Module 4: Taking Responsibility

The host introduces the theme: what is our personal responsibility for what is happening in the world, and for the changes we would like to see? Writing your answers down will help you see them more clearly.

1:11

Two participants share first thoughts. One sees responsibility as ownership and accountability, and as the ability to respond. The other focuses on their immediate community, including being willing to speak up when something is wrong.

2:49

The film asks what kind of future your actions are creating for the generations to come. It points to a 1997 UNESCO declaration on the responsibilities of present generations towards future ones, and to indigenous traditions that weigh the impact of decisions seven generations ahead.

It then sets hard facts about the loss of wildlife, forests and water and the climate crisis alongside progress in literacy, peace, health and the reduction of extreme poverty. Seeing only problems can leave us feeling powerless, it suggests, while seeing progress can show us that we have a part to play.

4:26

Note your response to the film before you hear anyone else's.

0:41

Participants respond with a reminder that what we do now shapes the future, a call to make sure progress in one area does not come at the cost of another, and a plea to listen to young people and to nature, and then to act. Try to choose voices that differ from yours in gender, age or place.

2:50

Take a wider view, beyond the film, and give yourself a few minutes.

0:24

Take-aways include moving from "my hands are tied" to "I do have power", finding communities to act with, thinking with the heart as well as the head, and using your professional role for good.

2:42

Commit to something that resonated with you in this module: something to start, something to do more consciously, or something to keep in mind over the next few days. It does not need to be big to be an important step.

0:32