I've asked some of these project leaders if they are involved in their
projects for the same reason that I am: namely, I am concerned for the
future of our civilization. When I mention my motivation, I usually find a
similarity of motivation in the other project director. For example,
service learning coordinators have told me that compassion and civic
responsibility are urgently needed. Project directors have said that an
ability to think clearly is greatly needed so that people will see the
relation between cause and effect. Some project directors have said
outright that they are scared for our future.
I wonder how widespread a motivation this is. If most of us feel this way
- that we are involved in our work for reform because we think that the
health of our civilization is threatened - then we should TALK ABOUT our
motivation, for two reasons: first, to increase our awareness of the
connections between our motivation and our work, and second, so that we can
pool our strengths and unite our various efforts for maximum change.