BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, the ones that emerge from our local communities often have the greatest impact.
Welcome to the fifth round of The Optimist Daily’s Local Changemakers series! This is our way of expressing gratitude to our Optimist Daily community. We hope you enjoy learning about these solutions-oriented individuals and organizations as much as we did.
Third Act: how Americans over 60 are leading the charge for climate change and justice
In a time when climate change and social justice concerns are front and center, a new and unique movement led by older Americans has emerged. Third Act, founded by renowned environmentalist Bill McKibben, aims to harness the energy, experience, and resources of people over 60 to create meaningful change on issues of climate and racial justice.
The name “Third Act” reflects the idea of the “third act” of life—a stage filled with wisdom and a sense of purpose, often directed toward creating positive change. This organization is mobilizing older Americans to tackle critical global challenges by organizing and amplifying their voices.
A growing movement with a big vision
Third Act operates with a clear and ambitious focus. The organization is structured around two primary campaigns: climate action and democracy protection. The climate campaign aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by targeting banks and institutions that fund fossil fuel industries. The democracy campaign works to protect voting rights, especially amid increasing concerns about voter suppression.
The goal is to empower older Americans to use their collective political, financial, and social influence to create substantial and lasting change. With an estimated 70 percent of America’s financial assets owned by people over 60, the financial and political power they hold is undeniable—and Third Act aims to harness it for the greater good.
Turning the financial tide on fossil fuels
One of Third Act’s key campaigns is to push financial institutions to divest from fossil fuels. The campaign, aptly named Banking on Our Future, encourages participants to move their money out of banks that support fossil fuel industries. The organization highlights how older Americans, who have been part of the system for decades, are particularly well-positioned to influence large financial institutions.
In March 2023, Third Act organized a nationwide protest against major banks that fund fossil fuel projects, bringing thousands of supporters to demonstrate outside bank branches across the country. These protests are complemented by ongoing efforts to encourage personal divestment, which helps put pressure on institutions to transition their portfolios to greener investments.
As McKibben noted, “Our generation has financial power, and we can use it to influence a future we want to see. If enough of us act together, banks and corporations will have no choice but to take notice.”
Defending democracy and protecting voting rights
Third Act is also taking on voting rights in a big way. Recognizing the importance of fair elections, especially for younger generations, the organization actively works to combat voter suppression and safeguard democratic processes. Through its Protect the Vote initiative, Third Act advocates for voting access and education, encouraging older Americans to protect a system they’ve relied upon their whole lives and want to preserve for their children and grandchildren.
A new model of intergenerational activism
One of the most inspiring aspects of Third Act is its emphasis on intergenerational collaboration. Recognizing the strength that comes from unity, Third Act encourages its members to work alongside younger activists and leaders. In this way, the organization fosters mentorship and solidarity, combining the drive of youth movements with the wisdom and resources of older generations.
Through letter-writing campaigns, peaceful sit-ins, and community-building events, Third Act enables older Americans to connect with younger activists. This collaboration helps bridge generational divides, creating a unified front that advocates for a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Building an engaged and powerful community
Third Act’s success so far lies in its grassroots approach. The organization has grown rapidly, thanks to the enthusiastic support of older Americans across the country. To manage and direct this energy, Third Act is guided by a volunteer Advisory Council, led by social justice leader Akaya Windwood. This council ensures that the organization remains true to its values and mission, empowering local chapters to take action in ways that resonate with their communities.
Third Act also harnesses the power of modern technology to organize and mobilize supporters. Through online resources, webinars, and virtual organizing events, the organization makes it easy for anyone, anywhere, to get involved. Whether it’s contacting local banks or signing petitions, members are equipped with the tools they need to make a difference from home or in their own communities.
The growing momentum behind Third Act is a testament to the power of purposeful activism at any age. Third Act’s actions demonstrate that older Americans are anything but passive observers—they are leaders, mentors, and activists determined to leave a positive legacy.
HeartMath: the science of inner balance and well-being for a thriving world
In today’s fast-paced world, managing stress and finding balance can be overwhelming. HeartMath, an innovative organization founded in 1991 by Doc Childre, has risen to meet this need by exploring the powerful connection between the heart and mind. Through scientifically backed tools and techniques, HeartMath helps individuals achieve emotional balance, resilience, and a greater sense of inner peace.
What sets HeartMath apart is its dual focus on personal and organizational well-being. Drawing from over three decades of research, HeartMath offers practical solutions that have been embraced in fields ranging from healthcare and education to corporate settings and emergency response. By making these resources accessible to people of all backgrounds, HeartMath is paving the way toward a more balanced, connected, and resilient world. The science behind HeartMath: heart-brain coherence
At the core of HeartMath’s approach is the concept of heart-brain coherence—the state of optimal alignment between the heart and mind. Research shows that when the heart and brain are in sync, individuals experience a range of benefits: reduced stress, enhanced mental clarity, improved emotional regulation, and even strengthened immune responses.
HeartMath’s proprietary biofeedback technology, such as the Inner Balance™ Coherence Plus sensor and app, provides real-time feedback on heart rate variability (HRV), allowing users to monitor their emotional and physiological state. Through guided breathing techniques and focus exercises, individuals can learn to shift their heart rhythms, promoting a calm and balanced state that benefits the body and mind.
This technology, based on HeartMath’s decades of research, is empowering users worldwide to take charge of their mental and emotional well-being. As Childre put it, “Our heart is more than a physical organ—it’s an intelligent system that we can tap into to create more balanced lives.”
HeartMath Institute: research and compassion at the core
The HeartMath Institute, HeartMath’s nonprofit research branch, is at the forefront of exploring the science of heart coherence. The institute is dedicated to studying the effects of heart-brain communication on stress management, resilience, and overall health. Its research has led to insights into how heart rhythm patterns influence thoughts and behaviors, demonstrating that actively cultivating coherence can lead to positive psychological and physiological shifts.
Through initiatives like the Global Coherence Initiative, HeartMath Institute is also examining the impact of collective heart coherence on communities and even the global environment. This research underscores HeartMath’s broader vision: a world in which individuals connect with themselves and each other to foster harmony, compassion, and mutual understanding.
Practical tools for real-world impact
One of HeartMath’s most practical contributions is its ability to translate science into action. From heart-focused breathing techniques to mobile apps, HeartMath’s tools are designed for real-world use. The techniques are simple yet powerful, making them accessible to anyone seeking to reduce stress, increase focus, or improve emotional well-being.
In addition to their individual programs, HeartMath works with organizations to enhance workplace wellness. Hospitals, for instance, have implemented HeartMath’s tools and seen measurable benefits in nurse retention, patient satisfaction, and overall morale. These improvements highlight the profound impact of heart coherence on fostering positive, supportive environments.
Corporate wellness programs also benefit from HeartMath’s training. By teaching employees how to manage their stress, communicate effectively, and increase resilience, companies can create a workplace culture where people feel supported and valued. This approach is transforming organizations, one coherent heart at a time.
Bringing heart-based living to the world
HeartMath’s vision for a kinder, more compassionate world is deeply interwoven with its focus on heart-based living. Through both individual and collective approaches, the organization is helping people worldwide cultivate inner peace and resilience, creating ripple effects that extend to families, workplaces, and communities.
For those looking to get started, HeartMath offers a range of resources, including online courses and coaching. Through these tools, individuals can learn to achieve greater harmony between mind and heart, bringing more stability and joy to their daily lives.
As HeartMath’s research demonstrates, each of us has the capacity to create change within ourselves—and that internal change can lead to a brighter world for all. As more people experience the benefits of coherence and balance, HeartMath’s mission moves closer to reality: a world where people care for one another and live in peace and harmony.
