I recently attended a community forum on the political state of our country. Many people from the audience voiced concerns. People are frustrated, worried, confused and feeling powerless. It was recommended by the organizers that we take action, call our local and state representatives, and make our voices heard.

A 26-year-old young woman spoke. She said her generation uses social media to express their concerns about things like climate change and the chaos of our current administration. She worries their voices are not being heard. She said she has no hope. Her gentle and yet powerful voice silenced the room.

I have been an educator for 50 years. Currently, I am a wellness teacher for young children. Our lessons are about kindness, gratitude, honesty and respect — about becoming the best versions of ourselves. We practice life skills, lessons popular 40 years ago like good manners, writing thank-you notes, setting a table and learning the art of respectful conversation.

This morning, I woke up asking myself, “How am I going to teach them to have hope in today’s world?”

Barbara Sullivan
Portland