We’re in the midst of our first MOGO Online course – a month-long opportunity to participate in activities, exercises, and an online forum with fellow classmates, all designed to help participants utilize the 3 Is of Inquiry, Introspection, and Integrity in their effort to make MOGO choices. One of the participants in the class is currently living in the United Arab Emirates, and she’s become very aware of how difficult it is to make MOGO choices in the UAE because there are few systems in place that enable options that do the most good and the least harm.

When she raised this issue, I was struck by how much has changed in the U.S. in the 20+ years that I’ve been a humane educator. Green is all the rage now; we see the link between protecting our planet and the economy in books like Van Jones’ recent Green Collar Economy; vegans like me don’t have to struggle to find fabulous options at restaurants, and organic food is everywhere; sweatshop-free clothes are available, too; and I can even sign up for electricity through my electric company that is entirely wind- and hydro-generated. Quite a difference from even 10 years ago.

We have so far to go, I realize, but so much has been changing, and it’s important to recognize what we activists and changemakers have done. These options and ideas are available because of our hard work and commitment. So let’s pause for a bit of gratitude (but without even a moment of complacency). Our student in the UAE needs options, too. We have important work to achieve.

~ Zoe

Filed under: citizen activism, MOGO (Most Good), systemic change Tagged: | citizen activism, freedom, gratitude, MOGO choices, positive choices, systemic change