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WHERE THERE IS NO STRUGGLE . . . there is no strength.
Over the weekend, we had the pleasure of attending some sessions at the Omega Institute's Seeds of Change gathering. The schedule boasted some big names, and we were eager to see Vandana Shiva, Winona LaDuke, and Will Allen exercise their lauded oratory skills. While we certainly enjoyed what they had to say, we were surprised and delighted that some less recognizable names offered the most compelling food for thought. Some highlights included:
- Natasha Bowen / Author, Beginning Farmer, and creator of The Color Of Food - Natasha reminded us: 'I encourage all of us to open our ears, open our eyes, and dig into these stories. Stories that live right here in the Hudson Valley and across the country. Make it our mission to truly listen, amplify, and support the work being done in communities of color - to end exploitation, restore justice, and demand equity. If this isn't part of our work then we're not doing anyone any justice.' (Click here and select the Sunday AM session to see the video, her talk begins at 11:26)
- Ken Greene / Founder of Hudson Valley Seed Library - We can't help but be energized when people love what they do. And Ken most certainly loves what he does. He talks about seeds with an unparalleled fondness. But how could you not when, 'Planting a seed is growing a story expressed in thousands of years of history'. We were already smitten with seeds, but this only reminded us more of how magical they are. (Click here and select the Sunday AM Session, his talk begins at 36:50)
- Also during the Sunday AM Session (at 3:41:00) a young woman gave a powerful poetry reading, spurred by her work with the Freedom Food Alliance.
In addition to the poem above, another young participant who is active in Earth Guardians NY asked the panel of prestigious speakers a very honest and timely question. To paraphrase: How do we start conversations with our peers that don't seem to care about the same environmental issues that seem so important to us? And how do we work past the overwhelming feelings that we have when there is so much to be done?
I felt for this young man. I've been there - so desperate to express these ideas that hold such meaning, and wanting others to regard these serious issues with the same weight that we think they deserve. It's hard when you feel as if we have a chance to help save the world, but you can't get others on board.
The only advice we can offer is passed on from a man who recently shared it with us: food and music. These are the keys to communing with your cohorts. When in doubt, gather regularly. And at each gathering, ensure that you break break and enjoy music. It's a simple thing, but this combination brings people together to break down barriers that might not otherwise be broken. It sparks conversations, builds relationships, and allows for ideas to unfold over time.
Everything is much more possible when you are not alone. In the meantime, the struggle is making you stronger.
Cheers,
Taylor & Dorothy
Co-Founders, Good Food Jobs
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