10 Comments
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Megan Saxelby's avatar

This is such an excellent post. You outline so many crucial things while balancing the both/ and of it all with grace. I am obsessed with the way you highlight ways to make hope by tactical and tangible, I can’t wait to dive into those researcher’s work and add it to my dignity based program for parents of adolescents!! Thank you for this piece, it’s really empowering 💕

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Joseph Feldman's avatar

I believe that hope is not a strategy… but geez!? Hope is part of the foundation that prompts action for constructive change.

A motivating quotation in this regards:

“It often happens that I wake up at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide I must tell the Pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the Pope.”

Pope John XXIII

Let’s get going!

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Kate Woodsome's avatar

Appreciate your critical thinking about whether a UN day is needed — “hope is not a strategy” • while also noticing the power of this force to fuel strategy. Amazing pope quote, too. Thanks, Joe. :)

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Jennifer Conway's avatar

I signed up for the Hope newsletter and look forward to joining your conversation this Wednesday evening —always have hope and a plan of action. Thank you Kate for bringing your eloquence & wisdom to keep HOPE alive in our hearts and minds.🛟🌞

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Mary Russell's avatar

First 'practical' article on hope that I have come across. Invaluable for this 88 year old as I grapple with life's changes internally and externally. Thank you Kate!

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

Thank you for the work you do.

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Craig A. Pendleton's avatar

Just when I think I can't be any further appalled, I read a report like this and feel the slap on the backside of my head!

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Kate Woodsome's avatar

A real head-shaking moment. I’m curious, what does this disgust make you hope for specifically?

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Craig A. Pendleton's avatar

Hi Kate, with my commercial fishing background and creating a principle based organization called Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, I am looking to restore American integrity, honor and acceptance of change that involves some order. Where are the statesmen? Who is creating a logical path to citizenship? Who is upholding world order against invasions of democratic countries. All big picture answers to your question. I likely could go on for hours. I ran for State Senate last year as an independent because I am seriously concerned about the state of our State. I've spent time talking to your Dad about it. Unfortunately the voters didn't choose me.

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Kate Woodsome's avatar

Sounds like you’re thinking globally and acting locally, which is truly how change happens. It’s not easy to do any of the things you’ve mentioned — including thinking outside the box and talking to people across the aisles — and waterways. That in itself is success when so many are contracting mentally, emotionally, physically. I really appreciate how your work is grounded in ecological belonging - our connection to the environment, which is a place to feel both awe and grounding. You have a real space to convene connection and reflection outside the halls of power, which is ultimately where we need to reclaim our voice, choice and dignity.

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