Theory of Change #4: Inspiring Action

by | Jul 14, 2020 | ShiftHappens

When I think of the most important thing we do at The Pollination Project, I realize that above all else we are storytellers.

Story is powerful. In many ways, story is the architecture of our lives.

As humans, we are programmed to understand the world through stories. The narratives we hear – about history, culture, politics, and social change – mold individual perceptions that become our reality.

Increasingly, the dominant stories in the public sphere paint a reality that feels intractably negative. Pandemic, climate change, income inequality, racial injustice, violence…these issues can feel overwhelming and hopeless. Many people may feel that they alone do not have the power, time, or resources to bring positive change.

The stories of our changemakers from across the globe are a core part of our theory of change. They inspire action and act as an antidote to apathy; they create a new narrative of what is possible when we realize that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The work itself that our changemakers undertake is undoubtedly meaningful; yet the inspiration that ripples out when their stories are told is potentially limitless.

I encourage you to immerse yourself in our stories. Each week, we tell a new one that you can read on our website; and every day, we share photos and highlights through our social media channels. May they inspire you, and may you recognize in them your own power, agency, and responsibility for doing what you can, where you can, with what you have.

This is the fourth in a series of blogs highlighting The Pollination Project’s Theory of Change. Click here to read the introduction, here to read the first post on uplifting individual action, and here to read the post about building capacity & collaboration. The most recent post on inner transformation can be found here.

Instagram

"Sowing Change: Conversations about Seed Grant Impact," is designed to shed light on the transformative work of our grantees, made possible through the support of TPP's seed grants. 

In our first episode, our Natasha Reilly-Moynihan meets Tracy Glover of @sweetpeepsmicrosanctuary, a haven for chickens rescued from animal agriculture. Tracy shares the transformative journey of these sentient beings from being seen as mere food to recognized as unique individuals with their own stories. 

This series aims to showcase the ripple effect of TPP's seed grants through powerful narratives of change and compassion. Tune in to be inspired and to see the world from a new, hopeful perspective.

Watch it now and let us know iff you like it 🧡👇
Please, meet Maida Šabeta-Lemajić , our Heartivist of the Week!

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document from 1948, marked a pivotal moment for humanity by acknowledging inherent rights for all individuals, regardless of origin or circumstance. However, while humans have seen progress in safeguarding their rights, the same cannot be said for other inhabitants of the planet. Maida Šabeta-Lemajić, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, is tirelessly working alongside the Global Animal Law GAL Association to extend universal protection to all sentient beings.

Born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maida's journey into animal advocacy began during her college years when she discovered the pervasive issue of animal cruelty. Since then, she has been instrumental in shaping animal protection laws in her country, leading to significant reforms such as banning animals in circuses and curtailing animal experimentation.

Maida's dedication to animal welfare has taken her to various organizations, including PETA Germany and Cruelty Free International. However, it is her involvement with the Global Animal Law GAL Association that has allowed her to pursue her dream of enacting global animal protection laws. Under the leadership of figures like Dr. h.c. Antoine F. Goetschel, the association is working towards establishing the United Nations Convention on Animal Health and Protection (UNCAHP), a monumental initiative aimed at legally safeguarding animals worldwide. 

Maida and her team are spearheading efforts to raise awareness and garner support for the UNCAHP through initiatives like video production and outreach campaigns. With support from organizations like The Pollination Project, they aim to amplify their message and build a global coalition for animal rights. 

Read the interview on our website [https://thepollinationproject.org] 

@global_animal_law_gal
#Animalrights #animalprotection #animallaw #animalactivism #animalwelfare #AnimalHealth #HumanHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #OneHealth