Guest Blog Post from my son, Chetan:
I am doing this poster project so that people can be inspired to change the world. My mom inspired me to do this project by writing a letter to my school principal* about schools reopening. When I saw her write the letter, I said to myself, ‘I want to change the world too.’ So, I started making my ‘Be the Change’ posters. I hope my posters will encourage people to think to themselves, ‘Hey, I wanna change the world. Let’s get going and make the world a better place!’
I am giving people 2 posters per family. One poster is to put in the window so people outside can see, and it reminds the family themselves. The other poster I want them to give to someone else, for example, someone walking down the street. Then ask them to put that in their window and make their own poster to give to someone else, and pass along the same message.
My goal is that people will speak up for nature, for schools and for doctors, to help make Alberta one of the best, and safest, places in the world.
(Note) I have a request to anyone reading this blog post: Please make your own posters and pass them out, to help make the world be a better place.
Thank you to @winkinkdesignco for the Be the Change banner that inspired momma and me!
Chetan Mittra Khan, age 7
* Late last week I found myself feeling heavy from the world. Like for many, since COVID, heaviness seems to come and go in waves. My recent plunge was brought on after Thursday's Alberta Government announcement regarding school relaunch. Friday, I was reminded about the significant level of distress Alberta physicians are facing due to the current provincial framework, including nearly 50% of doctors thinking of leaving the province. Then, on social media, I learned more about the government's plan to "Optimize Alberta Parks."
I decided to get in action, to use my voice. As my sweet kiddo, Chetan mentioned, I wrote to his school principal. I have since also written to the Education Minister and copied that letter of concern to the Premier, Edmonton Public School District Superintendent, Chief Medical Officer Deena Hinshaw and my MLA, Rachel Notley. I will spare you all the details, but if you are interested and need a jumping off point, please email me and I can share my letters for your use. Next week, I hope to do some advocacy for Alberta doctors and parks.
Small scale advocacy perhaps, but advocacy nonetheless. Plus, grateful to have inspired my son.