The world for too long has confused empathy, compassion and understanding with weakness.  There is great strength in these values—more strength than their counterparts-- human aggression, greed and domination.

My challenge to the world is for all of us to not confuse our own human weaknesses, our own human agenda, with what is truly asked of us and with what is better for the world.  Yes, we are individuals, but we are also part of a community and now with technology and travel, intercultural family and friends, that community is global.

We are all here on earth and it is time we began to get along—and not just get along, but begin to truly help each other.  There are enough resources on earth and within each of us to make this possible. 

While electing ethical leaders is one way to impact the world in a positive way, there are other ways as well.  I have personally seen, through my work as a writer, how art and creativity, if channeled properly, can be particularly effective and that is why I founded Global Alliance of Artists (www.globalallianceartists.org) Utilizing artists and creativity inherent in communities, Global Alliance of Artists comprised mainly of artists, but also of friends who believe in the power of creativity to solve global issues, explores some of the many challenges facing our world such as human rights, the environment and civic engagement.