Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Being an Activist

"I'm an activist by disposition, nature and desire."

--Senator Edward Kennedy

Activism takes many forms. What cause are you active in?

8 comments:

septembermom said...

Judith, I wish I could say that I'm active in a particular cause right now. I sign petitions and write letters supporting child welfare issues and educational matters. When all my little ones aren't so little anymore, I look forward to taking on a much more active role in helping all those who work so hard for the needy and forgotten.

Judith Ellis said...

Ah, septembermom, when I speak of activism and causes it could be just about anything, including the raising of children, carpooling, meeting with other parents, etc. The terms here are meant to imply anything that makes a difference. Wherever we are, we only need to begin there.

Opaque said...

I am not one or affiliated with any right now. But, I hope to do something in the future. I want to do something for the deprived kids. I know I will do it. I am just waiting for the right time to do it.

Judith Ellis said...

Ajey, my thoughtful young friend, bloom where you are right now.

dave wheeler said...

Judith,

The cause I'm most active in right now is the renovation and rejuvenation of me. Tomorrow will mark the end of a very busy, challenging and turbulent 60 day period. Then it's back to square one.

The destination is the same...work in some capacity in public school, workplace, and community development and improvement. But I got to get smarter, fitter...physically, mentally, emotionally and one heck of a lot more educated and focused. But I can do this!

Can't be an effective activist and advocate externally if I can't be one internally. Change is a good thing...allegedly! I'll let you know Auntie J...

Judith Ellis said...

Oh, my dear friend, you can DEFINITELY do this! It's very exciting to begin anew the inward focus that will only take you back out again in service to others. I see that you acknowledge this. Wonderful! You already come from such a blessed place. Remember as you begin that focus inward to love yourself even more throughout the process. You're worth it, Dave. You're super!

JOHN O'LEARY said...

Hmm. Thoughtful question. I'm most active in the struggle to maintain a healthy food chain (rethinking agricultural practices in US, genetic engineering of crops, subsidization and overproduction of corn, subsidization of the meat industry, etc.). Related to this is my concern about the over-medicating of society and our reliance on pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions for maladies that can often be cured with a better diet. I've thought of starting a separate blog on the subject, but I have 20 or so projects to finish off first!

Judith Ellis said...

Great causes, John! Just Sunday after service I went with my family to a popular restaurant where the food is prepared on a big open grill. Ten or so portions were all being grilled at the same time. I immediately noticed that the food of others was constantly being separated from mine and mine from theirs. Hmmm? OK. No harm right? Not! When I awoke the next day I had a rash on my neck that I could not explain. I went to see a homeopathic specialist; it was something that I had eaten. I later went to my favorite vitamin shop and was told by the specialist there that she does not find eating out enjoyable for the reason that I was visiting her store. All is well. But it certainly gave me pause for reflection. Regarding that particular restaurant and probably a whole lot of others, I'm done. By the way, I rarely take drugs of any kind, although vitamins can be just as toxic if taken unwisely. What seems most important is knowledge and moderation. I love these causes John!