The COMMIT! Forum Leaps Forward – Inspiring, Provocative, Constructive

The second annual COMMIT! Forum has just concluded two fabulous days in New York City, and firstly, I want to say thank you, and kudos to conference organizers and leadership Richard Crespin, Dirk Olin, Elliot Clark and Kim Gilliam. As someone who came away from last year’s event with a mixed review, I’m especially impressed. Each and every criticism I raised was addressed, as, I’m sure, were those of everyone else who provided feedback. Rarely, in my experience, do I encounter such responsiveness and responsibility. 

My biggest takeaway – and one that I gained from experiencing the conference as opposed to simply hearing the ideas – is this: we have to listen to “the other side.” Our problems are better addressed with everyone on the same side of the table, confronting the problems, rather than each other. “Of course,” you’re saying. “Like, duuuuh.” I say, “It’s all well and good to acknowledge the soundness of these principles; it’s another thing entirely to genuinely experience the goodness of them.” And, I say it’s a remarkable accomplishment indeed when an event can evoke that experience and reinforce it through repeated examples of intelligent and diverse points of view.

“Yes we can, and, yes we must” – is my not-so-small second takeaway. Hearing story after story of efforts being made, lives be changed, inspiration and innovation, persistence and insistence, I came away determined and motivated. From the lightening round showcasing compelling new projects, to the awarding a lifetime of service, the only thing I didn’t hear was excuses.

The COMMIT! Forum facilitated plentiful mechanisms to engage with other conference attendees, and I’ll be working through the weekend to attempt timely follow-up on all the opportunities I came away with. As I do, I’ll be thinking of another key conference theme: It’s not only possible, but it’s also imperative: “You can do well by doing good.” If you need some examples, check out CR Magazines top corporate citizens. Check out the short films from The Green Living Project. Check out The Center For Green Schools and Learn Up. And get involved.

The time is now. COMMIT! And tell us about what you’re doing.