Youth Engagement Pack of the BIG ONE

Wiser Earth Statement on Feb 24 2008

I crafted my "soul story" in May 2007 while camping for a week in Utah's Grand Staircase Escalante with 12 other caring souls. My soul story is what I am about in the final phase of my life:

My Soul Story:

With loving kindness, compassion, joy and freedom,

I transform old and new cultures into life sustaining communities

Through initiation, collaboration and eldering.

The Great Turning:

In February 2008 I believe that we are in what may be viewed in 100 years as a historic moment - some say it is The Great Turning. The profound effects of global warming and oil depletion are a crisis unparalleled in the history of all of civilization. The deep crisis facing the United States - how to deal with the war in Iraq, the financial crisis of the housing collapse, the probable recession we are facing, and the enormous debt that has built up over the past 8 years pale in comparison to the global warming - oil depletion crisis.

At this defining moment in history, The Great Turning Point, we need leadership, deep moral character, mature adults, and the audacity to act anyway. We must involve all citizens as members of this planet earth in making the turn towards a living and sustainable society.

I also believe the old culture 1st Nation Indigenous Peoples are a crucial part of this transformation. They bring their wisdom, generosity bravery and fortitude and their care of nature and all creatures.

Finally, I believe the easy part is the technology - the wind and solar generators and non-gasoline vehicles. The greatest challenge is the transformation of our values, beliefs and culture into life sustaining communities that care for all and live in harmony with all, icluding nature and all creatures.

My role in this Turning is enabling initiation into mature adulthood and being an elder to those coming after me. My role is also enabling Internet and face to face collaboration, to include Wiki, Blogs, Forums, Web meetings and People to People Business Process Management. My intention is to carry out my role with loving kindness, compassion, joy and freedom.

I have a Masters Degree in Community & Organizational Development from American University. Most of my employment has been within high technology companies. I am getting close to retirement - but I call it "refirement". And, I refuse to go gently into the night!

With humility and audacity,

David "Joyous Wolf" Greenwald

Louisville, Colorado, USA