By Joan Mieritz
On Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8 will mark an incredible opportunity for all people who want to make a difference in this world.
I have talked with a few people from Pagosa who have said that, “one person cannot make a difference!” I think it all depends on who that one person is. Here is a chance to test it out and see what you decide.
YES! Magazine, celebrating 25 years of publishing ideas to make the world better, is presenting a “YES! Fest!” entitled “A Better World Rising” — originating in Seattle, Washington and presented free, online, for two days. All speakers will be recorded, with copies available for free to those who register for free at “YES! Fest 2021.” I registered, and it is truly free, but you can contribute in several different ways, if you like. The best way, I think, is to also get a subscription to YES! Magazine. (You can subscribe here.)
There will be lively discussions about the solutions and ideas that go into building a more equitable and sustainable world. There will be many ideas presented on how you can help. (You may need to take some time to adjust your thinking because some ideas will be new and different, and that is called, “personal growth.”)
If you can register and view the event at home — that is the easiest way — but also on Thursday, October 7 there will be an opportunity to gather at the Ruby Sisson Library large meeting room from 11am to 3pm to view this world-changing program together. A light lunch will be available.
On Day One, from 11am – 1pm will be an important panel discussion titled, “How Far We’ve Come and Where We Go From Here.” It will be moderated by Vandana Shiva, a scholar and activist, and will include Sarah Van Gelder and David Korten, co-founders of YES! Magazine.
If the name “Korten” sounds familiar, Drs. David & Fran Korten were the inspirations for the Pagosa Earth Community (which has not been meeting because of COVID-19.)
The Pagosa Earth Community started in 2015 after a successful March against Monsanto and studying Dr. David Korten’s two books, When Corporations Rule the World and The Great Turning from the Empire Model to the Earth Community. If you are interested in the history, mission statements and some of their activities, you can check out our website at pagosaearthcommunity.org.
Dr. Fran Korten has also spoken at our library in Pagosa — in 2016, 2017 and 2019 — when she was well received by people knowing that this world needs to improve. She will be back in Pagosa, when COVID sufficiently subsides.
Other speakers for “YES! Fest” include Alicia Garcia, Adrienne Maree Brown, Fania Davis, Dallas Goldtooth, Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Amanda Alenander, and Mariah Parker.
On Friday, October 8, the main topic will be Transformative Justice — online from 2pm to 6pm MST. On Friday, we will not gather unless we decide to and are able to secure a location, since the Library is already booked.
I hope this opportunity interests you. I wish change was not so seriously needed. I wish there were not so many areas where it is needed. I wish that we did not have to immediately take action because time is running out!
But here is a perfect opportunity for you to find a way to do your part. You are needed. Here is your chance…
The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com