Community: the new “village”
#14 | 6/9/23
“Oran a azu nwa”
We are dwelling on this proverb at the beginning of a new school year.
That is because a band of students raised enough to sponsor more than one of our events. They walked a marathon following their experience in an immersive workshop and we were reminded of this wonderful proverb about the role of communities and our mission to inspire concerted community action.
Communities are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to issues of justice.
They don’t do it alone, but they rally together to sponsor sanctuary-seekers; provide wisdom through intergenerational mentors who go into schools; lead scout packs; assist people in the corridors of the hospitals; adorn the halls with colourful flowers to brighten our day…all at a price, not a financial one, but one of commitment, time and energy.
Whether we’re one of them or being served by one or many of them, they enrich the tapestry of our hometowns. On behalf of small organisations like us, that are voluntary and can only thrive with volunteers, thank you…we need you and our communities are richer because of you!
Co-founder Ben Solanky was a key note speaker at 13th Festival Education at the end of Summer at Wellington College in a talk called Empathy and how to practise it (safely). Slides can be seen here.
Walk a Mile? These 10 students walked a marathon to help others walk a mile. Prioritising understanding and culture-making. Duke of Edinburgh Students Walk a marathon to help others with their proverbial walking a mile in another’s shoes to help build cultures of empathy.
Our Friendship Bracelets made it to the House of Commons this week with the Community Sponsorship Alliance in a tea with MPs with a message of helping increase the friendships between resettling sanctuary seekers and communities.
What we are watching, listening, reading, attending…
What if the world was rice… (a great interpretation by Stans Cafe Theatre group)
Other reads, clips, podcasts, events, films from around the team
Period exclusion is still a thing. In Nepal it’s even got a practise name “chhaupadi” - recently, Anita Chand died during her time of exclusion in menstrual hut despite the practise being banned in 2005.
Flying Kites in solidarity with Afghanistan… 2 years on the country is not forgotten but hope is scarce.
Remember the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bracelets, here’s an interesting take on them by Nadia Bolz-Weber in her The Case Against WWJD Bracelets sermon.
As we look ahead to a new piece on Modern Day Slavery, we’ve been reading/hearing about the film on modern day slavery called the Sound of Freedom - if you’ve seen it we’d love to hear your thoughts? Also any recommendations on ‘must see’ films or documentaries (get in touch).
A ‘Grief Rave’? An interesting take on exploring grief by the Loss Project
Unwanted by Cathy Glass (about the care system and care-leavers)
Following a great interview with Miroslav Volf by Simon Sinek we went and read the excellent book A Life Worth Living by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun & Ryan McAnnally-Linz
training your empathy muscle
an exercise of Listening
“DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE” A series of letters and personal stories from three women – Elizabeth, Rita and Angel – who access The Beth Centre, a space supporting women living in Lambeth who are at risk of, or affected by, the criminal justice system.
Curated by the Empathy Museum.
5 ways to help …
… to build a culture of empathy
Volunteer - we really need a bunch of regular helpers (eg a few hours or more(!) a week or for our immersive workshops from time to time). Sign up to our ‘Behind the Scenes at Empathy Action’ fortnightly email for regular opportunities.
Share the news - please forward, share any social media posts (helping us trend is a great way of using the powerful word-of-mouth way to communicate.)
Introducing - we’d value ‘an intro’… to any potential vols, groups or people that may wish to use the gifts on the empathy store for their conferences, events or weddings & birthday parties! Possibly even a word to school or business that might like to run an immersive workshop. Word of mouth is the best!
Become an Empathy Angel - monthly investors in helping build cultures of empathy … We can’t and don’t want to do this alone!
Host a coffee morning with a table of our handicrafts to sell and invite interested people to learn more and enjoy a cuppa
Thank you!