Passion, hope, anger, justice...

2009-12-13T00:37:00.003+13:00

It’s times like these when you can question yourself and wonder, “What am I doing?”

But instead let it be the time where you create and live the answers. The answers are not that hard to come by, the hard part is realising that you can actually do it.

With a movement like this it might be better to write up a 12-step plan as to how we’re gonna tackle this problem. But more writing and more talking, in and of itself, does not achieve anything.

It might be great to dive into this cause head first. Strike up protests. Paint the city with provocative posters. But mindless action, in and of itself, does not achieve anything.

Passion, anger, hope, justice, these are ideals, abstract words that conjure up disparate emotions. How do we stay committed to what we believe is a possible way forward? Parts of the answer lie in planning ahead and being grounded in some fundamental principles, but let us not forget that part of the answer also lies in bold action. Our hope is to find this balance.

So what are these principles that we’re committed to in order to achieve what we hope to?

They are as follows, a commitment to:

- Seeking the best interests of the homeless, the sick and the poor amongst us. (Not just what we believe is best for them, but what they want for their own lives as well)

- Non-violence, as practiced by Jesus, Ghandi and Martin Luther King, JR.

- Equality, through advocacy and consultation, by blurring the lines between rich and poor.

- Use our stature as middle class citizens in a middle class society, to speak out about issues that affect those most vulnerable in our society.

- Practice what we preach. We will not suggest anything we will not do ourselves!

These commitments are a work in progress, as we learn more and do more we will more than likely add to this list.

This is the beginning of a long, winding and quiet road. Our destination is perhaps a mirage in this vast expanse that is politics, policies and government welfare. We might arrive before we die, or we might not. But there are at least two things that will definitely happen. 1) We will never be the same again, we’ll be transformed by the successes and even more so from the lessons that come from failing. 2) We will get to know the most vulnerable members of our society really well.

This is enough for us, but we’re foolish enough to think that maybe, just maybe, you’ll be willing to join us, and that things might actually change as a result.

i-BEG…