We have witnessed this week’s events with deep sadness and outrage. As anti-violence advocates, we know the damage and destruction that violence causes within families and communities. This week’s events also provide a stark reflection and reminder of the bias and racism that Black, Indigenous, and Brown people in our country and state experience each day.

We know that our current politics in this country – and even in our state – can be inflammatory and verge on violent. In recent years, members of our staff have experienced threats and intimidation related to efforts to secure firearms-related protections for survivors. The work required to create communities free from violence is a multi-generational project that will require each one of us to commit to uprooting violence in ourselves, our homes and our spheres of influence.

We are grateful for Vermont’s thoughtful leaders from all political parties, who have condemned this week’s acts and called for action to interrupt this violence. Now the questions remains – what role do we each have in building a more just and peaceful world? Our actions are tied to the wellbeing of our fellow Vermonters – what kind of ripples do we want to create?

The Ripple Effect

Do you want to be a positive influence in the world?
First, get your own life in order.
Ground yourself in the single principle that your behavior is wholesome and effective.
If you do that, you will earn respect and be a powerful influence.
Your behavior influences others through a ripple effect.
A ripple effect works because everyone influences everyone else. Powerful people are powerful influences.
If your life works, you influence your family.
If your family works, your family influences the community.
If your community works, your community influences the nation.
If your nation works, your nation influences the world.
If your world works, the ripple effect spreads throughout the cosmos.
Remember that your influence begins with you and ripples outward.
So be sure that your influence is both potent and wholesome.
How do I know this works?
All growth spreads outward from a fertile and potent nucleus.
You are a nucleus.

-Poem by Dr. Elaine Millam, as shared by Roshi Norma Wong