Just a Thought

Due to some unforeseeable circumstances (ahem, the weather), I was unable to meet with the business of the week, so I thought I'd pivot and share some thoughts on something that's been on my mind lately.

Free image of sloped curb from Shutterstock

Have you heard of the "Curb Cut Effect?" If you haven't, essentially, it's the idea that changes made at large to help specific groups have a larger positive impact for the whole community. The specific example that this effect is based on are the sloped sidewalks designed for individuals who have impaired mobility. Once installed, it positively impacted the whole community by providing safe, more accessible movement for everyone, including bikers, parents with strollers, roller skaters, skate boarders and even joggers.

I've come to observe that, nowadays, many people are trapped in a scarcity mindset, and for good reason - there's inflation, mass layoffs due to AI "solutions," rising costs of living, the list could go on. This mindset can lead to skepticism of changes that are made to benefit a specific group, because it feels like resources are being allocated to benefit only some when the vast majority of us are suffering. It can be hard to see that the changes advocated for at large have the potential to create a positive impact for everyone, including ourselves.

My thoughts on this are encompassed in the intro. When we contribute to our village, even in small ways, we have the ability to make our village better for everyone. This extends to supporting our villagers' accessibility to resources and safe environments. When we guarantee the rights for accessibility for some, we are guaranteeing the rights for accessibility for all - regardless of circumstance. It is not pie. There is no limit to the benefits, when we look out for one another.

In the inspiring words of Leola Daul, "If everybody in our community is doing well, it makes for a good community."