Chapter 24- Taking Action

For my next blog post, I decided to use chapter 24- Taking Action. I decided that this would be a good reading because that is one of the ISSN initiatives--- to take action. It is important to learn how we can incorporate what we have learned and use it in the world. As the semester approaches it’s end, it is important that we use our DOTS to better the world with each little step.

In the intro, it describes kids that could make a difference. It displays a child that is given a stuffed chimpanzee. When she grows up she works as a secretary. From there she makes enough money to travel to Tanzania, and works to conserve the chimpanzee habitat. Her work eventually becomes globalized and she has made a difference in the world. Her motivation and perseverance inspires others to better the world.

The chapter brings in a bit of psychology as well. It depicts Maslow’s theory of motivation/ hierarchy of needs. We are motivated to reach the top of the pyramid. The bottom is physiological, like breathing, food, water, etc. The next is safety, security, family, health. The next is love/belonging, friendship, family. The next next is esteem, achievement, respect. And the top of the pyramid is self-actualization, creativity, and problem solving.

We can use this pyramid as a motivator. One thing affects another down the line of the pyramid. Next, they talk about sustainable actions-- they define these as actions that help meet the needs of people today as well as future generations (427).

There are three steps to solving sustainable solutions. They use the example of water scarcity, but the model could be used for almost any problem. It says we must follow the big three--- economy, society, and environment. These are the matters we must keep in mind as we try to improve our sustainability.

The Spectrum of Action during the Civil Rights movement were:

Personal Action----->Community Action---->National Action

This is the spectrum that follows. You start with the personal action, where you make your own difference. Then you spread it to the community, until it eventually becomes national.

My thoughts:

We cannot be bystanders and pretend that nothing is happening. I know that people struggle with the concept that their one bottle being recycled would make a difference, but on a larger scale, we are not only fulfilling our motivational needs, but climbing up the Spectrum of Action. It is a key part to the sustainability, especially in DHS, but also as we all venture off into different schools. It is important to keep the motivation to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem.