Sep 7Member-onlyThe Power of Local NonprofitsConnecting to Place, Working with Community, and Building the Movement — I have had the honor of working with local nonprofits in recent years. Their work is critical to solving local and global problems. I’ve seen firsthand their ability to effect needed change through collaborative efforts such as— Literacy for Environmental Justice, the YMCA of SF, and others in San Francisco…Community4 min read
Aug 8Member-onlyFrom Separation to ConnectionFinding Hope for Society in Troubling Times — In some of our darkest days, hope and light will not be denied. Historic, though not perfect, climate change legislation is finally getting through Congress! Voters across partisan lines stood up for female reproductive rights in a state where this was not expected to happen. The many leaders and activists…Climate Change3 min read
Jun 7Member-onlyWe Are Everything: Building a Path to a Better SocietyTo chart a new course for society, we must first see beyond the separation that plagues our society and acknowledge the harm of our historic and current ways. As a privileged white male, I cannot speak for the lived experiences of many people. …Oneness5 min read
Published in The Orange Journal·Mar 19Member-onlyThe Toll of Digital Distraction and How to Overcome ItManage the flow of information in your life to boost happiness. — How many times do you check your phone each day? Or if you’re on your computer, check e-mail, social media, or news while working on something else? If you check your phone somewhere between 58 to 96 times a day, you’re not alone, according to two surveys from RescueTime and…The Orange Journal8 min read
Dec 28, 2021Member-onlyBest of 2021: Pathways to the Systems Change We NeedWe started 2021 with much hope. The worst of the pandemic appeared to be in the rearview mirror. Real possibilities for finally addressing climate change and equity were emerging. Then, Delta and Omicron struck, and the pandemic continued to take lives. COP26 agreements led to some progress at the international…Climate Change2 min read
Published in Age of Awareness·Oct 28, 2021Member-onlyTaking Community from the Trail into our Everyday LivesReflections from a Week Backpacking in the High Sierra — My daughter Katharine’s feet protested with four blisters and many aches. My water filter needed repair multiple times. Some climbs were tough and long, testing our stamina and patience. And long downhills pounded our legs and feet. …Community9 min read
Published in Climate Conscious·Sep 16, 2021Member-onlyA Week in the High Sierra with My DaughterConnecting to nature and leaving no trace in the climate era — “Who designed this? It’s perfect,” my sixteen-year-old daughter frequently exclaimed during our week backpacking in the California High Sierra. And each time, we paused to take in our surroundings and agreed that nature’s design was indeed perfect. I’ve been backpacking in the Sierras for over twenty years, but to experience…Climate Change8 min read
Mar 31, 2021Member-onlyAll Neighborhoods Need a Slow StreetThe morning light awakens you from your slumber. You slowly roll out of bed. The first sound you hear is the hum of car traffic outside your home. You don’t know the neighbor next door who has lived there as long as you can remember. In fact, you barely know…Slow Streets7 min read
Nov 23, 2020Member-onlyThis is the Year to End Black FridayOn Black Friday, large retail corporations hope we shop, shop and then shop some more. Despite the alarming spread of the coronavirus, many chain stores will be open for business. As proclaimed on retailmenot.com, …Thanksgiving5 min read
Jun 23, 2020Member-onlyTaking Down Walls Where We LiveLiving together in the same communities is the most fundamental, direct and impactful way to dismantle racism and remove the inequities that have been inflicted upon Black, Indigenous and People of Color in our country. The events of the past few months have exposed and brought to the surface the…Diversity10 min read
