This section will be completed by the end of 2024.
The good news is that there are a lot of resources that you can draw upon to support you in engaging the big tough issues we face or in supporting our democratic processes and institutions. The bad news is that there really are a lot of resources, and we all have to find the ones that are most useful.
To help with that there is a set of “starter resources” for each topic. Part One addresses the big tough complex issues we face. Part Two addresses protecting our democratic processes and institutions.
Finding the resources that speak to you is where the work starts. There are a lot of good resources out there – books, articles, podcasts, movies, videos, TV, academic programs, programs by community organizations, etc. You just have to find the ones that are most valuable to you – and that may take time and a significant amount of effort. The good news is that you will learn a lot about any of the big tough issues we face or how to support our democratic processes and institutions simply by searching for the most valuable resources. The search itself can be a fascinating education and the effort builds momentum.
To help with that there is a set of “starter resources” for each topic. Part One addresses the big tough complex issues we face. Part Two follows, addressing the protection of our democratic processes and institutions.
1. Finding the resources that will best guide and support us is part of the challenge – part of modeling American Greatness. It’s not just prep. It really is part of the work.
2. Modeling American Greatness includes (1) committing to taking on one or more of the big tough challenges, (2) finding the resources to guide and support us, and (3) acting in individual and/or collective ways.
3. The challenges that allow us to model American Greatness and carry it forward are big, tough, complex, and often changing. They are intimidating. The answers and required actions are rarely, if ever, evident in the beginning and we must enter a great deal of unknown and uncertainty to find those answers. So, you will probably have a mixed experience as you explore the range of resources. On the one hand the complexity of the challenge becomes evident. On the other hand, the increasing sense of awareness and understanding can be empowering when added to the knowledge and capabilities you naturally bring to the challenge.
4. The resources noted here really are just starting points. There are hundreds or thousands of resources out there for any of the big challenges, so part of the commitment is to find the ones of most value to you.
5. The first step is just diving in and seeing what resources you can find that speak to you. Don’t worry about finding the resources that are “just right.” Just start.
I am basically a centrist, so my bias in selecting these starter resources is a pretty centrist bias in most cases. I believe these challenges are all important and provide ways to model American Greatness – so there are no resources that focus on denying their importance.
Individual actions are not where the greatest leverage is for protecting the planet, but they are important because they get us in the game and start building habits and awareness about being thoughtful about our energy use. And they form a foundation for engaging with others for collective action.
Clean Choice Energy
A clean energy company, but provides 20 small very doable ways to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels (yes, they have a vested interest).
Probably Good
An interesting article about climate change with a few good resources. Does not really address what individuals can do, but one of the cited references does.
The Wild Center
This is a good example of a set of resources (including curriculum) for educating students and adults about climate change – and some ideas for getting engaged.
This is where the greatest leverage is for impacting climate change. The following resources are challenging because they seriously address the systemic issues of climate change. They are worth the effort to study and can provide some guidance about where you might want to get engaged in addressing the bigger more systemic issues.
How to Avoid Climate Disaster, is a well thought-out and clear book by Bill Gates addressing the big picture of climate change. It addresses cause and possible actions to mitigate the impact and takes a systemic approach. This is an excellent base for understanding the systemic picture and ways it can be affected.
There are more resources noted here because of the complexity of the issue and how emotionally charged it has become. Resources range from data to possible solutions. Solutions can vary dramatically based on the source.
American Immigration Council Data
AIC How the System Works
This focuses on how the system is designed to work
Can’t Manage Alone – Migration Policy Institute
Focuses on the challenges of cross boundary collaboration to manage
immigration
Pew- What American Think About Possible Solutions?
Data from surveys of Americans, including Republican/Democratic differences regarding possible solutions
Pew- What would improve?
Time – Solutions
CEO Principles for Making Immigration Work for America
From the perspective of CEOs – from the Business Roundtable
George W. Bush Presidential Center
Broad approach to effective immigration system
This is my website designed to challenge and support White people in acting
to counter racism. There is a large section of resources
Overview of the global decrease in democracy and contributing factors. Highly relevant for protecting and improving democracy in America
Justice Department
Good overview of the mission of the Justice Department as it relates to our democratic institutions. God framework in general for thinking about protecting our democratic institutions
Protect Democracy
Simple and direct bipartisan approach to acting to protect our democracy
What it Means to Be a Good Citizen and How to Teach Children
Simple guidelines for adults and children. Keeping it simple is not a bad thing.
Council on Foreign Relations – “The Bill of Obligations” by Richard Haas
This is an overview of Hass’ book, including discussion questions. Haas focuses on the obligations that complement our basic rights.
