Better Than We Left It

     These days kids and teens are coming of age in a real life dystopia they can't wake up from. School has become a place where they could be mowed down by someone with a grudge and military grade weapons. For those who aren't white it could be a gateway to jail and a foreclosed future. Many of their families are just one disaster from homelessness. For many having the bare necessities is purely aspirational. Having a parent jailed could leave them trapped in the foster care system. And there's this climate change crisis.

     They're painfully aware of the precarious nature of life on Earth--certainly more aware than many, if not most adults. And they're trying desperately to turn things around only to be met with belittling disrespect from adults who believe they can't grasp and care about grown up issues--they must being used by adults with agendas.

     Is it any wonder that anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses are so on the rise in this demographic?

     With winter holidays on the way I have a perfect gift suggestion for any youth (including traditional college age) activists or potential youth activists in your life, especially those who are wondering how they can make a difference. Frederick and Porsche Joseph's Better Than We Found: Conversations to Help Save The  World. It analyzes sixteen of the world's dire crises. Unlike many supposedly similar books for adults it isn't an offering up of simple and superficial panaceas. The Josephs and their guest writers dig deep, blending cogent analysis with back story and truly stirring and engaging narratives. 

     And gifting the book could be only the beginning. You and you family (or youth group or Sunday school class etc.) Could pick an issue to discuss and do something about. And a copy of Better Than We Left It would be a most excellent gift for your local public or school library.

On a purrrsonal note, I had a truly peak experience yesterday. As a favor to a classmate, I led a lunch & learn: an interactive presentation on ageism. We had great attendance. People were deeply engaged and offering wonderful insights. We were learning together. And the lunch was delicious.

A great big shout out goes out to all who attended  and the UMaine diversity and inclusion people who hosted and publicized the event and provided the delicious food. They make me proud to be a UMaine Black Bear. 

Jules Hathaway 

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