"Yes"

“Yes”

There are two types of “yes” statements—there is “Yes, there is a need,” and then there is, “Yes, I am going to do something about it.” One of these speaks to recognition, while the other is a response. One is intellectual, while the other speaks to behavior; both are needed to change the world.

Throughout our trip with the Governor General, I have witnessed the harmony of these two statements. When played well, this song changes the world. We were guests of a debate at Comenius University in Bratislava, where speakers from Canada and the Slovak Republic, along with our Governor General, spoke in practical terms about ‘Solidarity in a Global World’. I, along with everyone in the room, was greatly impacted by the Slovakian peoples’ stories of standing up against an oppressive power and emerging a democratic country with a dream.

At the same time, we were reminded that Canada has been far from perfect in our record of human rights, gender equality, the respect of individuals and segregation. We were also reminded of our successes—how we have taken responsibility for many behaviors and actions that were unjustified throughout history. I was incredibly proud of our country, Canada, when the Governor General related the actions of our prime minister, humbling himself in giving a sincere apology to First Nations people for the way they were mistreated. 

After the talk, I thanked one of the young students for coming, as if this was just a respectful visit on her part. She said to me, “I told you before that I came 30 minutes early to get a seat; that was not the truth. I came over one hour early to make sure I would have a seat.” Then she said, “I want to learn.” So I asked her if this experience had an impact for her. She responded with tears in her eyes, “Yes, I am going to do something about it.”

Let us all join with this young woman by saying “Yes to the need” and “Yes to doing something about it.”