Meet the three-headed hydra of apathy, envy and fear.

Amid a pandemic and economic disruption, we face the three-headed hydra of apathy, envy and fear.

We all face challenges. Some of us are unexpectedly thrust into a public health crisis. For others, they’re born into a world of adversity, trauma and chaos. Now their lives are impossible. Allow me to explain.

Our choice? Retreat from the world’s chaos or take the opportunity to finally create systems of health and safety that serve everyone, everywhere.

Imagine a future when 100% of us can access vital services in times both calm and chaotic. We call these services that none of us can do without “surviving services,” which start with medical care and include behavioral healthcare, safe housing, secure food and transport to vital services. Now imagine everyone can access what we call “thriving services,” which include: parent supports, early childhood learning programs, fully-resourced community schools, youth mentors and job training.

Each of these ten services plays a vital role in keeping us safe from challenges — both predictable and unexpected. For those with resources, if you think that these services couldn’t disappear in the blink of an eye, think again. Did you ever think you would be standing in line in a store, limited to buying one loaf of bread, while wearing a face mask and gloves? It’s an anything-can-happen-world.

We can, city by city, create a local system of readiness that makes us crisis-proof. In a world where any day can present the next public health and economic crisis, we can make all our communities as strong and prepared as possible — ready to weather any storm — guided by courage, compassion, cooperation and timely facts.

About that three-headed hydra: As we work to press the reset button and innovate, we will confront those who enjoy the chaos (from afar) and fear the change and loss that threaten their power. They, the three-headed hydras, view the world from comfy rooms and hot tubs.

Prepare for the battle of the century. Progress vs. The Status Quo. Who will win?

The future is what we make it. Join the evolution.

Please excuse any typos as I construct an article at 3am on only one cup of Joe. These stories are mine and mine alone. I do not represent any organization here. If one of my illustrations looks like a real human or hydra, that’s total coincidence. Words and images ©Dominic Cappello but share with everyone you know. Any questions? The mission awaits: www.tenvitalservices.org