196: Becoming Change Agents through Constructive Community Involvement

When we are feeling down and helpless in the face of frightening trends, events, and horrors, one of the possible causes is that we have become passive, possibly just throwing up our hands and retreating into our own cocoon to ride things out. Or perhaps, instead, we vent our frustrations to others, pointing out who is at fault, and calling for action that we rarely get involved with ourselves.This second way may not feel like depression but it can be just internally harmful as ineffective as hiding, fretting, and imagining things can't change. But what if they can? What if we can help change things in ways that will help us recover our energy and optimism? In this terrific episode, LDF host Dan Wotherspoon chats with George Handley, a well-known and effective voice in LDS environmental theology, education, spirituality, about also through his getting involved groups, organizations, local government, and attaching to various causes. How might we find what it is we feel "called" to do and also become effective change agents? In this discussion, George tells his own story of his writing, thinking, and working with environmental groups before he felt called to also get involved in local government, where he is now serving now on the Provo, Utah, City Council. He also speaks about the wonderful, grounding, and fulfilling work of tackling practical issues (in ways that our particular gifts can be most effective) and seeing results. Though we can't control the exact outcome from our work, our influence will still be felt. And by continuing even in the face of disappointment our efforts will help shape future iterations in these areas. Dan and George also speak about the ways involvement of this kind can help us spiritually. The conversation here is dynamic and full of wisdom (grounded wisdom), and we think it will connect deeply with you. Listen in!