Creating a movement for positive change
The beginning of a new year offers an opportunity for a fresh start full of good intentions.
2010 marked the beginning of a new decade with great hopes for sustainable development including biodiversity – but – it was not a good year for global sustainable development. It was marked and marred by an entirely preventable, highly publicised, major environmental disaster and, in the main, a “business as usual” approach.
It was also marked by increased calls for true sustainability versus the rhetoric of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its various incarnations.
So what kind of year will 2011 become and be remembered for?
Will it become known as the year where we galavanise into positive action? Will it be remembered for a substantial swing towards long term planning?
2012 will mark the 25th anniversary of the 1987 Brundtland Commission report, Our Common Future – what do we have to show after 25 years of mainstreaming sustainable development ? Not much I am afraid.
BUT, there is hope yet.
There are many excellent initiatives aiming to deliver a sustainable lifestyle for all. What can we do to accellerate positive change?
Among many other things we need to highlight and promote the work of entrepreneurs who drive worldchanging intiatives, small and large, wherever they may be.
It has long been a passion of mine to build on existing achievements and Derek Siver has a simple but compelling TED video which I adore on how to start a movement which brings home the importance of courage to go against the tide, team work and puts a smile on ones’ face!
Click here to view Derek’s video posted on my blog and let me know what you think about it!!!
Ulrike Schuermann is an experienced international consultant & social profit coach. Her main areas of focus are: corporate social responsibility, business and human rights and income development for social profits. Ulrike blogs regularly at the Momentum Partnerships Blog and you can connect with her via Twitter @UlrikeUte, the Momentum International Partnerships Facebook page or on LinkedIn.
