Where are the Youth?

Tears came to my eyes as I watched them—youth and adults, standing shoulder to shoulder, singing about 'everyday heroes.' I suddenly realized how rare this was. When was the last time you saw kids involved in a 'serious' event? Yet, here at the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, the young people were integrated into the entire program: the youth choir, the 9th grader who won the essay contest, the college students who created a video presentation on Dr. King and his life.

Not only the kids, but their families were involved too, younger siblings watching from the audience. The pastor, welcoming everyone to her church, particularly welcomed the children: "If you feel the need to squirm, we understand. We are glad you are here."

What a difference it made! We saw in these kids' commitment and creativity the hope that is keeping Dr. King's dream alive. When our children are involved, our own salvation seems possible.

So why do we keep the children separate? The business conference I went to last week, almost by accident, learned the value of including the arts. What would happen if they involved students?

Think of all the meetings and events you've been to - how would they be different if children were involved? What would happen if a 10-year-old attended the board meeting?

How would our decisions be different if we had to explain them to a kid?

New Conversations in Business

I saw some amazing things yesterday at a business conference:

• A respected business leader stood up and stated that stewardship of the planet is not just the right thing to do, it is a sound business strategy. He was met with resounding applause from 1000 mainstream business, government and academic leaders.
  
  
• This business community reluctantly included a performance of the arts in its day-long conference because one of their own, who had recently passed away, thought it was important. One thousand people suddenly realized he was right. It's not just about pretty performances, it's about integrating creativity into the very fabric of society.
  
  
• The Speaker-elect of the Oregon House of Representatives stated that his vision is to create the best bi-partisan, problem-solving legislature in America. One thousand people heartily agreed it was about time.
  
  
• One speaker described the discussion about "quality" at Ford Motor Company 30 years ago: "It costs too much. People won't pay for it. People want the lowest price. We need to lower our costs to be successful."Toyota, on the other hand, did exactly the opposite. Who was right? Today the same discussion is taking place around sustainability. What decision will we make this time?
  
  
• A panel on woody biomass included a lumber company, a conservationist group and a utility. It suddenly became clear—they are all working together! Twenty years ago, the forestry industry was a hotbed of contention. Now all the various groups are coming together and building consensus about how to steward the forest. If a contentious industry like this can accomplish such a radical turnaround, just think what else we can do!
  
  
• In sustainability, everyone is grappling with a learning curve. Here were companies helping each other learn to do things better. What would happen if this cross-fertilization of ideas took place across industries and across borders? How quickly could we move toward real sustainability if we were all sharing our best ideas?

This was a conference on business, on the Oregon Business Plan, on making Oregon economically successful. Yet the conversations were about sustainability, about community, about working together.

The conversation in mainstream business is changing. It's not just "business as usual" anymore. We know we have to clean up our environment if we are to survive. In the process, we are starting to look around and see all the other things we've neglected in our drive for economic success (or survival!) - the people, the arts, our own communities.

This is Oregon. This is one small state starting to take charge of its destiny. We are beginning to wake up and realize we need to work together, take care of each other and the land. We know that competition is good and has its place, but we are beginning to realize there is tremendous potential in collaboration. We are starting to see ourselves as one state, working together for a common future.

This is Oregon. What would happen if we, as a planet, did the same?

World Congress

The huge auditorium is full, buzzing. As the lights dim, the chatter fades. Flowers of every color decorate the stage. A clear voice fills the hall:

“We are the Australians, the Angolans, the Antiguans. We come from Bolivia, Belgium, Bengal.”

Down every aisle they come. Faces shining with joy. One by one they come. Each in his native costume. Each with her head high, walking tall.

“We are the Guaymi, the Guatemalans, the Greeks. We come from Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras.”

From Papua New Guinea comes a man in his skins. From Korea, a woman in her flowing gown. There’s a kimono, a Bolivian hat. Here’s a Tlingit woman in her red and black cape. A Nigerian in his loose cotton tunic.

“We are the Maori, the Navajo, the Nepalese. We come from Moravia, Macedonia, Niger.”

A tailor, a lawyer, a mother, a farmer.
An Israeli, an Egyptian.
A Bosnian, a Serb.
A Rwandan.
An Austrian.
An Ethiopian.
A Russian.
A Texan.

“We are the Somalians, the Swiss, the Sioux. We come from Trinidad, Togo, Turkey.”

Each takes his place on the stage—the place reserved for him—a place of dignity and honor. No one is left out.

Suddenly the great hall falls silent. The audience is stunned. Before them stands the entire human race—every nation, every creed, every people, every tribe. Standing in peace. Standing tall. Standing as one—the full splendor and glory of the human family.

Instinctively someone onstage grasps the hand of his neighbor and lifts it high. The entire assembled company clasp hands and raise them in triumph. A cheer erupts from the audience as they thunder to their feet in applause, weeping, cheering, moved beyond words.

The dream is within our grasp.