The end game for this curriculum: Folks have the power and resources to invent their own ways to create healthy neighborhood communities. I started thinking about this curriculum as involving two types of folks: Those who live in the neighborhoods impacted by historical injustice and environmental inequities. And those who live outside the neighborhoods. I've … Continue reading Thinking about: Environmental equity curriculum (part 2)
I recently started reading Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness (science fiction is now my favorite holiday from current news and events). A moment in the story stood out. Genly Ai is a human envoy sent out to convince another human world to join an interstellar alliance. In his explorations, he meets … Continue reading “The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty: not knowing what comes next.”
At the upcoming April 2026 meeting of Environmental Justice Evanston I am due to propose a curriculum for leadership development. The desired outcome is to increase the number of people who can lead environmental equity efforts in Evanston. This need comes together for a couple of reasons. The Evanston environmental justice movement has matured in … Continue reading Thinking about: Leadership curriculum for Evanston environmental equity
I just returned from a 10 day trip, with my wife Jamie, along the coast of Maine. Our first visit to the state. In the final days of our stay I remarked that every Mainer we encountered just seemed so...nice. "I think they're just happy," Jamie said. And that was it. Folks just seemed happy. … Continue reading Happiness
It's the 4th of July here in the U.S. We gather with family and friends to celebrate and attend events that show off our patriotism. Yes to the family and friends gatherings (my kids and grandkids are still in town with us, and it's been a joy). Not feeling the patriotism, as the current administration, … Continue reading Celebrating global connections this July 4th holiday
Jeff Merrell 