Sometimes we just have to change the way we think in the light of new information that just doesn’t fit into our existing models of the world. Since returning from a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in 2019, much has changed about how I view the world.
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There is no one answer to what is wrong with the world. To try and address all the problems we face would be overwhelming and, ultimately, futile. However, there are some underlying factors that contribute to many of the world’s woes, including climate change, biodiversity loss, inequality, and pollution. One of the biggest problems is a misguided worldview. For centuries, humans have looked at the world as aresource to be exploited. This has led to a culture of unhealthy individualism, self-centredness, separatism and extreme consumerism. Another problem is modern capitalism and neoliberalism, which are founded on the prioritization of material wealth and self-interest. This has led to increasing social inequalities and a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. It is human nature to seek comfort and security, but when this is done at the expense of others and the planet, it becomes a serious problem. If we want to create a more just and sustainable world, we need to address these underlying issues.
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In the Tory Leadership debate, one of the candidates, Kemi Badenoch, said that “the machine of government was “not working” and as an engineer, she was the only person who could fix it.” But although it is tempting to think of government as a machine, it leads to a number of problems. It is perhaps more accurate and useful to think of it as a conversation.
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Exercise for U3A Writing Circle. A reflection on the human propensity to constrain possibilities.
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Indebtedness is entangled in many of today’s most persistent social problems. It leads to or exacerbates unemployment, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health and poor diet. As a driver and symptom of deprivation, it even contributes to reduced life expectancy.
So, when the Rotary Club of Folkestone along with its three international partner Clubs decided to set up a project to tackle indebtedness in its hometown, it seemed like an obviously good idea. Government agencies, charities and community groups were all in favour.
But delivering the project turned out to be littered with obstacles. Charities and agencies alike lacked resources, and both practical and ideological barriers hindered the cooperation necessary to achieve effective synergy.
It took Motivation, Adaptability and Perseverance throughout a six-year period to translate good intentions into the ‘Money Matters’ service. Now, three years after its first part-time employee started work, professionally prepared money advice plans (or MAPs) and support from trained volunteers are being provided each year to fifty of those in need of support and advice. And Folkestone Rotary Club has drawn a map showing how to generate the conditions for charities to cooperate in tackling the challenge of unmanageable household debt.
