tangible impact

Something really neat happened today. Terry, of Poplar Spring, emailed me to tell me that someone in Iowa had rescued some chickens, went looking online for how to make them some sweaters, found my post about sweater-wearing chickens, and was able to contact Terry to get more information on how to make some sweaters herself. And she’s making some for another chicken sanctuary in Minnesota.

A minor event in many ways, yet I know that these chickens who now have sweaters will be more comfortable as we head into the cold season. Terry’s creative solution for Poplar’s chickens gets to spread among other rescuers, to benefit more chickens.

The interesting coincidence, which perhaps enhanced my enjoyment of hearing about the midwestern chickens in their winter clothes, is that Mary posted today some thoughts on “Is giving money activism?” that sparked a more general discussion (my fault) on what exactly activism is.

I said a couple things in the comments that were an unconscious echo of things I’d said last February. Looks like some things are hard for me to change!

Yet knowing that in a small and indirect way, that I helped those chickens in the midwest have sweaters for the winter, it made my day. It feels good, plain and simple, to see that we’ve made a tangible positive impact. It is those little moments that remind me why I do the things I do.