The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) held its second international conference a few weeks ago, and I’ve only just had time to begin to sift through what I can only describe as the greatness of it.
What is ARC? According to the organization, inspired by the mind of Jordan Peterson,
ARC is … an international community with a vision for a better world where every citizen can prosper, contribute, and flourish. Our ambition is to draw on our moral, cultural, economic and spiritual foundations to imagine a future where empowered citizens take responsibility and work together to bring flourishing and prosperity to their homes, communities, and beyond. We are citizens from around the world but each of us recognises that our societies are at a turning point: the time to develop a better story is now, and we invite you to join us in building this vision together.
I’ll share these speeches, space permitting, or parts of them, directing you in the latter instance to the full remarks, but to begin, we have Oliver Anthony’s speech. He broke the internet in the summer of 2023 with a song called Rich Men North of Richmond. He broke the mold when he turned down numerous calls from famous and connected music industry professionals. They wanted to help him into their world, but he just wanted to teach the gospel, stay who he was, and help lift up people in his (He has started something called the Rural Revival project).
He’s been out of the news or at least the limelight of viral internet fame but that experience has connected him to more people with whom he could share his thoughts and music. And, as it turns out, an invitation to speak at ARC.
I won’t tease it except to say that it is moving, honest, and brilliant, and I can think of no better way to start a work week than with this kind of inspiration and truth.
