Why should WE be actively involved?

It's tough enough to get even the minimum done in all the areas of our busy lives, as parents.  Add to that some active participation - trying to make a real difference on behalf of not just our own children, but all children...well, it can seem a daunting idea, to say the least.

It's easy to feel torn - between concentrating on what's just in front of us and what's "out there" - in the world at large.   And, the fact is, every day is a choice - to take another step in one direction over another and have faith that it's the right direction.   So, WHY worry about the world at large?  Why not just focus on our own children in our own homes?

I can't speak for all parents.  But, for me, I keep thinking that the reason I struggle with the idea of just focussing on our children is that our children must live in a world with all of the other children out there.  The fact is, the minute we give birth, we have entered the process of passing the proverbial torch - the future is theirs, not ours.  So, if we do have the power to do something NOW, on a larger scale, to ensure they all have fewer problems, not more, why wouldn't we make the effort?

I think it goes without saying that adults today have an incredible array of problems and concerns.   The world is a messy place, no doubt.  I'll be the first to admit, sometimes I honestly don't know which is a better idea - to accept the thought that we have virtually no control in this great big world (run!!) or to embrace the thought that we are at a point of incredible opportunity - that, if we could ALL focus on coming together and problem-solving as a group, our potential to do something big would be immense.  

For now, I keep taking a step a day, maintaining the faith that I'm not alone.  Because, the one thing I do know for sure is that nothing happens in isolation - no one person makes the world go around and nothing happens without our getting involved, together.   Hopefully, more and more people will be inspired to find time to come together and act, collectively.  Which is the point of this link - parent empowerment.  If all it ever achieves is reaching a few more people who recognize the value in working together to improve things in the world beyond our individual doorsteps, then... that's got to count for something.

-Tristan Benz

Maiden America