ACTionism in Action Newsletter 20th November
Every fortnight, this newsletter shares stories of people and communities doing exactly that. We show you what's possible, what's working, and how to start where you are. Each issue, you'll find something to watch, something to read, something you can try this week, and something you can join.
ACTionism is about noticing what needs to change, finding your people, and making it happen. Not waiting for permission. Not hoping someone else will sort it. Just stepping into your own agency - with others - to create better spaces, places, and solutions.
We want to share stories of people and communities doing exactly that. To show you what's possible, what's working, and how to start where you are (and meet the others keen to get involved too!) The point isn't to inspire passive awareness. It's to give you ideas, momentum, and to remind you that all you need to do is pick one thing. Do something.
SOMETHING TO TRY: Stop wondering what to do, and just do something
If you're anything like us, you might be feeling excited about stepping into your agency and doing things yourself instead of hoping someone else will. But then comes the moment where you wonder: "Where do I actually start? What's the right first move?"
And we're happy to tell you: there isn't one. Your first step might be chalk on a pavement, a "help yourself" box, or a litter pick with friends. We've gathered simple first steps that actually work. Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Pick one and go.
SOMETHING TO WATCH: The biggest wind turbine in the UK is owned by a community in Bristol
Imagine a future where communities own the power - literally. The people of Lawrence Weston built the UK's biggest community-owned wind turbine, bringing cheaper bills, cleaner air, and local funding for projects that matter.
Antidote Studio have captured their story. Watch it, then get involved in a community power project near you ( or set up your own!) Find out more here.
SOMETHING TO READ: The cascade effect of simple actions (+10 ACTions to get you started)
What if weeding your kerb became a community project that led to owning a park and starting a local veg box scheme? Small actions don't feel small when they're collective actions.
One action sparks a conversation. That conversation builds a connection. Connections become movements. And movements create real power and change.
Read our guide for inspiration on how you can get started with 10 simple actions
SOMEWHERE TO MEET THE OTHERS: Discover how social cinema and community workshops transform audiences into movement builders
Join Tamasine McCaig (ACTionism co-founder) and Alex Fish (Founder of 99p Films) on 26th November, 11.45–12.30 online as part of the Communicate Conference. Communicate is the UK's leading conference for environmental communicators, organised by the Natural History Consortium and held in person and online.
Save the date, grab your pass, and come ready to think differently about how stories fuel action.
SOMTHING TO TRY TODAY: Set up a slow-down club
Olivia Stamp shares how to set up the Slow Down Club. Born from a collective desire to find some relief from the pace of modern life, the Slow Down Club is simply a space to reflect and to imagine together. A co-creation of what life might be like with a little more ease, a little more peace, a little less pace.
We're searching the UK for stories that showcase ACTionism. Writers, content creators, filmmakers - if you've spotted an action worth sharing, we want to work with you.
Get in touch. We're open to skills exchanges and other forms of collaboration.
So if you've got an idea you'd like to share, a story you'd like to tell, or a Reel you'd like to make, get in touch.
Our ACTionism Contributor Guidelines
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED: Help ACTionism find a sponsor
We're looking for a partner ready to invest in amplifying grassroots community action through our monthly Spotlight call series and associated content.
ACTionism Spotlight calls are monthly live conversations with inspiring community actionists and organisations. Know someone who can help fund us? Contact: Tamasine McCaig
