The Great (Sustainable) American Road Trip!
We are anxious and sometimes overwhelmed about the future of our planet. Climate change and the many complications it brings will exacerbate suffering and inequality all over the world. We are dissatisfied and with the options before us because we are motivated to do the MOST good we possibly can, and nothing seems like enough. These issues are vast, complicated, and scary, and they affect all of us. So we are opening ourselves up to learn as much as we can. We know that we very much want to help to others, and we are inspired to share our experiences for the benefit of everyone. Ultimately, we want to make the world a better place. Therein lies the driving force of this trip. To learn, to give, and to share, in the hopes of inspiring and empowering ourselves and others to be agents of positive change.
The Motivation
For years, we have learned about complicated and distressing global problems. We do not believe our modern way of life will sustain us through the tough times ahead. However, we believe a better future is possible. Our journey will allow us to explore amazing communities and learn from inspiring individuals that respond to difficult problems in unique ways. Our purpose is to share their stories with the hope of inspiring others.
For years, we have learned about complicated and distressing global problems. We do not believe our modern way of life will sustain us through the tough times ahead. However, we believe a better future is possible. Our journey will allow us to explore amazing communities and learn from inspiring individuals that respond to difficult problems in unique ways. Our purpose is to share their stories with the hope of inspiring others.
We will:
- Travel on a sustainable journey across the nation, eating as locally and organically as possible
- Volunteer everywhere we go (at farms, co-ops, and shelters)
- Conduct interviews on climate change, intentional living, and the importance of community for a resilient future
- Feature the stories of inspiring individuals on our website as we go
- Develop a comprehensive multimedia book or short documentary, to share our knowledge and experiences
The Logistics:
From September to December, we will travel around the Northern half of the United States, exploring and volunteering in alternative living spaces, like co-ops, intentional communities, and community-building organizations. We believe these spaces will display resilience; the ability to remain strong, functional, and happy in the face of extreme hardship.
On our website we will showcase communities and individuals thriving in alternative lifestyles. We will ask people about what sustainability, community, and resilience against climate change mean to them.
The Vision: A Journey of Learning, Giving, and Sharing
We will LEARN:
How we will GIVE:
In every state we visit, we will volunteer and offer whatever we can, from farm work to serving food in soup kitchens. Additionally, we will be sharing what we learn with our followers as we go.
www.workaway.info is a wonderful resource to find places to help where we can also pursue our passions. Please let us know if you have any other suggestions!
What we will SHARE:
Perhaps the most important part of our mission is to share what we learn with others. This journey will undoubtedly lead us to experience tremendous self discovery, but we feel compelled to create as much of a positive impact as we can for the benefit of many.
In addition to documenting our personal experiences through blogs, photos, and videos, our website will feature the stories of incredible individuals nationwide that we have interviewed to serve as an inspiration for others.
We will compile the stories we collect, accompanied by our own insights, and share this knowledge freely. No one can approach global problems alone, and our final product will be a resource to those hoping to create a brighter future.
- Individual's perceptions of our uncertain future and how it affects them
- Community responses to build resilience against climate change, environmental degradation, and economic struggles
- The importance of community to a sustainable future
- Hands on skills from our volunteer work
How we will GIVE:
In every state we visit, we will volunteer and offer whatever we can, from farm work to serving food in soup kitchens. Additionally, we will be sharing what we learn with our followers as we go.
www.workaway.info is a wonderful resource to find places to help where we can also pursue our passions. Please let us know if you have any other suggestions!
What we will SHARE:
Perhaps the most important part of our mission is to share what we learn with others. This journey will undoubtedly lead us to experience tremendous self discovery, but we feel compelled to create as much of a positive impact as we can for the benefit of many.
In addition to documenting our personal experiences through blogs, photos, and videos, our website will feature the stories of incredible individuals nationwide that we have interviewed to serve as an inspiration for others.
We will compile the stories we collect, accompanied by our own insights, and share this knowledge freely. No one can approach global problems alone, and our final product will be a resource to those hoping to create a brighter future.
Where we are going?
Have suggestions? Send em our way to [email protected]
California: East Oakland - Canticle Farm, Farmers Market, Davis - Village Homes, Student housing co-ops, Farmers Market, Santa Rosa, Cobb, Ukiah, Mendocino, Arcata
Oregon: Eugene, Portland
Washington: Olympic Peninsula, Seattle
Idaho: Sandpoint
Montana: Glacier National Park
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
South Dakota: Badlands National Park
Minnesota: Minneapolis
Wisconsin:
Illinois: Chicago
Indiana:
Michigan: Detroit
Toronto, ON, Canada:
New York: Niagra Falls, Syracuse, New York City
New Jersey: The Shore
Massachusetts:
Vermont:
New Hampshire:
Maine:
Maryland:
Washington, DC
Colorado:
Utah: Moab
Oregon: Eugene, Portland
Washington: Olympic Peninsula, Seattle
Idaho: Sandpoint
Montana: Glacier National Park
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
South Dakota: Badlands National Park
Minnesota: Minneapolis
Wisconsin:
Illinois: Chicago
Indiana:
Michigan: Detroit
Toronto, ON, Canada:
New York: Niagra Falls, Syracuse, New York City
New Jersey: The Shore
Massachusetts:
Vermont:
New Hampshire:
Maine:
Maryland:
Washington, DC
Colorado:
Utah: Moab