Worried about the state of the world, but don’t know where to start? This month a friendly group of Brummies got together to start supporting each other, sharing our concerns. Join us on 13th Oct 6:30pm at the BRIG cafe to share ideas for simple steps we could take together, to start making a difference!
Thanks to everyone who shared:
🤠 the roles you play & appreciate in others
😟 the issues you’re concerned about
😍 your vision for a more peaceful Brum (and beyond)
Collective resilience
We started by exploring some of the roles we naturally play in a group – whether you’re a wise owl reflecting deeply and connecting the dots, a pacemaker being pro-active and keeping things moving, or an astronaut who looks at the big picture and pushes the ambition, we’ve all got something to bring. Reflecting on our own strengths and preferences will help us when we come to consider what sort of actions might suit us.
We also thought about the roles we appreciate others playing – it’s important to celebrate the different strengths and perspectives we all bring, and not try to take on everything alone. Remembering that we’re part of a movement, can call on others who might be able to share the things we need and show appreciation for one another will be helpful when we think about building community to keep going.
What’s weighing on us right now
We spent time considering what’s weighing on us at the moment: in our own lives (confidentially) and in the world.
There are many issues in our local communities that are sitting heavily with us right now: lack of opportunities for young people, lack of housing, issues of homelessness and ageism (against both young and old). All connected by a feeling that the people who need the most support are being punished instead of helped.
We also thought about how this connects to the bigger picture – a lack of accountability for those in power, polarisation, and a narrow focus on ‘national interests’ blocking action on global injustices.
Connecting it all, is a sense that a narrow range of voices dominate, and that it’s difficult for people outside the bubble of power to be heard. As we continue these sessions, we’ll be thinking about how we can get together to make our voices heard.
Our vision for a more peaceful Brum & beyond
We finished by flipping these concerns on their head – taking inspiration from Casey Bailey’s poem Dear Brum, we mapped out our vision for a more peaceful and just Birmingham, UK and world. Some of the key things we’d like to see include:
Strong communities who have a voice in decision making. Accountability for those in power, and a long-term vision. We recognised that to achieve these we would need people with the skills to resolve conflicts honestly.
Accessible pubic spaces like libraries, plenty of green space, and connecting it all up with good public transport.
Sharing resources and investing in people, with equality, equity, tolerance and acceptance as guiding principles. We also mentioned some specific policy ideas like a wealth tax.
Moving towards action
Next time (Tues 13th Oct 6:30pm at the BRIG cafe) we’ll be looking at a whole range of different ways that people take action to make a difference. There will be the chance to explore which might suit our time, energy and personality, and what we can bring to movements for change. By the end of the session, we’ll hopefully all come away with a simple action that we’re willing to try, with support and encouragement from the group.
Join us, whether you were at the first session, or are just arriving – all welcome!
