EQUALSHOT

Many non-profits struggle with their statement of the problem -- the line or two that encapsulates why, exactly, their intended audience should care that the organization exists.

Here's a brilliant example of a smart statement of the problem from the Asthma Free School Zone:

Imagine trying to catch your breath through a soda straw.

Now imagine learning to read at the same time.

Earlier this year, 14 preschool children in my neighborhood were struck by a delivery van that jumped the curb while they were walking along a sidewalk with their teachers. Two children, Hayley Ng, 4, and Diego Martinez, 3, lost their lives that day. The twelve others were rushed to the hospital for evaluation --my friends’ son was one of them.

Two hundred years ago today, Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room cabin in Kentucky. As we commemorate the life and legacy of the fabled president, I thought I’d chime in with one of my favorite Lincoln-isms. For all of us who believe that communications is essential to social change, you’ll enjoy this 1858 quote from our first truly media-savvy president.

Do you notice anything strange about this AP picture?

Here, Al Gore is urging Congress to press ahead with a bill bringing climate change to the top of the political agenda.

"Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there."

My favorite verse from the 13th century Persian poet Rumi is the theme of a recent documentary, “Beyond the Politics of Life and Choice: A New Conversation about Abortion.”

It would be hard for a reasonable person to deny that our planet is in crisis (see the Litany List below if you want a refresher). But what would it take to turn this around?