Jaymi Heimbuch
DCL
This weekend, Power to the Peaceful music festival saw its 11th celebration. The foggy weather in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park did little to dampen the excitement as attendees poured onto Speedway Meadow.
Power to the Peaceful is an annual event dedicated to pulling people together in an effort to boost the quality of life worldwide, from politics to sustainability. At the festival's heart is Michael Franti, who began the festival on September 11, 1998. Franti notes that the original selection of the date 9/11 was for its symbolic meaning of "emergency." Then, after the attack on the World Trade Center, the day held new meaning for him and those involved.
"We want to remember this day as a day to serve," Franti stated when we spoke at the festival on Saturday. "What can each of us do in our daily lives to contribute to peace, to contribute to the prosperity of the planet? For some people that means direct political action, or voting, or contacting Congress. And for others that means contributing to their community."
As Power to the Peaceful states on its website, "We want to inspire to serve! We want you to join us to make a real difference in this world, in your home, community or globally - it all starts with service - however small or large - just being present, gaining knowledge, field work, charity, listening & sharing are ways of serving humanity and making real positive change."
The line-up of artists at this free community event included Alanis Morissette, Sly & Robbie, Vieux Farka Toure and Truth Universal among others. They were each present to do their best to not only put on stellar performances, but also to encourage those listening to be active. "Sly & Robbie...for them to be here, they're here in the same spirit I am," says Franti. "Alanis Morrisete has a long history of working for peace, not only in the outside world, but peace within each of us."
The message of the event, as Franti states, is as clear as could be: "It's one world. It's really simple. Serve."
There are countless ways you can take on this message here on Planet Green. From International Coastal Cleanup Day happening this weekend on September 19th, to simply figuring out your volunteer type and finding an organization within your area that fits you, you can help make the planet a green, and peaceful, place to live.
