It’s Friday the 13th and I’m thinking about my incredibly lucky start to what will be one of the most challenging years of our lives. Worries about my nation are allayed by dozens of people who were part of my world during the first weeks of 2017.
A mix of serendipity and intentionality put me in contact with people who understand that strengthening the place where we live helps build a more perfect union. Some of them are adding to their proud legacies. Others are hard workers who are committed to finishing important work they’ve started. Some are just getting started.
Yes we can. Yes we did. Yes we will. Sí, se puede. Indeed.
Encounters with people like social scientist Robert Putnam and former ASU president Lattie Coor, founder of the Center for the Future of Arizona, help me stay optimistic about 2017.
I’m optimistic – yes, optimistic in the face of so many reasons not to be – because of the burst of new energy on so many issues that have potential to add value to the society we want now and for future generations.
During the first two weeks of this year, I bumped into Valley leaders in coffee shops, I listened in on brainstorming sessions about transformative plans and I heard truth as told by a fellow Ohio native (Robert Putnam) who is described as “the most influential academic in the world.”
All that time away from social media and zoned out on news (fake and real) was a good thing. I have resolved now to put myself in places that boost the odds of more chance encounters and to find the time to be with people who are focused on moving the needle on our collective condition.
Here’s a short list of the people who I’ve had contact with this year and who give me hope. I’m so looking forward to who and what fate and planning bring next.
- Robert Putnam
- Chris Ronayne
- Sue Pepin
- Gene D’Adamo
- Jack Jewett
- Steve Seleznow
- Lattie Coor
- Elva Coor
- Joe Anderson
- Jan Flaaten
- Richard de Uriarte
- Mary Ann Nock
- Karen Scates
- Linda Canon
- Lupe Solis
- Joe Rubio
- Mary Jo Waits
- Judy Mohraz
- Karen Leland
- Rusty Foley
- Ellen Sollowey
- Nancy Welch
- Carlos Galindo-Elvira
- Ed Zuercher
- Brenda Thomson
- Mary Mitchell
- Julie Gustavson
- Pam Hait
- Kim Covington
- Kathy Knecht
- Michael Kelly
- Cassandra Mason-Motz
- David Krietor
- Karen Leland
- Duke Reiter
- Rick Naimark
- Seth Scott
- Grady Gammage
- Chris Mackay
- Geri Wright
- Mac Perlich
- Russ Perlich
- Rhonda Bannard
- Amada Cruz
- Pat McWhorter
- Tracey Benson