Many years ago, I was introduced to a philosophical question that changed the way I
think when it comes to impact and outcomes. The question was, "If a tree falls in a
forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" This question, as it was
designed, challenges how you think and what you believe, and leaves you with the
option to formulate an answer based on knowledge, experience, science, or personal
beliefs. For me, the question led to other questions, like what is most important,
knowledge that the tree has fallen or the sound? In other words, what impact or value
does the sound have?
As one who works in the community development sector, I have another question for
you to consider. If essential services and goods are posted on the internet, and
those in need are without internet services, are they available? I would say yes,
they are available, but not accessible. Hopefully this question causes you to examine
what you think and believe about accessibility. Too often we perceive available to be
synonymous with accessible, leading us to misconceptions and a false sense of
achievement. What’s most important in the proposed question is understanding the
value of access and seeking to magnify it through multiple streams of communication
until it is optimized.
As a society and especially in our communities, we should seek to reject exclusion and
elevate equity by adopting a framework that allows everyone in need to access public
services that may potentially improve their quality of life.