Reposting from Tod Brilliant
http://www.todbrilliant.com

Cheers,
Russell Volckmann
http://www.volckmann.com

I'm prone to exaggeration, but not this time!

On October 24th, in over 120 nations around the world, hundreds of thousands of creative people will be engaged in actions as part of Bill McKibben's 350.org Day of Global Action.

I'm thinking you may be interested. I'm badly hoping you ARE interested:

http://www.350.org

This is not only the largest creative effort, October 24 is also the largest POLITICAL DAY OF ACTION IN THE HISTORY OF HUMANITY As our global leaders (Obama included) have failed us when it comes to environmental reform, it's up to The People to force the issue, to advance the agenda in the days leading up to Copenhagen (UN Climate Conference).

What is 350.org? Visit the site. Check it out. http://www.350.org

Why are Creatives the center of the movement? Because we are the ones who can advance agendas, change minds, push entire populations to action--not politicians, nor armies.

In New Zealand, Maori tribes will be hanging banners from cliffs. Church bells all along the coast will ring 350 times. In China, over 200 groups will be crafting their unique messages. In the United States, tens of thousands will assemble. In Africa, Yeman, all over Europe...all over the world....October 24 is the largest global day of action we've ever seen.

http://www.350.org

Get involved. Be part of the solution. I have faith in you, fellow creatives, but not humanity unless you take up the challenge to lead your fellows.

Will US and/ or global business change as result of a new Obama presidency? The question of a new American brand was implied recently with a post by Glenn Rummler on LinkedIn. And I'd like to share my response below. What do you think?

New President... New Global Perception? With the apparent improving perceived value of the U.S. being created by (soon to be) President Obama, what do you see as the largest potential growth asset? Do you see the majority of U.S. businesses and organizations being aware of this? If so, do they know how to capitalize?

• products and services
• innovation
• talent
• the American brand
• American ability to inspire & lead

My response:

I would tend to take a "wait & see" approach.

The United States is undergoing a highly publicized, long overdue, much needed, and painful process of revitalizing its own brand. We have a new CEO at the helm with many expectations, and many hopes placed on him, in the face of serious issues far greater than the turnaround of Chrysler by Lee Iacocca.

Some will speculate based on high hopes.

Some will eye the possibilities with more scrutiny than a Swiss Banker (now, there's a brand for you, and notice I didn't say "US Banker").

The fruition of a successful brand revitalization process will require more than a simple tagline, a new gloss of paint, a new image, and new colors. For true vitality and integrity, the US brand must examine and develop improved inner mechanisms, voice, and values—live, breathe, and exercise them—then live up to the promises and tenets everyday.

Only then can we (people, companies, the nations, tribes) enjoy the rewards ("capitalize", perhaps) of the inspiration we have earned.