writeaboutwarming

October 11, 2010 – Transition and the Role of Elders. This article is a bit risky, because it could include so very much. In an attempt to narrow the field, I’d like to examine two groups of Elders and their approaches to “repairing the world.” Then I’ll talk about what I believe should be the role of Elders in guiding the world through the perilous times ahead. As should be readily apparent from its name, one of the groups – The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers – is very organic. It came into being as the result of a shared vision, in answer to a perceived need on the part of a wounded world. The other group, known simply as The Elders, was formed at the behest of Nelson Mandela, in response to an idea presented to him by Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel. They, in turn, had looked to traditional societies for inspiration. The leaders Mandela has called upon act in concert or independently to support individuals and groups who work to better the world. ...