Maryland Steps Up!

Here in Vermont, we’ve been focusing on organizing a conference in June. That will be kick-off our statewide movement in support of using Gross National Happiness measurements when making decisions at all levels of government, as well as on the job and even in our homes.

Because Vermont is a small and progressive state (and because it’s where most of us live!), this seemed like a good starting point for building national momentum.

So imagine our surprise – and pleasure! – to learn that the state of Maryland has already stepped up to the plate. They are not using the GNH terminology; rather, they have developed a “Genuine Progress Indicator” – but it’s a very similar approach.

Here in Vermont, we’re a movement of citizens. The Maryland actions are actually part of the state government. Very exciting – and hopeful!

We might have some different ideas of how to go about it, but there’s a lot of interesting material to digest at their site: http://www.green.maryland.gov/mdgpi/

And how cool is it that the home page includes this message from the Maryland Governor:

“Just as the elements of our natural world must be balanced to ensure a healthy ecosystem, so too must be the elements of how we judge our success as a State. A strong economy, a clean environment and a healthy citizenry go hand in hand; none can be a true measure of success without supporting the other two. We developed Maryland’s new Genuine Progress Indicator to help us ensure that our economic growth will not come at the cost of our natural resources, and that they both support our progress toward a sustainable future and a better qualify of life for all Maryland families.”

So, GNH-type activity in Vermont and in Maryland. How ‘bout the remaining 48 states and the District of Columbia? Who’s next?

Ginny Sassaman