For Earth Day and beyond – Let’s focus on what we CAN do!

As we approach Earth Day, the hearts and minds of all of us are needed more than ever. After all, this moment is both deeply challenging and an opportunity for positive change.

On one hand, the climate crisis is accelerating, and the damage from Trump’s rollback of science, climate funding, and basic protections is both horrific and dangerous.

But on the other hand, even in this darkness, we still have the power to protect the people and places we love from climate and other catastrophes.

In times like these, it can be tempting to get stuck in the frenzy of reaction—trying to plug holes in a sinking ship. But this moment calls for more than finger-pointing or “resistance.” We need to take a hard look at the resources and talent we have and create an action plan that actually works.

As leadership expert Marty Linsky teaches, we need to rise above the dance floor—to get up into the balcony, where we can see the broader patterns, the deeper challenges, and the hidden opportunities. From that vantage point, we can begin to chart a new course.

We are not powerless. We are not without tools. Together, we can do it!

In the Clinton-Gore era, the Reinventing Government initiative proved that smart, values-driven leadership can make government work better—and cost less. It showed us how to remove barriers, bring people together, and focus on outcomes that matter. And though today’s political headwinds are strong, we can still bring that same spirit of reinvention to this fight.

We need to stop simply asking, “Are we doing things right?” and go deeper to also ask, “Are we doing the right things?”

Instead of focusing on things we can’t do, we need to focus on what we CAN do.

Together we can find and deepen partnerships so that nonprofits, faith organizations, communities, activists, and willing partners at every level of government and the private sector can work together for a safer and more sustainable future.

I am grateful for all the good you do. Together we can meet this moment with courage, creativity, teamwork and determination. We are not alone. And we are not done.

This is our time—not just to resist, but to reimagine. Not just to protect what we have, but to build what we need.

On this Earth Day and always, let’s continue to work together for a better future. Meanwhile, thanks for all you do.