Ask the Children
Ask the Children
To the seventh generation.......that is a key criterion in some First Nations Councils. It implies that the impact of any decision made, needs to be considered forward through to the seventh generation. It is intended to create the best possible future for the children yet unborn. It is to ensure the narrow perspective of the moment does not do irreparable damage for future inhabitants on this planet. Deep, profound, important wisdom.
There is also another component of our population that can offer a valuable perspective on what is needed.....the children.
Rooted in a primal understanding we have too long ignored, the children carry the seeds of new beginnings and eternal answers. Their psyches are far less cluttered by judgment, power, greed and self interest. They see pain and injustice and envision simple and profound answers. They are our "world council to the seventh generation" if we simply ask and listen.
It has been our custom as adults, too often, to hold children small and needing protection from the world, In fact, they are whole, creative, resourceful human beings with thoughts and feelings of immense magnitude, unfettered by convention and our jaded perspective we as adults call "reality". The children are our hope for a better world. Right here. Right now.
A bit skeptical? Have you ever heard of a young Canadian, Craig Kielburger? At the age of twelve, he read of a Pakistani boy his age, who was traveling the world crusading against the horrors of child slave labour and was murdered for what he was accomplishing. That in and of itself is an amazing story. Craig was so touched he convinced his parents to let him go to India and see what was happening first hand. With his school friends at twelve in 1995 he started Free the Children to fight for the rights of children throughout the world; children helping children. Something we as adults were failing to do. Then in 1999 he started Leaders Today which has delivered leadership training experiences to over 350,000 youth. He is now twenty four and has already been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize. An exception? Maybe, and I do not believe so.
Many young people like Craig and my eight year old friend, Meghan are accomplishing exceptional good on behalf of "other". They are awake, alert, and deeply connected to what is happening in the world. I believe part of what makes the difference for them, are the adults around them. Parents, grandparents, teachers and family friends take time to listen and support, not in condescension, rather in awe and curiosity for what they themselves can learn. Children inspire the "grown ups" to a higher calling, a more meaningful contribution. A heightened awareness of what needs to be done in the world. When children are successful in mobilizing others to action it is because their belief and confidence in what is possible is unwavering and therefore daunting. Their determination knows no bounds. It brings the best out in everyone.
On behalf of all of us, I am deeply grateful to Brad and Sandra, Meghan's parents. Through their guidance and belief in her and their willingness to give her the support and resources required she has assisted in sustaining a girl's school in India and has contributed her own resources for causes important to her. In fact, I am deeply grateful to all adults who listen to the children and support them in their solutions to the big challenges of life. The world is a better place for it and we all benefit.
As adults we have the ability to influence, provide resources, network, call in favours and mobilize friends. As parents, teachers, grandparents and neighbours we all have the capacity to listen to our children. Their thoughts and ideas to change the world simply need our encouragement and support. We can invite them into the board room to sit on our community and non profit boards. We can invite them to any gathering of decision makers if only to hear a different and compelling perspective. Even better if a few brave entrepreneurs invited them onto the for profit boards as well! Imagine how the relevance of the topics to be discussed could shift. Imagine with support and resources the possibilities for us all!
Know this to be true. Our wise and beautiful children are waiting to be heard. They can guide us to a different future. Do not wait another day. Ask them to share their wisdom now.