John McCain’s passing gives us a great opportunity to re-set our thinking about effective civic engagement. McCain was passionate about getting things done, moving debates to solutions. Our governmental paralysis requires that WE THE PEOPLE rethink our roles as voters, volunteers and political supporters. We talk issues to death without creating/implementing solutions. Incorporating “What Do We Do Monday?” into our deliberations may change the civic momentum. Come join me and consider how McCain might influence our progress.
Read moreTHIS IS OUR OCCASION...LET'S RISE TO IT!
Our communities need a boost. Too many folks have been left out of the workforce pipeline, students are discouraged as to job opportunities, and we’re focusing too much energy on Washington and our state capitols to bring us solutions. Community health is directly related to education and economic opportunity. We all have a vested interest in boosting more citizens up the ladder of independence and success. Come join me as I pose some suggestions to help with this challenge.
Read moreA FORMIDABLE DYNAMIC...WOMEN, MINORITIES and STUDENTS...
The governmental chaos and incompetence of the past 19 months is a catalyst for a major increase in civic activism. Especially with Women, Minorities and Students. There are issue concerns for all of us, and emerging organizations to address them. Volunteer energy, collaborative structures and creative philanthropy complement these efforts. We’ll all win in the process. WE are the “they.” TOGETHER…
Read moreSUICIDE...Culprits: Mental Health, Devices & Congress...Remedy: Community
Suicides are uncomfortable topics, with which we all have to deal from time to time. The recent high-profile suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain force us to pay attention to the causes and effects of suicide on us and our various communities. Suicides are as complex as life itself. Join me as I pose some considerations for our families, friends and communities. Help is on the way. We can be the They.
Read moreWE'RE TEXANS! WE'RE BETTER AND SMARTER THAN THIS. AREN'T WE?
I’m a multi-generation Texan and an Independent voter. Too many of us have been mislead by political rhetoric and calculated manipulative psychology. At the State and National levels. We can be easily lulled into a false sense of security that progress is moving as it should, until we take the time to do our homework, dig below the scrolling news surface and better inform ourselves. Once we’re better informed, we can take those “pesky facts” and influence more productive conversations with family and friends. Trust-building and collaborative partnerships will then make a huge difference in our civic engagement effectiveness. Come see what you think. LET’S MOSEY!
Read moreEEYORE'S SAD, BUT I'M NOT. IT'S SO BAD--THAT I'M ENCOURAGED!
Our perpetually sad friend Eeyore, on my leather hippie hat...circa early '70s
Today is Eeyore’s Birthday. He’s perpetually sad and downtrodden, as many of us have felt politically over the past several months. However, things got so bad over the past few months that the resistance backlash is positive and undeniable, and I’m encouraged about the potential to turn this mess around. There are many substantive and powerful signs of constructive civic engagement. Come join me as I outline a few. You’ll have many of your own. LET’S MOSEY!
Read moreSXSW, Conor Lamb, The Parkland Students...Catalysts For Change
The South By Southwest Festival is in town, and the emphasis is so much more than music, film and food. The common denominator is the dynamic of change. And how we react and respond. Pennsylvania congressional winner Conor Lamb and the Parkland students are other agents of change, having a significant positive influence on our national conversation. Our elected officials need our help. Let's explore. LET'S MOSEY!
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