I know, because hundreds of people have told me, that many people want to do something positive—for the sake of their kids, grandkids, or just because they believe it’s the right thing to do. But they aren’t sure what they can contribute. Or if it will make a difference. Especially in the current political climate.

That’s where the optimism comes in.

And the many lessons to be learned from psychology, neuroscience, social change movements, spirituality, parenting, innovation, and other fields that offer insights into our own nature in relationship to our changing world.

I am the co-author of Ecoliterate: How Educators Are Cultivating Emotional, Social, and Ecological Intelligence with psychologist Daniel Goleman, and a contributor to books including The Compassionate Instinct, A Place at the Table, The Creation of the Future, and Smart by Nature.

My articles have appeared in The New York Times, Forbes, The Daily Beast, Vox, Grist, and elsewhere. I’m also a former Harvard University fellow and Ashoka Changemakers.

But it is above all my love for my children that motivates me to do this work.