By: Julie E. Gabrielli, NCARB LEED
I Want America to Thrive
Light a Candle
They say that bad news is what sells.
Well, I can prove that good news not only can sell, but good news can change the world.
If all you ever see is despair, exploitation and damage, you don’t think you can do anything about it. It makes you feel hopeless, like you want to run away and hide in isolation, fear, and anger.
But, when you see stories of good people triumphing over long odds, you feel hopeful, energized, inspired. It moves you to reach out to your neighbor and ask, “How can I help you?”
Good deeds create good deeds.
We are making a short film that will inspire all who see it, and will turbo charge the spread of good deeds. We’ll tell you about a developer who believes that education is the key to our country’s future so they build beautiful and affordable homes for teachers. And show you a dozen other examples of miraculous work that is happening right this very moment. These are ordinary people just like you and me. Their secret is – they focus on a positive vision – and they never give up.
You may be thinking of inspiring stories that you’ve heard or experienced. Because it’s all connected. Whether your cause is orphans in Uganda or protecting the rainforest or tutoring kids. You know that focusing on an uplifting vision of the future makes great things happen.
This film is a tool to cultivate hope and produce positive change in the world. It’s our way of lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness.
See with New Eyes
Imagine the kind of world we can build when we look around with different eyes. Humans have a pretty amazing track record so far: we’ve invented philosophy and the iPhone, landed men on the moon and seated women in the boardroom. In fact, we create the future every day.
Sure, we need to pay attention to the damage that our competitive, industrial way of life has done to the people and living systems on which we all depend. But warning and scolding is not a great way to motivate people.
The stories in this film show us the power of community, connection, healing, creativity, grit, vision and unwavering belief in humanity’s goodness.
The Future is Here
I know I’m not alone in seeing a future where every child is safe and thriving in her school; every adult has meaningful work; our homes are powered with clean, renewable energy and built with local, non-toxic, natural materials; our neighborhoods are walkable and clean; our businesses are aligned and connected with the natural world which is their lifeblood; our food is grown locally without chemicals; our conflicts are settled with respectful dialogue; technology is a tool not a master; and we all look to the future with hope and excitement, knowing that we belong here. This is our home.
This is the new story of belonging, connection, creativity, and humility. Evidence that this future is not only in our hearts and minds. It is here, now.
About Julie Gabrielli: Eco-architect Julie Gabrielli has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement in Maryland for over 15 years. She is an artist and writer, always searching for the most effective medium to wake people up to the beauty of our world. For more information about the film: http://www.indiegogo.com/america-thrives This is a crowd funding site where her team is raising money for five deserving organizations
and to underwrite the costs of the film.