This week has been yet another week full of scary, heartbreaking stories in the news. Stories that I can't wrap my head around. Stories of hate and racism. Stories that make me want to cry and scream. Stories that make me unsure of what to say and think.
*****
Every summer I go on a road trip with my kids. I love getting away. I love being free from routines and expectations. It always seems like I am on the road when the news is full of heartbreaking stories, or maybe there are just always heartbreaking stories. Whatever the case, it usually is a time when people feel uncertain and I feel overwhelmed and like the world is full of too much hate and that nothing will change and there's no hope. Ultimately what ends up happening is that along the journey I find hope and humanity and good people.
My god, I'm banking on that happening this year.
*****
We leave on Monday for an 11-state journey that will include state parks, national monuments, a baseball tournament, a beach, hotels, motels, visits with family and a protest. We are making a pit stop in Washington D.C. for a protest. I am representing a group called Moms Clean Air Force (MCAF)--a bipartisan group that works to combat air pollution, including the urgent crisis of our changing climate. MCAF is a special project of the Environmental Defense Fund. The protest, or play-in, is a family-friendly event designed to raise awareness of MCAF's mission and urge members of Congress to take action to fight against climate change.
I can't wait to bring my kids to D.C. and have them be involved in activism and working for change.
I refuse to believe that a bad situation won't or can't get better. I want my kids to know that they can get involved and be a part of making the world better. I want them to fight a good fight--a respectful fight, be for something, know their power, inspire and educate and love and support and rally for equal rights and social justice and taking care of people and our planet.
Climate change and pollution and poverty and racial injustice are all linked. Look at what happened in Flint which is just a little over 30 minutes north of where I live. It's all linked. We are all linked. And we can all do something to make it all better and safer and more just.
I refuse to believe things can't get better, that people can't be better and kinder and more compassionate and less violent and hateful. I also refuse to do nothing.
*****
Every summer I go on a road trip with my kids. I love getting away. I love being free from routines and expectations. It always seems like I am on the road when the news is full of heartbreaking stories, or maybe there are just always heartbreaking stories. Whatever the case, it usually is a time when people feel uncertain and I feel overwhelmed and like the world is full of too much hate and that nothing will change and there's no hope. Ultimately what ends up happening is that along the journey I find hope and humanity and good people.
My god, I'm banking on that happening this year.
*****
We leave on Monday for an 11-state journey that will include state parks, national monuments, a baseball tournament, a beach, hotels, motels, visits with family and a protest. We are making a pit stop in Washington D.C. for a protest. I am representing a group called Moms Clean Air Force (MCAF)--a bipartisan group that works to combat air pollution, including the urgent crisis of our changing climate. MCAF is a special project of the Environmental Defense Fund. The protest, or play-in, is a family-friendly event designed to raise awareness of MCAF's mission and urge members of Congress to take action to fight against climate change.
I can't wait to bring my kids to D.C. and have them be involved in activism and working for change.
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| Lucy and JT went with me to D.C. two years ago. |
I refuse to believe that a bad situation won't or can't get better. I want my kids to know that they can get involved and be a part of making the world better. I want them to fight a good fight--a respectful fight, be for something, know their power, inspire and educate and love and support and rally for equal rights and social justice and taking care of people and our planet.
Climate change and pollution and poverty and racial injustice are all linked. Look at what happened in Flint which is just a little over 30 minutes north of where I live. It's all linked. We are all linked. And we can all do something to make it all better and safer and more just.
I refuse to believe things can't get better, that people can't be better and kinder and more compassionate and less violent and hateful. I also refuse to do nothing.
