Activism and power poles

I’m an activist because I want tomorrows world to be a better place than it otherwise might be.  Climate change, and the way we are making our planet increasingly hostile to human beings is of real concern along with many other trends that I have been seeing for some time now.  I’m aware however that when I work from fear and anger,  I turn people off, which I suspect derails my intention to change things for the better of our future. 

I've come to see this as being a bit like the driver in a skid who focuses on the only power pole or tree for 100m and then crashes into it.  By letting fear drive me, I’m setting myself up to go exactly where I don’t want to. 

After thinking about this, I realise that my fear stems from the fact that I care a whole, awful lot (as Dr Seuss put it):  I care about the earth and it beauty, the forests. grasslands, trees mountains rivers and lakes I visit and I want to see all of it survive and thrive.  I want to see the people around me be happy and well. I want the children I know to have happy, healthy futures (as well as being happy now).  I want to live in a strong community that works well because of generosity and reciprocity, and where people like each other and help each other out.  I want my friends family and community to have the resilience to weather any storms or difficult events that we may experience.  I do care a whole lot! In fact, is there anyone out there who doesn't want this, I wonder and who doesn't care about these things.  

The trouble is that at this point in our history, we can't have this in our future and sustain the lifestyles we have now.  We need to  change, and we need to do it soon. 

Change is easier if it is voluntary and there is some time to make the change.  It feels difficult if it is forced on us and has to be done quickly.  How can we make our future better?  What is the best things we can do now to ensure our lovely children are healthy and happy both now and into the future?  How do we learn to be resilient in the face of adversity?  And how might we work for the sort of future that most of us want?