We Are the World

by Randy Ankeny

GRF executive director

In front of our community stands an iconic statement about Leisure World Seal Beach, the globe.

This symbolic work of art is an inspiration. Our community was not founded on a single continent. Our globe personifies our community. It reflects our society and our time.

Our community, our world, is not one where hate, intolerance and misunderstanding should push people apart. Now more than ever, WE (emphasis added) need to speak up about equality, inclusivity and diversity.

The more we can undermine hate speech with loving words, logical arguments and truth-telling, the more intolerance will begin to lose its power.

The Pledge of Allegiance ends with “…with liberty and justice for all.” What a powerful statement and commitment.

Let’s embrace this and, together, take a stance that our community, our Leisure World, embraces equality, inclusivity and diversity.

Please take a moment and think about it: You live in a partnership, in a Mutual, with your fellow shareholders, strong evidence that speaks of unity.

We can show the world that we are respectful of each other and our diversity.

Through our community unity, empathy, compassion and strength, there is no basis for racism and bigotry.

Let us strive for purpose and understanding, to hear and to be heard, to see and to be seen, to leave this world a better place than we found it.