The rise of the far right in political arenas across Europe and the United States should, without question, cause alarm. But what should cause even greater alarm is the number of people who openly—and more disturbingly, quietly—support these ideologies. Those who nod in silent agreement, those who say nothing at all, and those who believe it's "not that bad."

The challenge isn't just confronting the loud voices in rallies; it’s confronting a political shift that thrives in silence and shadows as much as it does in headlines.

Democracy, once seen as the cornerstone of collective progress, now stands at a crossroads. The global landscape is shifting—marked by rising populism, political polarization, and a creeping sense of disillusionment. In a recent episode of Let's Talk Democracy, I sat down with Vemba Dizolele of the Center for Strategic and International Studies to unpack the question: Why is democracy under attack?

The profound sense of uncertainty that swept the nation following Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss in the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump was immediate and jarring. The shift in leadership sent shockwaves through the U.S. and around the globe. The first weeks of what many called "Trump 2.0" felt devastating. American democracy, as we knew it, seemed under threat, and the media's constant narrative of the "political new normal" only amplified the anger, frustration, and sadness in our communities.

Yet, in moments of chaos, I believe in solutions. My search for a way forward led me back to what I know best: the power of community, and specifically, the cooperative model.

Over the next year I will be visiting Senegal, Nepal and Sri Lanka to listen and learn from the communities on the front line of migration.

The insurrection on January 6th would be laughable if the results of it did not have life and social altering consequences. The misguided angry mob posing as a political revolution was designed, developed, and implemented by politicians who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, not the ideology of a political party.

What I have come to understand, that is abundantly clear, is that the UNFCCC is not where the climate crisis will be solved.

I am excited to announce the launch of Pattern Change Lab!!!

Over the past year it has been resoundingly clear that the status quo is not working. There has been a shift in thinking, expectations and the possibilities that our society can be equitable and just. We need a paradigm shift. We need a pattern change in our approach to addressing the climate crisis.