunity this is, bringing together a group of us who are all determined to create change. Thinking of what it means to take part has challenged me to think through what I want to continue to do, what I plan to do, what I hope to accomplish in working toward the world that is so beautifully envisioned by everyone here in World Pulse. What a gift this is to gather us in this Changemakers Lab to work more closely together than ever, to collaborate, to inspire and to be lifted by each other as we develop our own plans for what we can each do and what we can do collectively, facing the many urgencies that we will be continuing to face in these next six months. 

This Changemakers Lab gently challenges me to formulate a more solid plan, ask myself in what distinct ways I can work to make change happen. As always, messages from our Team open possibility for growth, recognizing our determination to create change while offering us the chance for even closer connection with each other as we continue on.  

In thinking through my plan, three priorities interweave.

The first is to regularly bring stories to World Pulse with the information I have been studying these past two years through the work of Max Dashu and others, of what women have long called the hidden herstories, of times and places throughout the world in which women were and in some communities still are, leaders of societies that are peaceful toward all, with no question of the importance of women leaders. The respect of women in these times and communities and the stories of women who have dedicated their lives to creating or recreating change need to be known, as we are constantly up against forces that want to erase what women have accomplished. I have been studying to understand where and how these many patriarchies have taken hold through violence, throughout time in different parts of the world and still today. I believe that knowing our past and the stories that have been intentionally hidden strengthens our understanding and trust in the way forward.

The second part of my plan is to continue to pay close attention to all of your stories, and to make sure that the work you are doing and your calls for action are known and carried further. This is a precious gift, the chance for so many determined changemakers to work so closely together, to know what each other are doing, and to know what each other need. This is one of the many powers of Encouraging. We recognize each others’ work, we are inspired deeply by each other, and as we have done increasingly over the years, we speak out carrying knowledge of each others’ work and of our collective calls for action. The commitment to being part of this Changemakers Lab challenges me to reach out in a more organized way to strengthen connections with like hearted individuals and groups both to bring awareness of the urgent grassroots work you have all been doing, and to build a stronger network of support back.

The third part of my plan is to continue to reach out to other local and global women’s organizations and to organizations with similar purpose of ending all violence, ending poverty, ending war, ending the servitude and disrespect of women, to create a quantum shift in which local, national and and global governments not only include but feature the leadership of grassroots women who know the priorities through the work we do in all these organizations, building our movement by linking arms all the more strongly together. 

Through the work to end all of these wars, meet the crises of illnesses, the lack of food, good water and medical care, through our work to end these systems built on keeping so many in poverty, in servitude, here within World Pulse we have become so much stronger together by refusing to be silent as we deal with even increased, additional, intentional brutality toward and ongoing silencing of women, girls and all who break the rules, while billionaires do deals behind closed doors, continuing to advance the rape our beloved Earth. 

I am incensed witnessing the voices of so many women being continually ridiculed, silenced, ignored, but continue to learn how to transform anger into action. I ask myself, when we raise our voices together, who are we trying to reach? Who are we demanding a moment of attention, recognition of all we are dealing with? I hold out hope in our stepping forward together as women of this world, and with allies who understand why we carry this message and trust that we have freedom and respect for everyone in mind and heart.