I believe in the power of one...

Betsy's Vision

"I believe in the power of one: one person, one family, one collective, one community."

The power of one is real, whatever or whomever that “one” may represent. Throughout history, the progression of social change happened as a result of individual ideas and actions that were spoken and fulfilled on behalf of so many other siblings within the human family.

However, the motivations behind such social activism have been very different over time. For some, the power put forth by their actions attracts contributors through the fear of retribution. For others, the coming together as a collective is natural and holistic. It is based on a vision for unity rather than opposition.

It may sound too idealistic, but what new vision isn’t? It may sound too abstract, but that is the space necessary for innovation to come to life. In today’s world, while so many continue to thrive on independence and choices singular to themselves, the reality is: We need one another.

It can’t be denied our communities/country/world continue to express dire needs for change every single day.

Can we not hear the cries of global citizens who are hungering for collectivism rather than opposition? Are we not obligated to respond to the calls for collaboration rather than competition? How can we find ways to work beside one another rather than against?

I can’t think of a day when the news headlines – and countless daily actions not covered by the news – haven’t reiterated this need. So, this is my first step in doing something about it by providing space for other visionaries to join the forefront of change that the human family so desperately needs!

- Betsy Valnes