Over the past couple of weeks I have been excited about the enthusiasm screaming out from Boston leaders, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. From initiatives and services like Greenovate, My Brother’s Keeper, Boston Creates, and BostInno, to Mayor Walsh’s efforts to gain city support for viewing the U.S. women’s soccer games, and the rapid cleanup of damaged property in Christopher Columbus Park by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Boston is currently displaying the 3 most important “R”s-Reverence, Respect, and Responsibility.
Let me briefly break down the 3 “R”s:
Reverence: To show reverence for something is to hold it sacred, to want to protect and nurture it, and to make choices that honor it. The “it” can be people, landmarks, and new ideas in Boston.
Respect: is different that reverence. We might not revere the same religions or philosophies but we revere Boston and Bostonians. To promote respect, it is crucial that Bostonians learn about various viewpoints and perspectives. They do not have to take them in as their own, however we need to learn and respect the variety of ideas, beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds of our people.
Responsibility: When we show reverence and respect for Boston, we begin to make responsible choices that reflect our love of the city. We begin to see ourselves as active participants in Boston with a commitment to making choices for the good of Boston and its residents.
The 3 “R”s in action:
When Mayor Walsh offers and promotes events that get the city excited about women’s sports, he is showing reverence, respect, and responsibility for Boston residents; especially Boston’s population of women. Currently, we deeply revere male sports teams in Boston. Last week, Mayor Walsh’s actions helped to continue a shift in admiration for female athletes and women in general. Pretty soon women will be throwing out the first pitch at more and more Red Sox games (I’d be honored to throw out a pitch by the way!). Actions that promote the celebration of women can empower a new generation of women to realize that their voices and contributions matter. Thank you Mayor Walsh for demonstrating the 3 “R”s.
How do you or someone you know demonstrate the 3 “R”s in Boston? Please share your stories with me!
InnoWoman
Please see the following websites for more information and ideas to show reverence, respect, and responsibility for the City of Boston and beyond.
http://www.greenovateboston.org/
http://www.cityofboston.gov/mayor/mybrotherskeeper/
http://bostinno.streetwise.co/
Note: The 3 “R”s are adapted for Boston based on Zoe Weil’s work at the Institute of Humane Education.
InnoWoman 