by Susan Jersak A sustainability forum titled “A Call to Action” was held at Max Cameron Theatre recently. One of the presentations was made by a student, Graham May. He was asked to talk about what youth wants. He said he could not give the position of youth, but that he could talk about how the young people he spoke to feel. Their wants are simply stated—a greener, cleaner environment and a saner world.
He also said something else that is very important, that young people are looking to the adult and senior communities for guidance. He’s right. Millions of older people are needed right now to inspire millions of young people through their personal everyday efforts to make the transition from our culture of waste, pollution and debt to a culture of wise use of resources, a clean, livable planet, and economic stability. We need to be aware citizens, people who take responsibility for the outcomes of our behaviours.
I can tell Graham there are numerous organizations here in Powell River that are deeply involved in supporting Powell River to make that transition to a self-reliant, healthy community. These groups are growing, but they still make up too small a percentage of our population and we need more people to come alive to the needs of our world. Many small actions add up to whole communities becoming livelier, smarter, more interactive, more responsible.
I can tell Graham about Transition Towns and that there are many other similar initiatives across the world to become self-reliant. The Transition Movement started in Totnes, England in 2005, to develop a local economy, local produce, an interactive community—in short, self reliance—and now over 350 communities, including Powell River, have chosen the Transition Town model, to take positive actions to create healthy communities. We are changing ourselves by a transition from the new/old world order to a truly new world order where resources, their uses and the effect of those uses on planet Earth is the bottom line. Everyone is welcome to get involved at http://transitiontownpowellriver.ca.
I can tell Graham that there is strength in planning for these transitions. We can be prepared for change. We have access to an immense knowledge base where we can learn how other communities are making their changes and follow their example. Changes open the doors for creative thinking and opportunities for new ways of doing business.
What can each one of us do? Educate ourselves and our families and start making changes right away. Every individual, by making a few changes at home, can add to whole communities, cities and nations who are making changes for a healthy world.
I can tell Graham that we adults and seniors are inspired by the vision of youth for this world and that right this very day, we are making changes in our lives that will help to save the world.
Susan Jersak has been a long-time volunteer and community activist in Powell River.
