Pop quiz. Do you resonate with 10 or more values on this list?

• love of nature and deep caring about its preservation, and its natural balance
• strong awareness of the planet-wide issues like climate change and poverty and a desire to see more action on them
• already taking action in one way or another
• willingness to pay higher taxes or spend more money for goods if that money went to improving the environment
• heavy emphasis on the importance of developing and maintaining relationships
• heavy emphasis on the importance of helping others and developing their unique gifts
• volunteer with one or more good causes
• intense interest in spiritual and psychological development
• see spirituality as an important aspect of life, but worry about religious fundamentalism
• desire equality for women and men in business, life and politics
• concern and support of the well being of all women and children
• want politicians and government to spend more money on education, community programs and the support of a more ecologically sustainable future
• are unhappy with the left and right in politics
• optimism towards the future
• want to be involved in creating a new and better way of life
• are concerned with big business and the means they use to generate profits, including destroying the environment and exploiting poorer countries
• dislike the emphasis of modern cultures on “making it” and “success”, on consuming and making money
• like people, places and things that are different or exotic

Does this sound like you?

This list of characteristics were identified in a book published in 2000 by sociologist Paul H. Ray and psychologist Sherry Ruth Anderson and became the inspiration for this site.

There is however, one key quality missing from the list above — the belief that we’re alone.

But here’s the thing — the authors found that nearly 50 million Americans (just over 25% of the adult population) can easily be identified as members of this hidden sub-culture. Having lived on four continents, I can attest that this phenomenon is not restricted to the U.S. It’s global.

Now more than ever

One of the main goals for the Institute is to help foster uniting the Cultural Creatives. Coming together under a common mission may in fact be the only thing that keeps our planet from the brink of chaos.

Climate change, the growing gulf between the 1 and 99%, ecosystem destruction… we all know the list of desperate problems. There are solutions, but until we come together, we don’t stand a chance of bringing about the kind of real change that is necessary.

This isn’t politics. It’s evolution.

While those involved with the cre8tives project hold no illusions that we have all the solutions, it’s clear that we need to stop waiting around for the new world arrive and get to work. First by smashing the illusion that we’re alone.