Courage, Creativity and Cowardice

Have experienced a sensory overload the past few days. Many of you have joined me. First, the wonderful tributes to Muhammad Ali. I'd encourage you to find Billy Crystal's eulogy comments. Simply wonderful. Then the Orlando shootings. Breathtaking. Heartbreaking. Tragic. Then, the amazing Tony awards. Reminders of the best in us.

Muhammad Ali represented courage and steadfast commitment. To his family, to his community, and to the principles of compassion, equality and inclusion that he fought for his entire life. The amazing, diverse turnout for his memorial service was a living testament to his impact and success.

The Orlando shooter executed a cowardly act, but he was not just simply a coward. He was an angry young man, possibly motivated by political ideology and his own inability to constructively reconcile cultural and personal issues. And others knew of his behaviors, but failed to intervene. This is a complex circumstance that deserves and will get lots of attention.

The Tonys were a powerful reminder of our better selves. A tremendous diversity of every demographic, using creative expression to challenge, entertain, inspire, educate and motivate. Talented folks of many backgrounds and skills moving us to laughter and tears. Prompting us to think and feel. And be grateful.

Symbolism and/or Substantive Choices..."Make Me A Ham Sandwich"

I loved hearing of the painfully honest cancer patient who observed, "I appreciate some sympathy, don't want to be forgotten. But I really don't need your thoughts and prayers. Make me a ham sandwich." Perhaps a little cold and insensitive to well-wishers, but a good point. Replacing the symbolism with practical assistance.

Some of you may remember the 1986 "Hands Across America" charitable promotion to address hunger and homelessness. It involved many thousands of folks around the country clasping hands in a symbolic gesture of support. Many millions of dollars were raised, but less than half of the proceeds were ever distributed. I happened to be visiting my parents when the events were getting national TV news coverage. My father, sitting next to me in his easy chair observed, "If 1/10th of those participants would donate to or volunteer in their food banks, it would make a huge difference to the hunger issue." I probably thought that was a somewhat cynical response to the efforts. But upon reflection realized his lesson on symbolism versus substantive action.

Symbols Do Matter, But Our Goal Should Be Constructive Civic ENGAGEMENT....

I'm a marketing guy and shameless community promoter. And I'm well aware of the importance of symbolism to awareness. But, we only make a real difference when we put the awareness into actionable projects and policies. Buttons, ribbons, vigils, marches, placards, chants and social media "likes" and "shares" only go so far. And, they're the easiest part. It gets harder when we convert our publicly expressed passion into constructive action. With our time, talents, creative energies and financial resources. And risk failure and the need to compromise. Converting our criticism to collaborative solutions. But, that's the only way that constructive change happens. Or doesn't if we fail to act. Doing nothing is also a choice.

Let's Do A "Better Angel" Audit With A Mosey Response....

The issues of the day are too important for us to hide behind the mask of busyness, fear, or political expediency. Mosey principles remind us to slow down, pay attention, be informed and make a difference. This refrigerator magnet is a simple reminder of the consequence of choices. 

A Mosey Response

Do an honest appraisal of your level of civic engagement. Can you honestly say you're making a positive difference relative to issues of importance to you? An effort beyond the symbolic? If not, choose an issue or two that you truly care about. 

How about....

• education
• healthcare
• gun regulation
• environmental concerns
• challenges with the aged
• at-risk youth
• diversity and inclusion...............and many others..

If you're already engaged, ask your friend in the mirror if your community engagement is effective. If so, Bravo! Model that for others and encourage their involvement. If not, become better informed, align yourselves with good, like-minded folks and determine to make a  positive difference. Always include communications with your elected representatives in these activities. 

Your community and your country need you. Unmask your Better Angel and Let's Mosey!