“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
In these times of seemingly constant change, upheaval and global crises, it is easy to give up on making a change and fighting for a cause – many of us may ask ‘What difference will I be able to make in an ever increasing chaotic and sometimes corrupt world?” The answer: a lot! And the Goldman Environmental Prize (also referred to as the ‘Green Noble’) proves just that.
Throughout history remarkable change has begun with individuals – from Gandhi to Mandela, Malala to Mother Teresa, Delores Huerta to Erin Brockovich. All of these activists started out in the same, simple way, and it was their heart felt passion, courage and determination that made their voices heard. The same goes for the Goldman Prize recipients:
Mark! Lopez – campaigned to bring about one of the largest environmental cleanups in CA history.
Rodrigo Tot – led his indigenous Guatemalan community to achieve land titles, and fending off destructive toxic mining in the area.
Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo – risked his life to preserve a Congolese UNESCO site against local and international mining entities.
Prafulla Samantara – ran a 12 year battle against aluminum ore mines in India, succeeding through the Supreme Court in 2016.
Uros Macerl – this Slovenian farmer forced a French owned cement company to shut down its toxic waste dumping, following a European Commission ruling.
Wendy Bowman – a 7 year campaign on her behalf prevented a Chinese coal mining company from expanding in Australia.
To read more about these inspirational people, click here and to support a crowd funded, heart centered organization using the power of collective voice in helping bring awareness, expose truths and evoke positive change, click here.
Each of us has so much light and ability to help, and together as way-showers, we are so powerful.
“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”
Martin Luther King.
