“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” While historically famous, perhaps this quote is just that – historical.
The summation of individual human activity has transcended municipalities and nations, to cause unequaled, and often egregious, ramifications on our world. Contemporarily, we are collectively capable of physically altering the very environment we have inhabited for thousands of years. There is no longer such thing as “the middle of nowhere.” Everyone, everywhere, affects and is affected by our ecosystem.
Fortunately, as a world we are coming together to address the climate crisis. On the March, we have already enjoyed an international reception. Anita Payne from Ontario, Canada, is traveling to Los Angeles to march with us. Furthermore, a young woman from El Salvador and a fellow from Belize voiced intentions to complete the March. Finally, a man from Thailand is organizing another march to take place in his home country, simultaneously with the Great March for Climate Action.
These individuals from across the world are marching for a global purpose; perhaps we have something to learn from them. I augment Kennedy’s quote to read, “Ask not what the world can do for you – ask what you can do for your world.”
Zach Heffernen (Marcher Director)