Los Angeles is the land of smog, sprawl and cosmetic surgery, not known for its ecological or social consciousness. But many people, organizations and ideas are quietly fomenting revolution here. This Earth week, I'll share what these Worldchangers told me about the secretly green side of LA.
Lisa Keller is a volunteer with the Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting, as well as a freelance writer living in Echo Park with a musical husband and two boisterous daughters. As she puts it -- her life is full of "lots of affection and tons of contradictions."
What local Worldchanging organization, project or idea should be better known?
The Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting is most definitely changing our city for the better. Working with children (and their big people) to create a nonviolent world is the best thing possible, not only for respecting future generations of children, but for creating a world without fear of war and devastation.
What one Worldchanging practice do you most wish to see flourish in Los Angeles?
Practicing consideration for the people and the world around us.
If you were queen of Los Angeles for a day, what would you do?
I don't want to be a queen -- too hierarchical, but if I could wave my magic wand, I'd create one giant picnic in the park, at the beach, everywhere, city-wide, so that all could appreciate the beauty of our outdoor spaces, and the fun of having neighbors and friends to share it with.
Describe the LA you'd like to see in 2027.
One with less fear and anger, and more love all around. It would have to be a worldwide phenomenon because LA is too connected to the rest of the country and the world to do it alone.
Next Saturday, April 28, is the Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting's annual Festival of Childhood, held in conjunction with the Day of the Child and International Spank Out Day. This is an open-air, free, street festival, held at 1226 N. Alvarado St. and Reservoir St. in Echo Park. From 1 to 5 pm the entire block will be filled with live music, laughter, families, community booths, and arts activities.
The Center also offers excellent parenting classes on Saturday mornings, lead by the inimitable Ruth Beaglehole, the Center's founder and a local treasure. She has spent her life using the principles of respect, healing and connection to nurture children, changing the world one family at a time.
