VegFamily News

PenPoints June 2008

Creating a Just World One Decision at a Time

It is empowering when we learn and utilize sustainable methods. It is empowering when we learn that we can affect lasting and meaningful change in the world right where we are, right this very minute. It can be so easy to romanticize the lives of others that have high profile jobs or are helping others in far off distant lands. Yet, it is so very important to remember that to many, those far off distant lands are simply home, and that it is every day, "citizens", passionately making change in their very own back yard, that is affecting positive change, for the greater good.

Article continues below

I am thrilled to see that the battle for health and environmental rights has not been given up in Marin County, CA. Resident mothers recently marched to defend their families' rights to a pesticide- free living space. Government officials have joined in their rally. This shows us our potential of what we can do.

It is important to realize that in defending what we see as just, we may not only be misunderstood but also ridiculed. I was once touched by a quote that discussed how the job of some generations was to plant the seed so that future generations would reap the benefits. Personally this particular quote affected me so deeply because it made me realize that though my choices may be ridiculed or thought naīve, they are paving the way for future like minded people. In supporting ideas that are considering the whole, that are more holistic and more sustainable, we are supporting this type of reality. It is important to note that even without the applause of society at large, progress is being made. This realization is liberating. It is through this type of remembrance as well as the connection with like minded souls that we are able to keep our energy and our ideals sustainable. Then, moment by moment, person by person, decision by decision inspiration grows.

Alerts:

According to various reports hundreds of thousands of young children are sold in the slave market to harvest cacao beans. Sold by parents for next to nothing and kidnapped, these children become enmeshed in the cacao market with little hope of escaping. During their time on cacao farms children are routinely beaten, unpaid, and given little food. Help Global Exchange make an impact on this cruelty by signing on to their petition, asking World's Finest Chocolates to begin purchasing fair trade chocolate and give these children hope of a better life. http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/gx/campaign.jsp campaign_KEY=6571&t=ActionCenter.dwt.
Help your state make progressive change. Visit the Organic Consumer Association's website and learn what is happening in your state. Simply visit www.organicconsumers.org, and type in your state in the "Get Local" box. You will find state related alerts along with other progressive news media. See where your state stands on consuming downed animals. Please help Farm Sanctuary and your legislative branch protect these injured creatures. www.trendtrack.com/texis/app/viewrptevent=48299da49e.

And the Good News!

Global Exchange works daily to bring unity to this world through action alerts and reality tours. These tours are known for creating bridges between different cultures and building understanding. Learn more about Global Exchange at www.globalexchange.org
In total over the last five years, Dr. Bronner's spending on social and environmental causes and charities has roughly matched our total after-tax income, and we intend to keep doing so as circumstances allow", So says the Dr. Bronners website. Learn more about the high quality, simple and affordable product that Dr. Bronners has been creating for sixty years and learn more about the activism that they share to create a healthier and just world. Please visit: www.drbronner.com/index.html.
The long awaited for Farm Bill is still being worked on and looking far superior to past years. At this point, one provision would allot 100 million dollars to organic food programs, which is a vast improvement to the current Farm Bill. Please consider taking the time to thank your legislators and letting them know that healthy food is a priority to you and your loved ones. www.organicconsumers,org/articls/article 123454.cfm.

Progressive Media

Visit New Society to view, "The Troublemaker's Tea Party" by Charles Dobson. Learn how to effectively come together with likeminded people to affect positive change. www.newsociety.com/bookid/3823.

Penelope Sullivan holds a Bachelors in Holistic Nutrition and is a Certified Family Herbalist through the School of Natural Healing. She is currently completing their Master Herbalist course.

Sponsors: