Marjory Stoneman Douglas

I must start with an apology; I know that recent posts have focused on two things. Firstly, the heroism and inspiration of the young survivors of the Parkland school shooting and, secondly, my passion for purpose. As a result, I am currently somewhat obsessed with both. So this month, I'm afraid that my blog reflects that.

As I have been researching both, I wanted to know a little more about the woman whose name the school in Parkland celebrates - Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Born in 1890, Marjory was a journalist, author and campaigner for women's suffrage. However, she was best known as a campaigner for the preservation and protection of the Everglades in Florida. She lived to be 108 years old.

As I was exploring more about her, I came across one of Marjory's quotes and I wanted to share it with you. When I first came across it, it made the hairs on the back of my next stand on end. I find it not just inspirational but so relevant to our time.

"Don't think it is enough to attend meetings and sit there like a lump.... It is better to address envelopes than to attend foolish meetings. It is better to study than act too quickly; but it is best to be ready to act intelligently when the appropriate opportunity arises... Speak up. Learn to talk clearly and forcefully in public. Speak simply and not too long at a time, without over-emotion, always from sound preparation and knowledge. Be a nuisance where it counts, but don't be a bore at any time... Do your part to inform and stimulate the public to join your action.... Be depressed, discouraged and disappointed at failure and the disheartening effects of ignorance, greed, corruption and bad politics - but never give up." - Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Worth thinking about?

I reckon that the students in Parkland would have made her very proud; I hope the rest of us can too.