Much Ado about Action.

...Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 
-Marianne Williamson.

The sudden global fuss about the need to take action and the call for active citizenship evades many of us, we just do not get it, we begin to ask ourselves questions such as , why is it so important ?, even if it is important, why now? If so, what has it got to do with me? These questions sometimes throw us into confusion.

The need for action especially when things seem to have gone completely out of hands or have solutions which are seemingly beyond reach may seem as one which cannot be met especially when you innocently find yourself in the midst of such need by no deed or inadvertence on your part.
Earlier this week, we took an opinion poll via our twitter account (@19_nineteen), we asked the question; who should take action for sustainable development? the government or anyone. The result of the poll revealed that more voters believe that anyone can take action for sustainable development. Do we really think so ?because if we really do, we would have achieved more than we have today.

The question of how far a private individual can go as regards taking action for sustainable development is usually answered in the negative. However, think about the extent of impact that will be achieved when every one that thinks it is possible decides to take action and make impact. Imagine that a hundred persons in different locations, without any consultation from one another take action about one global issue... we all should be conditioned to think along that line. The urge to take action, to make a difference is not felt by you alone but by thousands of people around the world, however, your bold step can trigger other persons with or without the similar urge to act. That way, results are seen and  a difference more resounding than you set out to make is made visible. Imagine how many of your friends will decide to volunteer for a cause having seen the impact or potential of your courage to take an issue and transform it, how much dirt would be off the shanty slums if ten persons at different times decide to do a community service, educate persons in the slum on waste disposal and provide alternative means for safe waste disposal, imagine what difference would be made if ten persons decide to take on an education project in ten locations; would there or would there not be an increase in global literacy?

You should not be bothered about who is joining you to act , but the impact of your actions. If your actions do not show results immediately, it is not a sign to give up but a sign to wait, do something better or try a different approach.
It should be inconsequential at some point if the government is not doing what they ought to do, your action and not incessant complaint is a sufficient call to action.
You will be discouraged but the results of your action would outweigh the challenges and that should be sufficient motivation.
The world is ours to thrive, hence its protection and sustainability should be made priority over our shortcomings or lack of sufficient resources to act.
Actions no matter how little make a difference. You may not see it but others do and the change you bring or inspire, is sufficient for the world to be better and sustainable.
See a need and meet the need don't just complain and do nothing.
The world is ours not for the Government, United Nations or similar bodies, Charities or a select few.

This should be your thought: if my action can inspire change even in just one person, then I'm good to go. It's not in your place to ask questions such as , what if nobody joins me ? or even if decide to act, if it's just me, the change will not be so profound. There are a million reasons not to act but one compelling reason to act: the future of the globe may be thoroughly changed by my decision to act and eventual action, so why not?

There is nothing beyond the reach of ordinary citizens doing the daily work of democracy, and no problem too great to tackle with the power of active citizenship. 
-Joan Claybrook.
   
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