Last November, something cracked open in me.
The U.S. presidential election results had just landed, and like many, I was holding out hope for leadership that might finally meet the moment—leadership that could help steer us away from collapse and toward regeneration. Truthfully, I didn’t hold out a lot of hope that either political parties’ candidates would focus sufficient efforts on our global climate crisis, but I felt pretty confident that at least one of them would make some effort in the right direction. But when the winner was a ‘self-proclaimed climate change denier, I felt a sinking ache in my chest.
Our political leaders aren’t going to save us. In fact, our entire political system that continues to cling to the myths of domination, separation, and control isn’t the answer. We can’t continue to do the same thing over and over and over while expecting different results. I was tired of that insanity.
I recalled a powerful YouTube video I’d watched during one of my Game Changers Intensives. It started with this haunting reframe: “It’s 3:23 in the morning and I’m awake because my great great grandchildren won’t let me sleep. They ask me in dreams, What did you do while the planet was plundered? What did you do while the earth was unraveling?…what did you do once you knew?”
I didn’t have to wonder that far into the future about my great great grandchildren. I wondered and worried what I would say to my grandkids, Logan and Piper. I didn’t know what my answer would be. I just knew I couldn’t keep holding back. I had to do something and it didn’t take a giant leap to know that it would include writing, but not about symptoms—carbon, consumption, corruption—but about causes. Deeper causes. Root causes. And that was the birth of One Cause.
It started as a short Substack series. A weekly space to share hard truths and hopeful visions. But over the months, it grew—into a book-in-progress, a blueprint of Four Great Untruths and Four Great Truths, and maybe, just maybe… a movement.
Not a movement in the marching sense. A movement in the growing sense. A living thing. Organic. Unfolding.
The Moment Between
Right now, we’re in what Joanna Macy would call “The Space Between Worlds.” The Great Unraveling is here. You can feel it. The systems that once held us no longer do. But we are also in the midst of the Great Turning. It will not be led from Washington or Wall Street. It will be led by us—eco-conscious families, community visionaries, regenerative thinkers, and most especially… our youth. Because when I asked myself where the real turning point might come from, the answer was immediate: Our kids, and our grandkids, and their kids…The ones who haven’t yet forgotten what it means to live close to the Earth.
And so, the next seed began to germinate.
Introducing: The Eco-Guardian Youth Project
Out of One Cause, the Eco-Guardian Youth Project (EGYP) is emerging—a multi-phase, multi-generational invitation to reawaken our children’s connection to nature, story, purpose, and the power of their own creative voice. Here’s what it looks like in its early form:
Vision Summary
EGYP is a movement to inspire, awaken, and empower youth ages 10–18 to become joyful, creative stewards of the Earth.
It begins with story.
It deepens through creative expression.
It takes root through community, mentorship, and regenerative training. It’s about equipping a new generation of Eco-Guardians-in-Training (EGITs) with the courage, collaboration, and leadership to protect what they love.
Here’s How I See It Unfolding
Entry Portal: Storyteller to Storymaker
One of the main entry points will be local and online co-creative Storyteller to Storymaker events where kids create a magical eco-story in real time. These will be opportunities for young participants to tap into their purpose-inspired imagination—and glimpse the world they will help shape. They will also learn about and receive a special ‘library card’ to the Eco-Guardian Secret Society Library, a hidden online space filled with eco-fiction, nonfiction, and Earth-honoring wisdom. Access to the secret library is on a Pay-What-You-Will basis, because no child should be left out of this movement by monetary constraints.
Our initial goals for the Secret Library by the end of the first quarter of 2026:
500+ digital library cards issued
200+ library patrons visiting the library
300+ eco-book downloads
Phase 2: The Eco-Author Challenge
In 2026, the plan is to launch our first Eco-Author Challenge where young writers, artists, and eco-storytellers will submit fiction and nonfiction work for possible inclusion in a youth-authored anthology of writing and illustrations. This will be also be the opportunity for participants to learn the fun and joy of cooperative and creative collaboration.
Phase 3: The Eco-Guardian Training Camp (EGTC)
A deeper dive for the kids who want to keep going. Towards the end of 2026 (or earlier if the resources come available) we’ll launch phase 3, the Eco-Guardian Training Camp which will include:
Monthly eco-missions
Interactive Zoom workshops
Peer support & mentorship
Creative exploration where other family members, teachers, and librarians are invited as allies.
Why This Matters Now
The climate crisis isn’t just about rising seas and escalating temperatures. It’s about rising anxiety. Rising disconnection. Rising loneliness.
Our kids are inheriting a world that feels broken.
Let’s give them something else.
Let’s give them a place to belong—a circle, a story, and a mission.
How is your family navigating the Great Unraveling? Comment below or join the Chat.
Call for Collaborators & Eco-Conscious Families
Right now, we’re forming the early roots of this vision—and we’d love you to join us.
We’re currently seeking:
Youth-centered educators
Artists, writers, and librarians
Homeschooling families
Eco-parents and grandparents
Potential beta-testers
Founding members of an informal Eco-Conscious Family Advisory Circle
If you’re reading this and feeling the stir of “Yes, I want to help,” reach out.
We’re building something beautiful—and your voice is welcome and needed.
Reach out if you’re ready to co-create something regenerative.
