Dear Friends,

The beginning of 2017 has been rocky for me. I am still recovering from the flu after spending several days in bed. When I was in bed, I spent way too much time scanning newsfeeds and tweets about what is happening in DC and shaking my head in disbelief and frustration. I also was deeply troubled when I read that for the third year in a row our planet had record high temperatures and that furthermore, the eight richest people in the world have more wealth than half of the world’s population. (Last year, it took the 62 richest people to equal the wealth of the poorer half.) The environment is worsening, inequality is increasing, and the incoming administration’s policies will probably accelerate these trends. 

We each have to decide what we are going to do when confronted with this information. Yes, we should all lower our carbon footprint as much and as quickly as we can. And we need to address inequality from a place of compassion, generosity, and urgency. In the coming weeks I will spend time reaching out to hear the concerns facing communities that are being marginalized and to be more active in helping these communities address their concerns. I will also work to lower my carbon consumption by driving less, being more energy conscious, and consuming less. 

Now is not the time to sit back and watch others try to address these issues. If, like me, you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all the work there is to do, try this: pick one cause, organization, or movement to support in 2017. Put your energy and resources — even if they are limited — toward that one cause.

Please think about how you will get more involved and let me know what you plan to do at tom.ikeda@densho.org. I also invite you to kick off this year of civic engagement by attending a dialogue with the American Muslim community in honor of next month's Day of Remembrance — details are below. 

Sincerely, 

Tom Ikeda