11 Comments
May 4, 2022Liked by Courtney Martin

I also believe that we each need to figure out what size our sphere of influence can be…some of us have only enough energy and heart and ability to make a difference in a very small sphere…others like you seem to be skilled and conversant in larger sphere influence. It keeps us engaged when we believe even small actions make a difference. How can I today improve the quality of life in my small sphere? Is this choice/action adding value to my world today?

Thank you for your inspiring way of being, and your deep caring. 💕

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I love that frame. Thank you, Karen. And maybe our capacity shifts in different seasons and we have to be mindful of that?

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Thank you for this last comment. I have really struggled with this, that I cannot offer myself in as large a sphere as I long could, that I must now work much smaller. (Though I did interact with maybe 100 school children just this morning!) I think of Parker's writing that old people shouldn't feel free to stand down, as our demographic was part of what made the mess that others now have to clean up.

I believe that each of us needs to face ourselves very honestly in asking whether we are doing the right amount in the moment for us, neither letting others bear too much of the challenging loads nor consistently bearing too much ourselves.

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May 4, 2022Liked by Courtney Martin

Oh! I first tried to “like” this repeatedly; not sure if they all registered. I like to recall from where I learned of you; that is from Integrated Schools. Besides social justice concerns I have spent several years out of the classroom examining online and through books systems thinking and education. I have groups I spin in/with drawing inspiration and sharing back what I find. Your words are very meaningful here. I only hope I will be able to remain “with it” as I traverse new communities and platforms. Are you planning a new group at New_public for us? Are we to create our own groups? I am not sure yet when and where we are meant to jump in and start swimming. One note: I hope there will be allowed time and space to “sit back” at times to deal with other aspects of one’s life as they come, or to just listen/think before jumping in.

You’re asking us to embrace the term/acronym VUCA; volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity! Thank you! Peace!

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What an acronym! Thank you Sheryl. I hope we get to swim together someday.

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May 4, 2022Liked by Courtney Martin

I Tried pasting a short YouTube about VUCA without luck. Will have to have you find one of several out there. If desired.

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Following from the characteristic eloquent appeal of Courtney’s final paragraph, how can we connect over the immense issue of Roe vs. Wade? My mind is consumed with this now, as a political activist and grandfather of three granddaughters in their early 20’s. Please suggest immediate ways to organize in protest throughout the country? Thanks so much for providing this wonderful opportunity and vital forum to exchange ideas. DD

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founding

Couldn’t love this more

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May 4, 2022Liked by Courtney Martin

Yes yes yes — Dawn muscles 💕💕💕

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Yes! So much yes! Imagination, vision and space held for the wounds.

I have a friend who is doing this with schools now.

To your earlier question: I think we need the vision before we know what we need. And I wonder if it will be post capitalism. (?)

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