A Lemon's Manifesto

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to share some thoughts for a future we can all believe in... The following words are mine, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of anyone else - but, my guess is that we're not all that different.

I believe…

I believe we borrow the earth from our children; we do not inherit it from our ancestors. As such, I believe that our role – in our short time here – is to make the world a better place.

I believe in the ripple effect. If we focus positive energy in our own lives, neighbourhoods, social circles, and workplaces, that energy will ripple outwards. I also believe in the butterfly effect – the theory that a single flap of a butterfly’s wings can impact the winds worlds away. Small positive actions every day can create large-scale positive changes in the world – tomorrow, and for years to come.

I believe that everyone is accountable for their actions. There are enough guideposts in this world, whether in public, in one’s mind and heart, or in one’s immediate environment, to separate the good from the bad.

I believe that right and wrong are subjective – that good and bad are not. Good and bad are guided by morals. Being good means not hurting others – physically, emotionally or mentally. And no excuse can be made for not understanding when you are hurt, or when you hurt someone. Right or wrong are directed by societal law, and therefore change based on history, culture, religion or geographic location. This means that, depending on your timestamp in history and your location in the world, right and wrong can change… but, good and bad never will.

I believe that everyone is a role model. I believe that celebrities - musicians, singers, actors, athletes, politicians, and everyone in the public light ARE role models! Children (those we borrow the earth from) are watching, learning, growing and repeating. Role models who choose bad actions, independent of their inner emotions towards those actions (such as guilt) are demonstrating that bad is OK. And, it is not. Children cannot see what you feel, and rarely understand consequence. They are seeing the stardom and fame upon you. Act (don’t react) accordingly.

I believe that those who shape the environment influence perceptions and paradigms. If you are in marketing, in public relations, in communications, in any position where your output is visible – you have a role to play. Every news report, every billboard, every message influences people. Create a better world.

I believe that justice, in terms of protecting the good from the bad, trumps mercy – as hard as that may be. And, I do not claim any ability to make this happen, though I’ve never been in the position to choose.

I believe that all human beings are created equal – with 78 organs, 206 bones, flesh, blood, a heart and a brain. I believe that perceptions are shaped by others, and that it is often within these perceptions that hatred is born. I believe that hatred is the root of bad.

I believe that sometimes, symbols are created to cover up “bad”, but that the symbols unto themselves are “good”. And, I believe that sometimes, humanity needs these symbols. I believe that if humanity – unanimously – finds strength in these symbols, and what they stand for, the world can be a better place, and the “bad” will be removed.

Finally, I believe that we are each, individually responsible for a better planet, a better world and a better future for our children.

What do you believe?

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...

Lemontree links: Clarifying poverty definitions

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”

Nelson Mandela

It was brought to my attention that, what one person may consider poverty may be a fairly good living to someone else... and vice versa. Homelessness, for example, can be considered strictly by what it says “home-less” as in without a home, without a roof; living on the streets or in a shelter. But, there are many who are considered “hidden homeless” – those couch surfers (who are not couch surfing by choice) or those who sleep in their cars and shower at the Y. So – what is “homelessness” to you?

To help you, Lemonhead friends, here are a couple of Websites that can help us understand. If we understand and internalize our definitions, we will be able to focus our actions to make a real difference!

Previously known as the National Anti-poverty Organization,

Canada without poverty has a goal: to eradicate poverty from Canada by 2020. Their Websites helps shed some definitions around what poverty really means. South of the 49th (parallel), a fantastic blog: Poverty in America provides some clarity in definition and food for thought on actions and questions to ask.

For me – poverty starts from the notion that opportunity has been removed from a person’s realm of possibility. If someone has lost their hope, or their ability to see opportunity; or – if someone truly doesn’t have plausible opportunity, then this is poverty. Let’s be clear: I am referring here to the opportunity of accessing a better life, not buying a bigger boat!

I would like to make it my goal to help people restore the ability to see opportunity. It’s there, it needs to be seen, and then – opportunity needs to be seized.

Spritzer: Share your passion!

So, as is usual when I am looking for a specific highlight for the Lemontree, I tend to do a little research. I completely realize that, on some level, the notion of research for a blog defeats the spontaneity of the tool, but I like to back up my opinions... Today is no different! In keeping with my previous post on the Olympics, and my desire to showcase Vancouver – and the Tale of Two Cities – I chose to take a look through the various events going on in Vancouver. My goal was to highlight events specifically focused on raising awareness around the issue of, of course, poverty. Now – hold the phone!

Feel free to use my

Google Search: Summer events, Vancouver, BC. Over 28 million results... Crazy! So, I started looking through them: arts, sports, music, charities, environmental issues – you name it, there’s an event for it. I suppose that’s not really a surprise – apparently, every day is a day for something. (Apparently today, May 1, is May Day – celebrating the “real labour day” in many parts of the world.) But, back to the events... here’s what got me thinking. None of them (well, maybe some) are incredibly expensive to get into, and many are free!

I started thinking about various previous posts. I believe, and it has been demonstrated, that when you find your passion – you learn about it, and learn how to apply it, you have a chance to make a difference in your own life, and maybe even in someone else’s. Yes; this blog is about poverty, and shedding some light on it. It’s also about sharing my views on how we can try and stop the bleeding, particularly in North America. We live in a place so rich in opportunity; built on the notion of “dreams”, “free society” and “opportunity”. Do I sound like a broken record yet? Share it!! I believe we need to provide everyone with equal opportunity to explore what they are passionate about and give them hope & a chance to develop that passion into something they can make a living out of.

So, this summer – let’s call this a Spritzer of hope... If you are going to a festival, event or other shindig. If you cross paths with someone less fortunate than you who might demonstrate some sort of interest in whatever “thing” you are going to see/watch/do. Maybe, just maybe, there’s some way you can share the opportunity, share a little hope...

Poverty solutions could help the economic crisis

According to financial advisors – at least, those I spoke with in early 08 and in 07 – a person is considered “rich” when they have saved 3 months worth of their salary, not including RSPs. (For any American readers, an RSP – Retirement Savings Plan – is a Canadian version of a 401K… kinda.) I’m just curious, and I’m also well aware that no answers will actually be given, but think about how many people you know who actually have that amount of money set aside… I would guess it’s not very many, if any. Now, turn on the TV or read the newspaper or check out your favourite Website’s newsfeed, and it doesn’t quite take a genius to know that there’s a pretty grim economic situation “out there”.

• People are getting laid off: In a strange and twisted way, it’s better than quitting or being fired because it gives you the opportunity to seek government assistance. But – in a crazy cycle – this would then put the government back into more debt…
• Banks aren’t lending (although, apparently in Canada, they’re going to start again): But credit isn’t exactly the best solution.
• Businesses are closing doors or going bankrupt.
• Stock markets are crashing – so, watch those RSPs and 401Ks!

In short: it’s ugly. And if you’re not one of those “rich” people (see above), losing your job may mean you could be about 2-3 weeks away from living in poverty… I’m sorry; I don’t mean to scare the pants off you (please, it's too cold - keep them on), but it’s a reality we live in.

Why did I bring this up? And, why so early in a New Year when we are all suppose to be chipper with positive vibes and grand intentions?

I bring it up because I think it’s important for all of us to be aware that the issue of poverty is not happening just to “other people” who have made mistakes. It could happen to anyone of us; and it could happen outside of this economic crisis. I bring it up because we need to seize this time as an opportunity to understand the importance and urgency of programs that make a real and significant impact in the lives of those who do live in poverty. We need to invest in them and make them work now. (Check out other posts for info on such programs.)

If you’re not a softie and you need more hardened facts, let’s go back to the “Coordination Team” post. If we can take people living in poverty, provide them with the skills needed, they can help fill the gaps in the shortage of labour issue. If we teach the new skills (for example renewable energy vs. coal) then we create a generation ready for the next challenge. And, if we do this with more people – meaning more people in more jobs getting paid – then we can let the people inject money back into the economy. Ever heard of supply and demand?

Don’t raise your eyebrow(s)! (The plural possibility is because I don’t know what kind of frowner you are…) I’m not suggesting that this is going to be an overnight success, nor am I suggesting that this is a miracle cure. I’m simply suggesting that this might be something we want to explore.

We’re bailing out the car industry – to the tune of multiple billions of dollars. We’re bringing down interest rates and attempting to increase accessibility to credit – because of course, indebting the nation even further will no doubt help us in the long run. (Please note the sarcasm.) So why can’t we focus on the people and give them a genuine opportunity to make a difference in their lives, in the future of their country, and – who knows, in the future of the world? Notice the suggestion of giving opportunities, not fish.

Did you know that there are 293 ways to make change for $1.00? Then, there must be as many ways - if not more - to positively impact the world we live in. If so, then I'd like to count the ideas proposed in this blog as some of the possible ways to have a real impact in the lives of those living in poverty, in our communities and in our countries.

(Check out www.thestar.com/poverty for some news on how Ontario is planning to deal with the issue of poverty. Got comments and ideas, let me know!)

Psst… Digg it!