The featured excerpt from Morgan's letter
ODE magazine recently published a list of 25 Intelligent Optimists. It is an inspiring group of people, but they missed something. Here is the letter I wrote to them:
Dear Mr. Kamp,
It was inspiring reading about the 25 change agents.
There are lots of people doing some amazing things in the world. However I feel like a category of them were missed.
In working with teens and young adults (and their parents), for the last 20 years, I have learned that the young people who are the most ready to make a difference in the world are largely the ones who have parents who are present and engaged in their daily lives.
I absolutely applaud (and am inspired by) the stories of people “out there” making important things happen in the world. But, it would be nice to include some acknowledgement for those making a difference by bringing love and aliveness to their own kids, friends, and partners.
There is a lot to be said for the courage, commitment, creativity, and vision that it takes to care enough about our most foundational relationships. Some of the change we need is in the “out there” world and some of it is “right here”. It is as local as you can get.
This same omission is made when speakers are introduced; so often you get “graduated from XYZ college, has an MBA from ABC, has written 123 Book, has worked with QRS fortune 500 companies, etc”. But you don’t get “has dinner with his/her family every night of the week; makes sure kids and partner feel loved; rides his kids to school; supports partner by getting up in the middle of the night with the crying kid, so they can sleep; has conversations with their 3 closest friends every week; practices self care 40 minutes every day”.
I acknowledge every single person committed to this most local change. You deserve to be included in this top 25.
As we search for solutions for our climate, economic, and ethical crisis, it is essential to see the big bold contributions, but I believe it’s also essential that we give (at least) equal credit and visibility to the pieces of the puzzle that are closest to our hearts.
Morgan Rich
Portland, Oregon, USA
Morgan's letter to ODE magazine