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  JULY  2000   Newsletter

Many of us feel helpless to change the tide of world affairs.  Individuals speaking out or taking action in some small way DO make a difference. There are many examples of this in recent history. You will find many means in this newsletter and on the websites mentioned - to act on your beliefs. There can be real joy in speaking out through word or deed to support your deepest spiritual beliefs about the way our planet is governed.

Educate yourself...

"He or she who cannot change the very fabric of his/her thought will never be able to change reality and will never, therefore, make any progress."

Anwar Sadat, Former President of Egypt

Things you can do to make a difference...

 Inner work we can do to help:

* The Great Invocation is a universal mantra invoking God's Light, love, and spiritual power. It is used around the world in twenty languages.

 

THE  GREAT   INVOCATION

From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men.
Let Light descend on Earth.

From the Point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ return to Earth.

From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men—
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the center which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out.
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power
restore the Plan on Earth.

And some Outer work........

Go to a fall event........

http://www.commoncause.org/forms/email_alert.htm

The following list was taken from the CauseNET Website...

1. Call Or Write Your Members Of Congress. Ask them to explain - or publicly declare - their positions on issues that you care about. It's your right to know. If you disagree with your Senators or Representative on an issue - let them know. And, thank them when they do the right thing. You can call your Member of Congress at 202/224-3121. Or write:

 

The Honorable _______________ U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator _______________:

The Honorable _______________ U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative _______________:

2. Volunteer. National, state, and community organizations can accomplish great things - but they can't do it without help. Even if you only have an hour or two to spare each month, organizations would be glad to put you to work. Your time and talents can make a valuable difference and you'll feel good knowing that you're doing your part.

3. Be Informed. You can't make a difference if you don't know the problem. It's your responsibility to be informed about your country, your government, and your community. Take time to read the daily newspaper and materials from organizations that are working on issues that you care about. Congress and government agencies have informative web sites, as do many state governments. And, most organizations have web sites that include news and information about their work.

4. Write A Letter To The Editor About An Issue Of Concern To You. Rep. Martin Meehan (D-MA) once said that letters to the editor in local papers are one of the best ways to get the attention of Members of Congress and other policy-makers. A thoughtful and informative letter to the editor from a caring citizen can keep an important issue square in the public spotlight.

5. Attend A Public Forum Or Meeting Of Your Local Government. Speak up about an issue you care about … ask questions … demand accountability. It's your right.

6. Be A Mentor To A Young Person Or Help Out At Your Local School. Today's young people are our next generation of leaders. They need our support and encouragement today.

7. Take Part In A Community Activity Or Other Grassroots Action … a rally … a protest … a signature-gathering drive … a door-to-door canvas. These kinds of activities build momentum for important issues and educate and encourage other citizens to be active. Attending grassroots events is also a good way to meet others who care deeply about the same issues you do.

8. Talk To Your Friends & Neighbors About Issues That You Care About. There IS power in numbers. Be informed, stay up-to-date, and help involve others. If you care about an issue, you can build a community force for change.

9. Join CauseNET: The Common Cause Email Alert Network. If you have a computer and Internet access, CauseNET is quick and easy way to be an online activist for change in your democracy. For more information - or to sign up now - send an email to grassroots@commoncause.org.

10. VOTE! It's one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a difference in your government.

• Respecting the interconnection of all life 

• Thinking in whole systems 
• Searching for common ground and the good of the whole 
• Creating nonviolent, win/win solutions to problems 
• Civil dialogue--learning to truly listen to other points of view 
• Transcending old definitions of Left and Right 
• Creating a higher synthesis out of adversarial positions 
• Matching rights with responsibilities 
• Synthesizing the best of hierarchy and democracy in a new form of leadership 
• Examining the psychological roots of problems 
• Releasing enemy images 
• Promoting initiatives that develop self-reliance and self-esteem 
• Using intuition and "attunement" in decision-making 
• Exploring the deeper causes of world events based in consciousness 
• Studying the collective lessons learned from crises

On the next page you will find groups working for 
positive change and for ways to help you "walk your talk". 
Find a group that supports your world view. 
Support one that offers a means for you to stay connected with world issues. Take advantage of the connection and act. 
Being spiritual means living your beliefs.

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