Action for change
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. [Margaret Mead]
The future is not a single, predetermined entity. A number of different futures are possible and it is our behavior today which decides which of these alternatives will become reality. Of course we have to accept that some alternatives for change and action may not be open to us, but exploring realistic possibilities can be empowering, and a healthy antidote to despair. Each of us should be convinced that we have the capacity to influence the process of change and the will to do it.
Let us stop one moment and consider what this means:
1. The future is not fixed in advance. There are several alternatives and it can be useful to categorise these alternatives in three categories: those which are possible ; those which are probable and those which are preferable.
2. Everyone has the responsibility to make conscious and informed choices about the future. Every choice made in the present has an impact on our future. We believe that human beings are not at the mercy of the forces of change; they are the forces of change.
3. We can adopt two opposed attitudes towards the future: a reactive attitude or a pro-active attitude.
- The first attitude consists in facing the future by waiting for problems or crisis to take shape and then reacting to them. Then, it is often too late for avoiding the most desastrous consequences. Even a person who chooses to do nothing in the face of a local, national or global problem has made a choice which will have social, political, and economic consequences.
- The proactive atttitude, on the opposite, consists in considering current events and trends, anticipating possible outcomes, and taking action either to avert greater problems or promote more just, sustainable, and peaceful alternatives.
If you are determined to act, click here to see more.
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