Many of us are sold on the idea that change can only come about through the governments we elect.
One aim of my writing here is to disabuse us of that notion.
Yes of course governments do bring about much change that affects us. And because of the closeness that captains of industry have to most governments, they have considerable power too.
But at moments in history like now, change can come from the bottom up too, through people like us – organising and making ourselves heard. As governments improvise and move fast, they leave gaps for us to move into, so we decide what happens next. And if we all shout with one voice we can change government direction too.
We’re sailing along together in rough seas, the rocks are close by. We’re making use of the constantly changing wind and tide to head in the direction we’ve chosen. We’re sharing what we’re learning with other boats nearby, and thinking about what they’re telling us too. Thanks to the internet we can also see the big picture views coming from Coastal Command: weather forecasts, detailed maps of shallow sea, bigger boats heading into our waters. And friends are telling us of that calm landing just round another headland.
All of us in this boat have many years of intuitive experience from what we do well, and intimate knowledge of where we live. We’re building on all this as we concentrate on what our senses are telling us, and constantly adjusting our course as the wind and the waves turn. We’re truly sailing ‘by the seat of our pants’ as we head for this new world we all long for!
But yes, that Frigate might come into view and turn us back; or it might lead us to calmer waters; or we might capsize in a furious storm; but we’ll keep that calm landing place in mind and keep heading there with all our determination and skill.
” Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. “
Margaret Mead – Cultural anthropologist