Tag: education

Our Bright Future

Our Bright Future #18: Joe Martino — On the Pulse of Media for a New World

There are a number of ways to identify the heroes of our times. We can sense the truth and power of what a person is sharing by how our body feels when we listen.

If Google has censored someone, that’s also a good sign that they are standing powerfully for the truth in a time of war for the hearts and minds of all.

In our experience, Joe Martino passes both tests.

In 2009 (way back when!), Joe started an independent media channel called Collective Evolution (CE) – a media and education company that sought to shift the consciousness of culture. CE was devoted to two causes at the heart of Joe’s own journey, and his understanding of what’s critical to heal our planet: personal transformation and journalism (and the intersection of the two).

(Click the title above to learn more and register for this “Our Bright Future” session)

Podcast

OS57: Abel McClennen – Envisioning a New School for a New Society in Costa Rica

Perhaps no other category of our society is in more desperate need of idealism than education. For many students, the schooling experience is one of severe anxiety and worry, of toxic and constant comparisons to others (via “grades”), the digestion and regurgitation of facts that seem far from being truly relevant to real life in our world today. Does this traditional system honor the innate gifts in a child, expressed as his or her excitement? Are we fostering innovation and inspiration, or are we building a dour workforce distanced from the truest sparks within? Envisioning then a new sort of school which allows a child to choose whatever path excites him or her seems to be of paramount importance. Along with a handful of friends, Abel McClennen helped found the La Paz Community School in Brasilito, Costa Rica some 11 years ago. Was there a way to bring foreign-born and local kids together, under the same roof, and build a school that prepared all of them for the rapidly changing world? Could this endeavor help the very diverse community come together? Could a school become akin to a community center, where all were welcome and encouraged to gather and realize their inherent sameness? Thus far, the experiment is working. What emerged in this conversation with Abel is not only a visionary, who is serving the world by helping to create an entirely new format for educating young people, but also a man on a mission, following his own excitement and passion. The combination is riveting. As you will see in this interview, Abel’s love for his path pours into his every word. His excitement is palpable. Perhaps then what we are witnessing within the microcosm of La Paz is the true answer to the challenges of the world. Follow your excitement, what calls to you, and witness what creates itself via this simple axiom. After speaking with Abel, and experiencing the wondrous co-creation that he leads, it’s clear that embodying this and passing this along to young people is an event worth celebrating. In fact, it could be the most important work happening on earth today. We are deeply honored to feature Abel’s story, and his important work, in our series. Enjoy!