Frequently Asked
Answers to common questions about Seven Generations Innovation, the Seventh Generation Principle, and the work we are called to do on behalf of life, democracy, ecology, and generations yet unborn.
Still curious? Reach us through the contact section or email me at ron@sevengenerationsinnovation.com.
Seven Generations Innovation is a civic and creative platform based in Spokane, Washington, founded by writer, musician, and conservation advocate Ronald D. Reed. It brings together environmental stewardship, democratic responsibility, original music, public-interest writing, and cultural expression in service of a longer view.
Through essays, songs, public letters, testimony, and civic engagement, we seek to raise awareness, encourage responsibility, and invite more people into the work of repair for the generations still to come.
When you join, you’ll receive first notice of new music from A Wild Mercy and new writing from Seven Generations Innovation — including essays, letters, op-eds, civic updates, and reflections on timely issues affecting our communities, our democracy, the living world, and future generations.
We will write when there is something meaningful to share: new work, public-interest advocacy, invitations to live events or listening sessions, and updates connected to the long work of repair.
No. Joining is free, and everything we publish here — essays, music, videos, public letters, and civic updates — is free to read, watch, and listen to.
The name is rooted in the Seventh Generation Principle, often associated with Haudenosaunee thought, which asks us to consider how the choices we make today will affect life seven generations into the future.
For us, this is more than a phrase. It is a standard of responsibility. It asks whether our decisions protect or diminish the world our children, grandchildren, and future generations will inherit — the air they breathe, the water they drink, the lands and wildlife they depend on, the democracy they live within, and the communities they will call home.
We feel an urgency to share this principle because so much of modern life is driven by short-term thinking: the next election, the next profit report, the next crisis, the next distraction. Seven Generations Innovation exists to help restore the longer view — and to invite our communities to act with greater care, courage, and responsibility while there is still time to shape what comes next.
We write about the responsibilities we owe to one another, to the living world, and to the generations still to come.
That includes science-based wildlife policy, public-lands stewardship, ecological responsibility, democratic accountability, constitutional restraint, and the civic culture needed to hold all of it together.
Some of this work appears in regional publications, including The Seattle Times, The Spokesman-Review, and the Washington State Standard. We also publish essays, open letters, testimony, and related public-interest writing here in full.
The music of A Wild Mercy is led by Ronald D. Reed, whose songs and lyrics form the foundation of the project, with the creative gifts of vocalist and musical partner Keleren Millham and producer, guitarist, arranger, and musical director Jay Condiotti.
Like all meaningful creative work, the music is also made possible by a wider circle: musicians, engineers, visual artists, dancers, videographers, venues, friends, listeners, and supporters who help carry the songs from private creation into public life.
For now, comments and submissions will be read and moderated personally by Ron Reed. As Seven Generations Innovation grows, we intend to create space for thoughtful, civil exchange among people who care about democracy, ecology, community, and generations still to come.
Civility, reason, honesty, and care for the subject are the standard. We will not host anonymous posts or contributions that fall outside those community expectations.
You can reach us through the Join Our Email List button, which will take you to our contact form. You are also welcome to write to me directly at ron@sevengenerationsinnovation.com.
Thoughtful questions, ideas, and invitations are welcome.
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