It’s time for those with a microphone in hand to empower their followers to become part of the solution.
Remember in the 1960’s when music was the counterpart of social activism, during a time of resistance to war and civil rights? Remember when young people all around the US self-organized in their universities and became the driving force behind the civil rights and anti-war movements? In the first six months of 1968, more than 200 major demonstrations took place at 100 colleges and universities across the country, involving more than 40,000 students. People were active and involved. I often ask myself, where did that spark, fire and organization of young people in mass numbers towards issues that affect us all go?
Hundreds to thousands of concerts happen every week throughout the United States and I see most of these nightly events being a place for attendees to escape their mundane week, lose themselves for a night and feel a connection to music and something more powerful than themselves. What if the energy of people coming together for a common interest could be utilized to create change, movements and build community that extends beyond the night-out?
The problems we face today have surpassed controversy and uncertainty. We are seeing the effects of overconsumption and resource exploitation in land degradation and the endangerment of wildlife, ancient cultures and soil everywhere we look. It is time that everyone become part of the solution and make small changes within their local communities. It’s time for those with a microphone in hand to empower their followers to become part of the solution.
One solution that encompasses the social, environmental and economic crises we face is Permaculture. Permaculture is a practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems that can be used by anyone. It is about designing ways to live in accordance caring for people, caring for the planet, and caring for the future as we design and embrace principles that cultivate whole-system earth stewardship.
This October, The Polish Ambassador steps up to the plate and partners up with a team of permaculture facilitators and community organizers to bring the Pushing Through the Pavement: Permaculture Action Tourto venues in major cities across America. This revolutionary tour will converge local organizations, permaculture groups, sustainability educators, natural builders, and gardeners to bring the know-how and skills to put the principles of permaculture into tangible reality. The audience members at each show will be encouraged to join “Impact Days” on urban sites in between the shows that will be immersions focused on sustainability, food justice, ecological education, and regenerative living practices.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise awareness and funds about this tour. Learn more, watch the video and get excited.
I hope that this tour inspires more artists to get on board with making their concerts more informative, engaging and action-oriented on the issues that we are facing today. I couldn’t think of a better way to get a strong message across to thousands of people!
Photo courtesy ofWikimedia Commons.
