It was just two years ago that I met Ryan Scott while on a journalistic adventure through Los Angeles exploring the statement, "Hollywood Goes Green." We began to have what I thought was going to be a simple casual-conversation-card-exchange. Wrong as I was, we soon bonded over our hatred of the ever so popular marketing ploy of "green-washing," though absorbed in the potential of a true green industry. Within moments we found that our mutual interest in the environment ran deeper than green.
"All Causes Are Connected," he said. Our rapid fire conversation grew as we explored the idea. Within two weeks I was unpacking my San Francisco bags in my new LA apartment...I blink and two years have flown by. Staring out of my office today I see the inspiring faces of our team working whole-hearted for their cause and those of others. I realize that I probably have one of the best jobs in the world surrounded by the coolest people.
December 8th brings the beginning of a new chapter. One of adventure, activism, sacrifice, simplicity, collaboration, curiosity, questions, persistence and perspective. On what is the two year anniversary of that first meeting, I am packing my bags again. With my new mobile office in tow, camera and laptop packed tightly next to my trusty travel toothbrush, I wear my new title with pride - CAO, Chief Activism Officer.
We are embarking on a new era of influence as activism begins to show itself in ways we never imagined. From armchair revolutionaries who have formed movements of millions with just a few clicks, to travelers in India making more out of their vacation through volunteer programs, to a child and her cancer fighting lemonade stand...it's apparent that everyone has the ability to make an impact.
For the next 6-9 months I will be traveling around the world with Brooke Dean and other activists capturing these stories of leadership and heroism, learning about communities in need and conflict, and connecting them with the support of those looking to give it.
I will be crossing borders and boundaries; seeing places I've only read about in books, sharing stories from regions rarely covered by our media, hearing to voices heard only through the lips of others who've been, and helping those who may have been overlooked. We will blog, vlog, tweet, widgetize and make sense of all we witness, providing the online tools and ensuring that our efforts remain both sustainable and repeatable. ThisIsTheWorldWeLiveIn.com
will be our hub, powered by Causecast.org
The Goal: Meet as many activists as possible, period; get our hands dirty, period; and come back with the smell of those no longer strangers. Their stories now ours.
We will attempt to answer the questions:
What is effective activism?
What is collaboration, sustainability and understanding?
How will our diverse generation of social change build a true global culture committed to one another? Though our actions unique, our impact is one.
The era of charity is over. Tikkun olam, it's evolving.
The implications and connections of our lives are now impossible to ignore. Though our actions unique, our impact is one.
We walk with high hopes. To understand how we as global citizens can differ so greatly, and still collectively dream beautiful dreams all together new. Connect, learn, give, act and share.
This is our pursuit.
Because, this is the world we live in.
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Levi Felix, Chief Activism Officer at Causecast will be traveling around the world with Brooke Dean and other activists for the next 6-9months capturing stories of leadership and heroism, learning about communities in need and conflict, and connecting them with the support of those looking to give it. Follow their adventure and get involved at ThisIsTheWorldWeLiveIn.com
To see their itinerary please visit: ThisIsTheWorldWeLiveIn.com
If you know of an individual or group that they should meet, organization or movement to volunteer with, in any country on any continent, please email Levi at Levi@Causecast.org.