Their vigil was one of love and respect, not pointing fingers at those who worked there. Chrysalis members were often ridiculed for their persistence, with comments about how they hadn’t closed the plant down yet. But during the years a few people quit their jobs, letting others know that they were influenced by the Chrysalis presence. A big surprising result is that a former worker is now a close friend of ours. The job of Chrysalis members was to be faithful to their leadings, letting go of outcomes, and praying that the seeds that they planted would grow and flourish.

Another way of thinking about this is the “power of one” so aptly described in the book so named by Sharif Abdula. He explained that one motivated person can accomplish unbelievable work and inspire others to join him or her.

Not everyone feels inclined to join a large protest or write letters to their legislators, but each of us can find ways to act on behalf of the future generation here on Planet Earth. And these are ways that fit our particular talents, passions, and circumstances without feeling like we have to do everything about everything. You can still have a life and be an activist. We are inspired by many who are working to make the world and its inhabitants healthier by giving up free time, but still manage to have active and healthy social lives.

What do we do to look out for more than our personal comforts? We have attended anti-war, anti-globalization, and environmental protests in New York, Washington DC, Miami, and Burlington, Vt. This past year we participated in two climate-action walks, one 5 days and one 8 days. We do write letters to the editors of our local papers and to our legislators. We open our home each year to the national Green Buildings Tour, hoping to be an inspiration to others to build green. We give workshops and talks, are active within our Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings and active in Quaker Earthcare Witness. We are trying to “turn all that we have into a channel of universal love,” as said by John Woolman.

We’re two little people but we never know when our letter, phone call, or other act may tip the balance on an issue. Patronizing local businesses, farms, and even using local currencies, are small acts but which can have large consequences. We think of activism as working in concert with other activists. It’s a community of fired-up people who give each other encouragement and in many cases increase potency. •