Two years ago, I gave the convocation address to the graduating class of McMaster University's Health Sciences Program. I spoke to a room full of new doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and midwives. Before I gave that talk, I read all I could about this incredibly creative, innovative and talented generation.
Born between 1980 and 1996, the Millennials are now between the ages of 25 and 40. They now constitute the majority of adults and make up a quarter of the world's population. They are a major driving force in our world. Today, and in the last 12 days, many off them have marched in protest of racism, by the millions. .
They were raised in a world that was bracketed, for the first time in history, by a sense of social justice and equality. For them, equality for all is a non-issue. They do not divide humanity into groups based on gender, sexuality, skin colour, disability or poverty. They were raised in a scientific era where the study of our DNA proved that we are all the same while being genetically diverse. That diversity is what makes us human. It is not a measure of our value or lack thereof, it is a measure of our humanity.
This magnificent generation grew up while the world was being changed by three transformative forces: Globalization, climate change and information technology. No generation before them has had to tackle such massive social and technological upheavals all at the same time. For them, it must be dizzying.
The boomers ( their parents- I am one of them) have described this group as more hopeless, directionless, depressed, and incapable than any generation before. In the last year, they have proved us wrong. Marching in the streets behind a Swedish 16 year old by the millions in protest of climate change inaction and now, marching together in protest against racism of all types.
They are a generation not self-focused on consuming and wealth but focused on healing, renewal, regeneration, fairness, inclusiveness and equality: the common good.
They have at their fingertips, extremely powerful tools in the form of science and technology and information technology and I believe these tools can solve every global crises that exists including this new pandemic.
Today they proved that the collective power of many can drive positive change on a global scale. They certainly made COVID 19 seem very, very small. If they can tackle racism and climate change, COVID 19 is a piece of cake.
The world is not being left in good hands, it is being left in great hands. Thank you for protesting today and thank you for doing it with masks on. You are brilliant.
If you need some steadying news:
No new cases in Guelph and Wellington county for the second straight day.
Ontario's network of labs processed 22,730 tests on Thursday, the most on any single day since the outbreak began in late January. The COVID clinic in Guelph has had to add a third shift of health care workers to manage the huge increase in testing. Thank you for that. This ramped up testing is key to controlling the virus until treatments and a vaccine come.
Ontario extended its emergency orders for another 10 days ( until June 19th) including banning people from dining in bars and restaurants, and gathering in groups larger than five. Yes, I know. The protesters were allowed to gather. But they did so safely in Guelph, London and Toronto.
Premier Ford said this today,
"We encourage businesses to begin preparing to reopen, so when the time comes, they will be able to protect employees, consumers and the general public,"
What that means folks, is that the province is preparing us to have more restrictions lifted. That may sound scary but we are ready. It will be safe. You can be confident. Trust in our leadership. We have done so well that we are ready for this next phase. Embrace that with enthusiasm.
And on a significant side note, this community of followers has just exceeded 10,000. Ten thousand people can change the world. Stay tuned.
Anne-Marie
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Click here to sign up for the June 10th event. We will learn all you need to know about living well with COVID 19 as we move into this new phase.
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