While Paul Hawken is an environmental activist at the forefront, he speaks to what it means to live on our planet - as a member of the global community.
What part of Hawken’s speech really catches your eye? What does “collective humanity” mean to you?
Why did you decide to become a LiNK Nomad?
We know that you may have a lengthy response to this question - for many of you this wasn’t an overnight process or a straight and narrow path, but please tell your story in one paragraph. You will be asked this question a lot on tour, so it’s important to start thinking through what is the crux of what compels you to be a nomad.
Also, it’s a great time to get to know each other!
On behalf of the LiNK staff, welcome to the LiNK family! Soon, you will embark on a very exciting journey in which you will be working on the front lines of a grassroots movement, telling the story of North Korean refugees that much of the world has never heard. We thank you for your ambition, desire, and sacrifice to be fire starters across America.
Once you get to the office, the craziness will commence and we will hit the ground running in preparation to work in the office. Be prepared to fill your noggin’ with tons of information and to work diligently, not to mention live in a house FULL of people. Therefore, let’s go ahead and get started, as the ride begins now. Buckle up. Here we go!
With this blog, we want you to start processing and thinking about what it means to be a social activist this day in age, as well as learn more about LiNK.
Before arriving in LA, please do each required activity posted in a blog entry and post a response so that you can be inspired and informed, as well as get to know each other. There is no need to write an essay for each response, but please write a solid paragraph or two so that your ideas can be fully cultivated and expressed.
Be warned that some are longer than others, so plan accordingly. Let these excerpts, videos, stories, and speeches marinate over you and motivate you to be as prepared as possible so that you will be fiercely focused and committed to the next 3 months of your life.
We are eager for each of your arrivals and to begin this whirlwind of an experience together!
See you soon,
Kira Wheeler
HR/Recruitment
“The power of a movement lies in the fact that it can indeed change the habits of people. This change is not the result of force, but of dedication, of moral persuasion.” -Stephen Biko,noted anti-apartheid activist in South Africa in the 1960s and 1970s and founded the Black Consciousness Movement
While this article is about a different part of the world, different demographic, and different needs than LiNK is working to address, the author addresses a universal topic of NGOs working in foreign countries. Carroll doesn’t necessarily speak on behalf of LiNK’s viewpoint, but he brings to light how “good intentions” may affect others. With that said, the volunteers’ hearts that Carroll speaks of are in the right place and their efforts are well intended, but are the volunteers, participating in ‘aid tourism,’ doing good, or causing more harm? Where should the line be drawn with foreign support and attention?
You don’t need to reply to this post - it is background information for the next 2 posts.
T.E.D. is a small nonprofit with a mission of bringing people together to share ideas that are worth sharing. Initially it was created to bring people from 3 worlds together: “Technology, Entertainment, and Design,” but it has become larger and more inclusive. In the annual national and global conferences, speakers are challenged to give inspiring, informative, or enlightening talks in 25 minutes or less. These TED Talks are filmed and available to the public at www.ted.com.
Here at LiNK, we find a lot of inspiration and connectivity through these TED Talks, so we encourage you to explore after watching our required videos!
Chris Abani: Muses on Humanity
1) As an individual, what motivates you to reflect humanity to others? How do you sustain this motivation? How has this idea played into your decision to become a nomad?
2) How has a “random act of kindness” impacted you? How did you “pay it forward?”
Barry Shwartz: Using Practical Wisdom
1) There has been a lot of debate on this topic. What are your initial thoughts after watching the talk?
2) Have you ever had to bend the rules for a better outcome or solution? If so, please explain. Did you face opposition?
If you are reading this, you have been invited on a unique journey. The nomad way is not for the faint of heart. This is a platform for nomads to be inspired and to inspire each other. We will be providing thought provoking articles, speeches, videos and questions as you prepare for your journey with LiNK. We appreciate your response and need your input for this community to come alive.
Peace,
The LiNK team
