There Is Another Way. . . Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the things in our world that simply aren’t working very well. There is a major economic and ethical upheaval within the political, media, business, religious, familial, social, educational, and health care arenas. Whereas we could once comfortably trust these established institutions to meet our basic needs, we find ourselves today not knowing where to turn. The result of this shift in our security is that we often feel hopeless and scared. However, there is some good news that goes along with all of this chaos and change. Many individuals and groups are successfully finding alternative ways to our current dysfunctional systems of living. They are investing their time, money, and creativity into lifestyles which support personal and planetary sustainability. They are creating innovative structures and practices which honor personal integrity, diversity, teamwork, creativity, and accountability. They strive for social, economic, and environmental justice within our society. Most importantly, they offer hope, not only for ourselves, but for the future generations to come. Unfortunately, within a failing paradigm we face a challenging battle to replace our collective and personal dysfunction with healthy alternatives. With this in mind we present the slogan “There Is Another Way”: a Campaign Promoting Healthy Alternatives To the Dysfunctional Aspects of Our World. “There Is Another Way” is not a doctrine or an agenda. Instead it is an inspirational conceptualization designed to provide mutual support to individuals and organizations who are trying to make a positive difference in our world. “There Is Another Way” offers a chance to unite our many voices under one umbrella, under one banner against the deluge of societal dysfunction. Real life examples of "There Is Another Way" working in our society include these healthy alternatives: • Alternative and Holistic healers are taking new and very old approaches to the healing arts. • Concerned investors are focusing on socially and environmentally
responsible business by investing in “Green Funds.” • Buy Nothing Day (Friday after Thanksgiving) demonstrates the power of the consumer to affect economic and lifestyle choices which de-emphasize materialism. • Make a Difference Day (October 28) is an emerging national day of activism, assistance and empowerment. • Alternative political parties offer options beyond the financially centered status quo. • Political candidates insist upon campaign finance reform and focus upon the needs of the whole rather than those of select, elite groups. • Department of Peace is advocated as essential alternative to the Department of Defense (Dennis Kucinich and Marianne Williamson). • Environmental activists take a strong, non-violent advocacy role in defense of the planet’s fragile ecosystem (Julia Butterfly Hill, John Seed, EarthFirst, Rainforest Action Network...) • Co-operative housing and coop food stores are offering individuals an opportunity to pool together their resources and buying power while stepping outside of traditional capitalistic methodology. • Conflict Resolution and mediation facilitators are offering opportunities for healthy dialogue and problem solving. • Twelve Step and other individual and group counseling programs help addicted people find healthy ways to respond to life's challenges. • The Drug Policy Foundation is working to reform drug laws and alter the course of the highly expensive and terribly ineffective “war on drugs.” • Celebrating the wonders of our solar system and the Milky Way offer an exciting alternative to consumeristic pleasures. There Is Another Way . . . is about living in a manner that is respect full of ourselves, each other and all of life. . . . is about turning the TV off and beginning to fully live our lives with enthusiasm and vigor. . . . is about stopping the objectifying of others and beginning to relate as part of a community, part of a living universe. . . . is about committing random acts of kindness and caring. . . . is about slowing down, enjoying life, smelling the roses, laughing and playing. . . . is about replacing things that don’t work with things that do. Respect yourself and all creation by making choices which reflect your personal beliefs and convictions! Whenever we get stuck or find ourselves trapped in a rut we can benefit by remembering “There Is Another Way.” By proclaiming “There Is Another Way” we remind ourselves, as well as one another that there are other approaches, there are other solutions. We don’t have to remain stuck in systems that are not meeting the needs of the people the systems are meant to serve. We don’t have to keep doing things in a manner that destroys life, that destroys the environment, that destroys the future. “There Is Another Way” is about making healthier choices for a better today and a better tomorrow. By cooperating together, we can make a big difference in this world. We can help to establish fairness and peace. By sharing support, smiles, buttons, bumper stickers, and success stories we affirm the good news that, thankfully, "There Is Another Way" . . . |
