Article updated 7/19/2024
Today’s collection was inspired by Governor Governor Spencer Cox’s closing remarks last Friday to the National Governors Association. In it, he pointed out how easy it is to tear things down, and how hard it is to build. His overall message was very inspiring and I even posted his video here. Unfortunately, after learning more about Governor Cox, I realized that this words don’t necessarily match his actions and so I have removed the video.
Having spent a lifetime working with people from all walks of life and political leanings, I can attest to the idea that building is hard work. I committed to the work because I believe when we put together a variety of ideas and opinions we can find the best solutions. I’ve also found that the sense of community it can create can make all the difference in our lives. As Troy Bishopp says, it shows us our best selves.
But what if “They” don’t want to work together?
Our modern refrain lately is “the country is more divided than it has ever been.” I’m not a historian and I don’t know if that’s true. I do know that it feels bad. But, the good news is most people DO want to figure out how to work together. A recent study done by More In Common found that 72% of Americans believe we have a responsibility to connect with people who are different from us. Three-quarters of Americans also believe that our differences are not so great that we cannot come together. That means when you run into someone who is “different” that person is likely someone who also believes it’s important to connect. And from connections come opportunities to work together to resolve differences and develop solutions to problems we all face. (You can find a summary of the study here.)
Finally, here are examples of how some folks have figured out how to make their differences work for them in the grazing world.
Will Kearney has ideas for working with his neighbors to save and improve grasslands.
The Beef Cattle Research Council has ideas about working with farmer neighbors to add to your forage bank while grazing for their soil health.
How to Work With Neighbors to Graze Their Cover Crops and Crop Residue
And here’s Greg Judy whose success is built on working well with others. The link to Part 2 is at the end of this article.
Finally, I leave you with the funnies. It’s a great example of how I’ve seen groups of people who are at odds come together to create something magnificent. Enjoy!
The Funnies
These ladies fight through their differences to make some great music. 🙂
