A few days ago one of my kids asked me how long I thought it would be before the next world war broke out. I was a bit stunned, but really I shouldn’t have been. The reality is I can’t open a newspaper or visit a comedy site these days without thinking I’ve taken crazy pills.
The insane march towards militarisation and war is happening; it should be something we are smart enough to avoid. I mean, what is the point of ‘Lest We Forget’ if it isn’t to remind us of the devastation that war inflicts? Yet we seem unable to learn fast enough or to vocalise effectively enough, to slow and reverse the march of the crazies; the Trumps, the Putins and their ilk, and those who, astoundingly, support them.
So instead, I thought I’d share some ways we can remember the important things that we can change. Some people I know take an early morning walk on the beach or in a park, or a nature area that is special to them – maybe they remember to pick up the rubbish as they go. It’s simple and effective. Of course, you can always take this a step further and sign up for Clean Up Australia Day or join Positive Change for Marine Life.
Others take action in the community – there are lots of places to volunteer your time (and money if you have it to spare!). From local community centres, to SHIFT which helps women at risk of homelessness, or Liberation Larder that provides food for the homeless, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help others.
As climate change continues to increase the risks of fires, floods, and landslides, places like the Rural Fire Brigade and SES (State Emergency Services) don’t just connect you into your local community – I’ve found they’ve also given me an understanding of the challenges we face and how to move forward with more confidence.
The reality is that governments can’t always pay for everything (or choose to spend their money elsewhere – AUKUS?), and as they keep telling us we need to create ‘community resilience’.
According to the 2025 BBC Radio 4 (https://www.bbc.co.uk) Reith lecturer, historian and author Rutger Bregman, a small dedicated group can ‘spark positive change’.
So find something you feel positive about. If it’s animals, join the various organisations that support pets, or wildlife – see page 3. If it’s the environment, take photos, draw, paint, or sing about your favourite places – tell your friends, tell the world. Or get involved in Greenpeace, or your local environment groups, or be a radical and learn how to climb trees and take non-violent action. Or go a bit crazy and buy yourself a kayak like I did!
Take some action, small or large – let’s make the world a better and saner place together.
Aslan Shand, editor
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