6 Ways to Love being a Cultural Creative

“Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment.”  Mahatma Gandhi

Cultural Creatives focus on the second kind of power – the power of love. Maybe that’s why what the 99% does is a thousand times more persuasive and long lasting than what the 1% does.

Cultural Creatives embrace positive change, they support sisters and brothers, dads and mothers who work to bring us into balance with Mother Nature and each other. They do it not out of despair for how messed up things have become, but out of sincere hope and knowledge that things can be so much better with just a little nudge, good lighting, food, and/or place to grow…

Are you a Cultural Creative at heart? Do you long for positive change with lasting value and want to love your work? Below is s starter pack of ideas along with links to those establishing the footholds for a safer, healthier, and happier society.

1. Join a citizen action group such as MoveOn.org, Mom’sRising, MomsCleanAirforce, or one of the 200+ women’s organizations listed on the National Council of Women’s Organizations. Add your voice to work in progress or start your own petition. See how Harriet Shugarman has taken on the fracking industry. Need more inspiration? Check out cultural creatives Joan Blades, Kristin  Rowe-Finkbeiner, Dominique Browning, and Martha Burk.

 2. Support our teachers and systems teaching social media skills, sustainable actions, and service to others. Read Katy Faber’s book on How to Change the World with Service Training which covers the cross-training benefits of service work development and project management. Or maybe you need help changing your own world view point first before you can help others,  Rachel Keener helps you clarify your vision.

3. Sell, Market, Advertise  Sustainable Practices.  Did you see the Super Bowl ads? In your opinion, which ad sold its product’s benefits better as well as changing the world – Soda Stream or Coke? Marketers are the ultimate shapers of culture; their work affects how we see art;  understand our language; and perceive new concepts that stir our souls to action. Check out the work of Carolyn Parrs, Lisa Borden, and Lynn Anne Miller  and see the difference having a green mission makes.

4. Use videos, pictures…  If the power of love is 1000 times better, then the power of love with a picture/video is worth 1000×1000 words of power. One decomposed bird launched Beth Terry on her plastics-free campaign; one not decomposed 1996 McDonald’s burger makes its point to Karen Hanrahan’s audience. Conversely, pictures of  color-filled-food inspire the palates of  health seekers under Taiha Wagner’s care. They are all creating lasting images with lasting impact.

5. Design. Build. Live. Our homes and offices are the backdrops for to set out creative spirits free.  If you have pinned a room design on Pinterest – you’re a cultural creative.  Amber Keenoy acts as a “pinterest” board for commercial space. She brings together the people and plans for building our 9 to 5 spaces which embrace natural light, passive heating or cooling, and a sense of aesthetics and intersecting gardens not found before.

6. Join a network – BE the network. As the majority consumers and caretakers, women look to each other for advice and inspiration. Filling the information void that big media misses are  Diane MacEachern, Micaela Preston, Lori Popkewitz Alper, and Marcia Yerman. Also check out the GreenSisterhood a new network that knits the work practical green solutions, activism, as well as a good laugh together.

There are hundreds of ways to change a culture from toxic to lovely. Kisses to all who are making our culture greener, safer, and a bit sweeter to share. 

What’s not to love?