We use the word “hope” in so many ways. There’s small “h” hope and capital “h” hope. Small “h” hope expresses our everyday wishes and expectations. We say things like, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow,” “I hope you feel better soon,” or, “Let’s hope the bus isn’t late.” These hopes express our wishes for ourselves and one another, reflecting the rhythms and dailiness of our lives.
Capital “H” hope is more complex, addressing larger issues in the world around us. Capital “H” hopes speak to our hopes for the things that impact our lives now, and the lives of future generations. These include our hopes for environmental sustainability, for social justice, or for a fix to our broken political system.
Both kinds of hope matter. They fuel our actions for building better lives and a better world. Yet today, hope can be hard to find and hold onto. To change that, we need the Department of Hope (DOH). The DOH keeps hope alive for us and those we connect with. It’s where we can share inspiration, ideas, resources, and experiences.
The DOH isn’t found within any government or private organization.The DOH is found wherever we are. It consists of all of us who have a clear vision of what is and of what can be, and who are ready to forge the connections and take the actions that will move us toward that vision.
Visit often. Share your experiences. Let’s build the DOH together!
Finding Hope in Solitude and Connection
When entered into by choice, and built on trust and respect, collaboration is productive, stimulating, robust and creative.
Activism – An Ultimate Expression of Hope
Activism is an ultimate expression of hope. You get up and take an action in the hope your action will have dividends later.
Compassion, Connection, Hope
A stranger’s human kindness turns a moment of dark despair is transformed into one of hope.
A Sparrow, A Lesson, A Sign of Hope
With a loud whirring of feathers, surprisingly loud for so small a bird, a sparrow flew into our shed.
Making a Difference in Turbulent Times
There are things we can do, and those things are powerful.
Hope is Always There
This week’s Department of Hope guest post is an engaging conversation between Charlie Gilkey and Angela Wheeler, discussing their thoughts about hope as it relates to entrepreneurship, creativity, and more.
#signsofhope
Hope is the elevating feeling we experience when we see—in the mind’s eye—a path to a better future. ~Jerome Groopman
What is the Heart of Hope?
Where does hope come from, why does it appear sometimes and not others, and what are my personal sources of hopefulness?
The Power and Wonder of Hope
This poem juxtaposes the beauty and the cruelty of the places where hope is found, the places dark and light where it lives, and the enduring power and wonder of hope.
Fierce Hope
Signs of hope strengthen us and those around us, allowing us to remain powerful and engaged for the long haul.
Do What You Can
Mark Ruffalo has some humorous and kind words for activists and allies who may be feeling overwhelmed or be losing hope.
Something Better is Always Possible
… the power of hope; the belief that something better is always possible if you’re willing to work for it and fight for it. ~Michelle Obama
