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The Gift of Water
Revolution in the Graphic Arts
Many of you may not know someone who has been behind Design for Social Impact since its inception. Ennis' husband Phil was an early visionary for the work we do to call attention to social issues through creative expression. How could he avoid it when the first office was in their bedroom?
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The Joy of Activism (continued)
I've been thinking quite a bit about what it means to be an activist and doing some research to put my experiences in perspective. If you look up the definition of activism in the dictionary, you'll get something like this: A practice that emphasizes vigorous action, especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue. You may even find reference to demonstrations and protests to define the notion of activism. But, that is only one definition of the idea. I found that in philosophy, activism is something quite different. It is a theory that the essence of reality is pure activity, especially spiritual activity, or process. Now, as a former Philosophy major (and ongoing philosophy junky), this idea intrigued me. What an exciting way to think about our work as activists. For me, the first definition of activism was never quite enough. I started out my life as an activist alongside other organizers and community canvassers. We worked hard. We knocked on doors, we slept on floors, we talked to everyone we could about the issues we were tackling. But sometimes, I felt uncomfortable with an assumed culture. That the work was inherently a struggle or a fight. And in many cases, I came to see myself and others around me embody that first definition of activism as a reactionary act. Externally, that mode can make us seem critical and defensive. Internally, it can make us feel cynical and angry and - the most dangerous of all - fearful. I've seen it in our "movement" over the years and hear many people we work with tell me that they can't actually put out their platform or advocate for their issue strongly because they are "afraid" that people will react badly. They are afraid that it will make their efforts to garner support and funding even more difficult than they already are. I've sensed that same feeling myself and would like to share a personal story that helped me put it in perspective: When we were scouting locations for our 10th Anniversary dinner, I thought that the Liberty Museum might be a good spot. It is a personable place that honors liberty and freedom of all kinds. Many of my heroes are highlighted, like Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa. The content is broad and they aren't afraid to combine different points of view. They honor political activism, but also works in education and, notably, faith as valid and valuable approaches to liberty. On top of that, the museum has an incredible collection of Dale Chihuly glass art - one of my favorites! - as a beautiful symbol of the strength and fragility of liberty. The more I toured the facility, the more perfect it seemed. Then I came to the 4th floor where the main event would be held. I saw around me traditional images of our "founding fathers," a room full of presidential china and a mural of the Pentagon with a quote from George H. Bush. And I bristled. These were not my ideas of liberty. These symbols represented things that I don't support - patriarchy and war. On top of my own response, I thought "I'm going to really hear about this from some people..." I doubted having the event at the museum for that reason alone and spent a lot of time (too much!) in my head developing my response to the critique I expected to hear somewhere along the line. On my second scouting mission, I experienced a very important "moment." There is one person who would not be joining me for my big 10th Anniversary, who I knew I would miss very much - my Dad. Up on that 4th floor again, I looked at that Pentagon mural and thought: "Dad would have loved this place. ALL of this place." You see, my father was a lifelong military man (surprise! I'm an Army Brat!). He worked at the Pentagon for much of his career. He's buried at Arlington Cemetery and the view from his gravesite is almost an exact view of that mural. He believed in serving his country not because he was a war monger (as I thought in my youth), but because he believed in liberty and freedom and believed it was worth protecting in the best way he knew how. At the same time, though, he valued other's point of view and was hardly judgmental of beliefs that were different than his. Again, because he was so devoted to the idea of liberty. My Dad and I had different views of the world and how to best serve it. We were joined, though, by a common respect for liberty. But what really brought us together was a deep respect and love for each other. He always supported my work because he loved me. Compassion can help you see things in bigger ways and it helped our family always get past the little differences. This moment made me pause... how long am I going to be reactive in my work? How long am I going to be defensive and critical of other ways of thinking? How much is that holding me and my ideals back? Why should I care if someone loves the American flag? As long as it isn't being used to restrict other people's liberties, why would it bother me? We have more important things to focus on, don't we? My father and the people honored by the Liberty Museum were activists - because they worked for what they believed in. They didn't waste time just reacting. They were also driven by an ideal - and the most important work they did was to reach it. So many people in this world are doing the same thing. Activism doesn't have to mean lying down in front of bulldozers or getting arrested. There are many who are working in their own way to build a better world. For a happy and healthy place that cares for all its people and the world around us. If we can find the common ground among us rather than the differences, I bet we'd have a better chance at reaching those shared ideals. I believe we can build that better world through optimism instead of cynicism. I believe we can build that better world through hope instead of fear. And, most importantly, instead of anger, I believe we can build that better world through compassion and love. I know we can. As our year comes to an end at Design for Social Impact, that pretty much sums up my wish for our community. I hope everyone enjoys celebrating their respective holidays, some quiet time of winter and ushers in a hopeful and happy new year in 2007. Return to Top |
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Destination: Great Results! (continued)
In a moment you will be allowed to get up from your seat and move around the cabin but you must return when the revision light comes on. Feel free to enjoy the visuals, they are a spectacular sight. We will soon begin our descent. Please return your signed project approval form, your tray tables and seat backs. I'd like to thank you for flying with us. I hope you enjoyed the flight and your astonishing results. Please partner on a project again soon. Return to Top |
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Philly Car Share Contest Winners! (continued)
Philly Car Share helps reduce the number of privately owned cars on the road by providing a fleet of cars to be shared by its local membership. Members simply sign up and use the cars at an hourly cost that includes gas, parking AND insurance. The concept of our design: People Power! Philly Car Share is a great example of how a community can share a resource wisely and effectively. We celebrated the idea of community by showing a diverse collection of people making the car "go." Check out the pictures. We also secured a spot on Fox News to tell OUR story about Design for Social Impact too. To sign up for Philly Car Share (free membership!) go to www.phillycarshare.org. That way you can not only see the car in person at South Street in between 5th & 6th Streets (by the Dairy Queen), but you can take it for a spin! Go to our website for more info. Return to Top |
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Give yourself the gift of SAVING this tax year... (continued)
While most of us are out shopping or preparing for the upcoming holiday and New Year, tax season is looming ahead. But, tax planning can work to your advantage. There are many ways to reduce your tax bill. Talk to your tax professional about tax credits for energy efficient home improvements or tax breaks for hybrid car owners. So give yourself the gift of saving this tax year and check out 13 Smart Year-end Tax Moves. Return to Top |