Moral vision statement writing assignment instructions
As this class hopes to be about change as much as evaluation/critique, we will each be encouraged to spend time in self reflection at the end of the term to determine our values, beliefs, and vision for the kind of world we want to create that represents a healthy, sustainable way for humans to live. Before the last day of class (April 21st), each of you will post a moral vision statement here and also share your thoughts about it on the last day of class (so bring a copy). This helps to end the term on a positive note where we don’t just critique the status quo or discuss problems (and revel in the apocalyptic), but we inspire solutions and change strategies by defining a vision of what that viable society/ecosystem might look like and why it is preferred.
To provide an example for the format I chose to use for myself, I have posted my vision statement in this April folder. I hesitate to share it b/c I don't want it to limit your own ideas, values, creativity, or areas of emphasis. It could be more or less utopian than mine, knowing that it is supposed to represent an ethical ideal -- yet something that you think makes sense and is not too fantastical. In mine I chose to discuss how (and why) I envisioned humans relating ethically to (and valuing) other animals, plants, and ecosystems. What would that relationship look like, specifically? How would that work?
I have also posted my notes from Lakoff's book that inspired me to articulate my vision of the world I want to create. Lakoff encourages people to talk in terms of values over facts and in the positive more so than the negative (we often find it easier to suggest what we don't like more than we can articulate what we do or would like -- but this project is about doing the latter). He suggests that you carefully choose terminology that reflects your values and not inadvertently reinforce those of counter/oppositional or dominant groups.
The length should be somewhere between 400 - 700 words, which is in the ballpark of one page single-spaced. It is informal and personal in the sense that you don't have to include a reference page or cite anyone (unless you want to). But despite its brevity, and, in fact, because of its brevity (for a topic of such breadth), it will require some time to write and edit so that it is comprehensive, thoughtful, and useful. I think you'll enjoy the process.
Bring a single hardcopy to class for discussion (or have it on your laptop to reference). Then go home and put it in your diary or a time capsule for safe-keeping and historical documentation of your eco-brilliance.