“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” ~ Nelson Mandela Jennifer Whitten, Grand Traverse Probate Court judge, ended her presentation to my Sunrise Rotary Club with this quote. It made me think about Northern Michigan’s soul. It made me think about how weContinue reading “No Keener Revelation of a Society’s Soul”
Category Archives: Always Possible
On Youth Mental Health + Making Things Happen in Northern Michigan
“…there is a gap between making demands and making them happen. It is the gap between the rhetoric of revolution and the actual changes in values, systems, habits, and skills that add up to a revolution.” Making demands and making things happen are miles apart. Making demands is easy – and often lazy and selfish.Continue reading “On Youth Mental Health + Making Things Happen in Northern Michigan”
First, Step Into The Arena. And Then…
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” With today’s technology, has there been a better time for pro-social, problem-solving citizens? A better time for ordinary people to contribute and help improve lives in their community? – no permission required – no title required – no board training required – noContinue reading “First, Step Into The Arena. And Then…”
Voting For Better With Action in Northern Michigan
Every action we take is a vote for the kind of community we wish to become. And no single act will drive change, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of what’s possible. Evidence that our actions are making a difference. Evidence that builds the confidence and courage required to keep going.Continue reading “Voting For Better With Action in Northern Michigan”
Northern Michigan Youth Mental Health: Know Science = No Stigma
46 years old and I’ve said the words “anxiety”, “depression” and “suicide” more this past year than all of my other years combined. As a physical therapist, I get physical health, but the behavioral and mental health world is brand new to me. Learning is a systems change strategy. I have so much to learn.Continue reading “Northern Michigan Youth Mental Health: Know Science = No Stigma”
Making a Promise To Do Better in 2023
“Young people don’t need to be our next crisis—but they do need us to do better.” One year ago, a small but mighty group of ordinary people came together to form We Fight Northern Michigan – a community with one agenda: leverage the Surgeon General’s Advisory to better protect the mental health of our young people. AndContinue reading “Making a Promise To Do Better in 2023”
Sharing Power with Ordinary People For Safer Kids, Safer Schools in Northern Michigan
“Ordinary people are capable of wonderful things.” I admire ordinary people like my friend Jay Berger. Jay raised his hand in June after Uvalde to help keep our kids safe at school here in Traverse City. Jay took responsibility. Instead of saying, “That’s not my problem,” Jay asked, “How can I help?” ORDINARY PEOPLE LEADING SixContinue reading “Sharing Power with Ordinary People For Safer Kids, Safer Schools in Northern Michigan”
When “Going Along to Get Along” is a Trap
“Get used to the awkwardness of turning right when everyone else turns left, and pursue what you know is true.” We tend to persuade ourselves that we have no choice but to “go along to get along” by placing the blame on systems that are larger than us. We: – don’t want to look stupid–Continue reading “When “Going Along to Get Along” is a Trap”
Practicing Courage for Climate Action in Traverse City
“If you want to play it safe, you shouldn’t be in the business of change.” And not ‘playing it safe’ requires courage. The problem is being courageous can be scary. We can: “Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the ability to look fear in the face and continue to walk forward. AllContinue reading “Practicing Courage for Climate Action in Traverse City”
Saving Lives With Your Neighbors — Permission Not Required
Last winter, I helped build a self-organizing network with my neighbors. This network, which is not a nonprofit or coalition of nonprofits, has one agenda — to better protect the mental health of northern Michigan kids. It’s been so refreshing to dream up something together with my neighbors and let it rip. No permission asking.No board approvalContinue reading “Saving Lives With Your Neighbors — Permission Not Required”
Good Works Lab 