Ideas on “The World We Want” 

Love the idea behind this edition. Some of us have been using the word “enchantivism” to describe forms of storytelling that might start in breakdown, rupture, or injustice but that lead to more spacious possibilities. If we can’t imagine them, we can’t realize them.—chalquist

The current issue is so to the point that I want my friends to get it, especially because as a public school educator and public defense attorney articles in this issue directly speak to their concerns and work for social justice.—Larry 

This magazine came just at a time when I needed it. Highlighting the stories and work of environmental activists of color, the articles are reimagining, with a radical visioning, the world we want…this edition was a joy to read and reminded me why I am committed to all the community organizing and activist work that I do! Even when it gets exhausting and overwhelming, we need this reminder of how we get from here to there, and it’s in community. —Shirley Manken

This is what I’ve been waiting for!A fantastic step toward creating and manifesting life-affirming future visions—“What We Want!” I believe we’re writing a new mythology that’s being shaped by uncommon times and the evolution of supernatural beings. I couldn’t feel more blessed and be more thrilled to be here now. To read this! The more the stories like this are conceived, refined, and told, the more power they gain. Thank you!—Becoming

I was thinking one way we could have a better world on the other side of this is if folk took some of this time to work on personal growth as well as growing community. Practice forgiveness and open the heart and we can see real change at a very local level. I have a feeling the universe is giving us an  opportunity here!—Jon

I like the focus of the Spring issue. I would like to see more articles in that issue on what can be done or what is already being done to make the changes we need to make to get to that “world we want.” We all know where we are and how we got here, what we need to focus on now are the positive, uplifting movements to get us where we need to be.—Jillian48

“Language of Antiracism” Is a Useful Guide

I have greatly appreciated the articles focused on building bridges and supporting equity. To be completely honest, it is a subject that makes me sweat. I grew up around people of all colors, nationalities … but I have come to understand that even that situation whitewashed the diversity rather than really celebrating, honoring, or understanding it. It can feel so overwhelming to even broach the subject, and feels so much easier to ignore it and tell myself there’s nothing I can do about it. “The Language of Antiracism” brought some new ideas to light for me that were able to spawn some good conversations with my partner who has done a lot of participation in and training for DEI. Recently, this allowed me to step in during a group conversation and try to point out that there is no such thing as reverse racism. I was thankful to be able to reference the article, and the individual was open to finding new resources to look at on the matter. Usually I love YES! for inspiration, but I also love YES! for helping work on the difficult areas inside myself that I haven’t been able to yet. YES! approaches every subject thoroughly and with great heart and compassion. I so greatly appreciate this.—S.M., Oregon

Opening Up to Others’ Views

“Yes, You Can Change Someone’s Mind” got me thinking about how difficult it is to see other peoples’ perspectives when you disagree, and that I have to put more energy and effort into bridging that gap.—Laura Myerson, New York

I need the reminder that it’s not all about facts. My world view is very similar to that expressed in YES!, so it’s really helpful to me to see my beliefs and views expressed by others and to have my understanding of these things broadened by the very diverse perspectives brought by the writers and editors.—Becky P., California

Opportunities in a New Decade 

I would love to explore how we can help to heal the divisive nature of our current economic and political cultures. Where people are respectful and listen to other points of view so that we can come together and work to create meaningful change. It’s time to end the debates, the bickering and stalemates. We need to start acting on the issues that are causing so much suffering. —Susan

I have been asking people what is your transition plan? And have you calculated your carbon footprint/personal consumption and consumption of resources on a finite planet? And, of course, can I help? Transportation and heating (I live in a northern climate) are the “low hanging fruit” and biggest energy hogs. —Nancy Kellogg

How Is Your Community Responding to COVID-19?

We are meeting the needs of each other. We purchased dinners for truckers passing through our small town and delivered them safely. I heard that many of their favorite restaurants had closed. It didn’t take much to gather more support and healthy meals were provided for people who do a tough job and are often working double shifts. —SpringfieldVal

I live in a rural area where the usual news of hot spots in dense urban areas doesn’t match the reality of our community. But we are staying in touch by phone, texts, and some visits where we practice at least 3 feet away. Local stores which are open have designated 6 foot distances, e.g. pharmacies, groceries and home improvement stores. I’m sure these are corporate decisions. I see my grandkids by meeting outside. Personally, I’m following Merlin’s advice to Arthur when you are depressed (now by social isolation) by learning something new. Something we can all do and I recommend.—mbzimmer

A neighbor friend and I, with my family, have been spending every Sunday cleaning up the creek behind our community and have gathered over 12 garbage bags full of trash. My 4-year-old had such a great time. It was so good to see her spirit of adventure and independence return.—kdesai1

Thanks much for this article (“Community Solidarity Through Homemade Face Masks”)  and particularly for articulating so clearly and poetically, “Wearing a mask when you need to be out of your house is an act of community solidarity, showing people around you that you care about protecting them as much as keeping yourself protected. And it’s an empowering chance to exercise creativity and personality during a time of uncertainty.” We’re sharing it (w/ credit, of course!) in our community service pitch to face-cover makers.—seladore

EXCERPTS FROM: 

Conversations in the YES! community.

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