#collectiveaction

"Around the capital beltway or Washington’s famous Rock Creek Park, you may see a group of people ripping up vines along the treeline beside the roads.

If you have then you’ve glimpsed superheroes who traded in their capes for gardening gloves and their time for the satisfaction of terminating an invasive species and saving a native tree.

Washington D.C’s “Weed Warriors” are a group of volunteers going back to 1999 that work for free to keep hundreds of species of invasive shrubs, vines, and climbers from taking over native ecosystems.

Among the 600 or so non-native invasive plant species found in and around our nation’s capital, some like Polygonum perfoliatum, also known as “mile-a-minute” vine, can be devastating. Suffocating trees by overgrowing the leaves in their canopy branches, mile-a-minute can kill thousands of trees every year.

Since 1999, Weed Warrior volunteers have logged over 135,000 hours of time weed whacking in Montgomery County alone. Anyone can become a Weed Warrior; the group works in units for two-hour spaces removing weeds or planting native species in their place.

These invasive species management events are led by specially-trained volunteer Weed Warrior Supervisors and/or staff from the Montgomery Parks Dept. Warriors can get certified to de-weed in their spare time, or lead events on their own. They can even have their own unique patch of ground in the D.C.-Metro area to control.

Why would anyone want to trade their free time or laboring hours away for free doing something our tax dollars are supposed to do for us? The answer is simple: it’s addicting.

“If I have any good mental health, it’s due to Weed Warrioring,” said 74-year-old area resident Barbara Francisco. “You have a sense of accomplishment.” ...

The Weed Warriors website states that non-native, invasive plant species (NNIs) can alter the complex webs of plant-animal associations that have evolved over thousands of years to such a degree that plants and animals once familiar to us are eliminated...

Anyone who feels this is something they want to contribute their time to can go to the Montgomery County Parks website here and look at the upcoming Weed Warrior events—the next one is October 21st."

This country is due for a regime change. There's no denying a revolution is coming. We are in the midst of the biggest political shift in our history, a revolution to get out from under yet another crown.

But a revolution without a plan is just chaos. I've dedicated my life to the belief that a better world is within our grasp—one built on empathy and data, not on the broken systems of the past. That's why I'm building a new kind of think tank.

Through Eve. Be. Ascend'N, I'm creating the blueprint for this new world. This platform is a living archive of my empirical research, critical analyses, and policy proposals on law, psychology, and international relations. My mission is to go beyond surface-level analysis, dissecting complex global challenges to illuminate a clear path toward healing and unity. My work is a testament to the power of using insight to drive real-world change, believing that by re-evaluating power dynamics, we can empower all voices.

This isn't a solo mission. This is The Ascent—a collective journey that requires your support to get off the ground. Your contribution to our GoFundMe will directly fund my research, help expand our platform, and amplify our voice. It is a direct investment in a more just, harmonious, and thoughtful world.

creepy stalky creep stalky

we know

the crowd is you

the feignings

the feignings

& the color is

all you

today's painting using Corel Painter, with additional photographs layered in

A Pragmatic Approach to Progressive Socialism

In today's highly polarized political landscape, promoting progressive socialism may seem like an uphill battle. However, it is possible to advocate for progressive values without being pigeonholed as a "bleeding heart liberal." By focusing on shared goals, practical solutions, and inclusive language, we can bridge divides and foster constructive dialogue that brings us closer to a more equitable society for all.

Emphasizing Common Goals

At the heart of progressive socialism lies a vision of a fairer, more just society. Rather than emphasizing ideological differences, let us concentrate on shared goals. From economic fairness to accessible healthcare and quality education, these aspirations resonate with people from various political backgrounds. By highlighting our common desire for a better future, we can create a space for meaningful discussions that transcend partisan lines.

Solutions for Real-World Challenges

Progressive socialism is not just a theoretical construct; it offers practical solutions to real-world problems. Let us move beyond abstract ideologies and delve into tangible policies that address pressing issues. From raising the minimum wage to advocating for affordable housing and comprehensive social safety nets, these policies can empower individuals and uplift communities. By presenting concrete solutions, we can inspire hope and action.

Stories of Success

Around the world, nations have successfully implemented progressive socialist policies that have positively impacted their citizens. From universal healthcare in European countries to robust social programs in Scandinavia, we have inspiring success stories to share. These examples demonstrate that progressive socialism can lead to prosperity, societal well-being, and greater equality.

Embracing Shared Values

Progressive socialism aligns with deeply held values such as compassion, solidarity, and fairness. Let us emphasize how these principles are at the core of our vision for a more inclusive society. By framing our message around shared values, we can find common ground and foster understanding with individuals who might have different political affiliations.

Addressing Concerns

Acknowledging concerns and criticisms is essential to building trust and credibility. Let us engage in respectful conversations and provide evidence-backed responses to apprehensions about progressive socialism. By addressing these concerns head-on, we can demonstrate that our ideology is grounded in practicality and thoughtful consideration.

Collaborative Efforts

Building a better future requires collective action. By partnering with diverse groups, including those with differing political beliefs, we show that progressive socialism is not an isolated ideology but an inclusive movement. Collaboration allows us to tap into the unique perspectives and expertise of various individuals, fostering a sense of unity in our pursuit of common goals.

This particular sign was my favorite sign at the March for our Lives in Tallahassee, because it really shows how far this movement goes in impacting personal biographies and changing minds. It was really powerful to me to see this sign because it shows how diverse this movement is and how people's views can change over time.

Seeing this sign, we had a first few reactions. First, it makes the observer think, this boy shouldn’t have to protest for his right to a safe education, he’s so young. He has used bullet hole imagery through the sign, making it more impactful and reminding the viewer about violence. This image makes us wonder: is this young person’s motive to protest his own? Is he with a parent or guardian who has encouraged him to protest? Is it his own initiative to protest? One tactic movements like to take is that they are taking action “for the children” or “for our future.” How is this different when children are not only the focus, but the leadership for a movement?