I just came back from a weekend retreat at the Catskills, NY, where I attended the World Summit for the organization Images and Voices of Hope (http://www.ivofhope.org/). I must say I had a few regards in the beginning because of my skepticism for the choice of wording in the description of the event. Even though I’m a spiritual person, I’m not very fond of self-help books, specially when it comes down to media.

However, I was blown away. The people who attended – jornalists, independent filmmakers, producers, photographers, multimedia and publishing entrepreneurs, etc – had fascinating lives and ideas on how to productively improve the use of the media as an agent of positive change in the world. In the upcoming posts, I’ll try to share with you some of the projects I’ve seen.

It’s my belief that we can really do this. We can really believe that change is possible, if we have the courage to implement our ideas. Sustainable development is possible. Ethical behavior in the marketplace is possible. Environmental consciousness is possible. If we think we’re alone in this, of course we won’t see the larger picture and therefore be scared to move forward. What I was strucken by in this Summit is the passion and belief of some many individuals. If we can share and heighten those beliefs among our friends and co-workers, little by little we can change the mindset of the workplace and the ideals we sustain.

This is greater than us. I believe we have a responsability, as media professionals, to strive for those principles we so much care for. I’m in it.