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Kerry and Tom Thompson, Facilitators since 2010, have been making a powerful contribution to the shift toward a sustainable and just future for all.
As people committed to the three-fold mission of the Symposium, environmental activists and supporters of 350.org since 2008, they have been taking action to promote an end to fossil fuel extraction and encouraging the development of renewable energy.
Standing with Others Against the Dangers of Fossil Fuels
On July 29, Kerry and Tom, along with six other Facilitators from the New England Pachamama Alliance Community, demonstrated at the Brayton Point Coal Plant in Somerset, MA to demand its shutdown due to the harmful pollutants the plant is emitting and bring attention to the dangers of fossil fuels.
Facilitators Greg Reinauer, Mark Files Schwaller, and Peter Malagodi wrote and performed songs for the rally with their bike-powered band “Melodeego,” which incorporates the messages of the Symposium into their music. Shanti Gaia, Lewis McGregor, and Trudy Mott-Smith were other Facilitators who participated.
It ended up being a long day for Kerry and Tom, as well as Mark and Greg, who were arrested at the protest. Tom and Kerry were also arrested at the White House as part of a two-week mass protest organized by Bill McKibben and 350.org in 2011 to bring attention to the dangers of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline.
Tom describes the discomfort of enduring an inconvenience like arrest as “minimal, compared to the discomfort of those who have to live with the impacts of extraction and power plants.” His concern is for future generations and making sure they have a quality life, with healthy air, food and water.
Being FOR a Better World, Not Just Against Environmental Destruction
Awakening the Dreamer helped Tom and Kerry see protesting differently. It’s not just about being against something, but about being for something, too, opening doors to new possibilities. Tom says, “It’s like the Earth is trying to protect herself through me.”
Both Tom and Kerry feel that the Symposium has been a gift because of the path it’s led them down, and the doors it’s opened for personal growth. It’s given them the opportunity to build community with incredible people and develop themselves spiritually—and strengthened their relationship as a couple.
Going through Facilitator Training further deepened their connection to the Symposium’s message and purpose, and they say presenting the Symposium keeps them empowered, positive and hopeful. Tom’s experience has been that “you become more than you thought you could become by bringing the Symposium to others.” Kerry shares his sentiment, saying, “I’ve surprised myself because I never thought in a million years I’d be standing up presenting, but the energy of the Symposium carries me through.”
Tom and Kerry are committed to continuing to take action for what they believe in, and waking others up by presenting the Symposium and mentoring new Facilitators. They are looking forward to joining other New England Facilitators in a few weeks in Western Massachusetts at Starseed Healing Sanctuary, home to three other Facilitators, at the sanctuary’s Fall Equinox celebration.
