Each day, I meet extraordinary people who work to build safety nets for the disadvantaged, who respect native peoples as hosts in their ancestral homelands, and who regard the natural world as if human life depends upon it. They promote a flourishing diversity of cultures. They seek ways to save wild salmon, thousand-year-old trees, owls, grizzly bears, to ensure neighborhood vitality, thriving small business enterprise and living wages. They endeavor to create pedestrian-friendly cities, toxic-free commerce, extraordinary education, and universal health care. Their focus is on the land as the root of civilization.

Since 1992, the Endswell Foundation has been working with these people to help them realize their visions for sustainable communities and a healthier planet. We recognize that a vibrant non-proft sector is vital to the future of any society.

In my work, I have been inspired by these builders and visionaries and by the commitment shown to them by Carol Newell, the founder of the Endswell Foundation. Carol's far-reaching personal and financial generosity serve as an example of what can be accomplished when a person with resources chooses to use them to benefit others.

Each individual life is short. We are given only a brief chance to be useful. We can all do our part to help return society to the pursuit of long term community well being. At this time in history, that contribution is the revolution we need.

Sincerely,

Joel Solomon

"Living a sane and ecologically responsible life doesn't mean self-sacrifice and austerity; on the contrary, it should mean a richer, more interesting, fuller, longer, and healthier life."
Ernest Callenbach, author of Ecotopia