Many of us have found that taking action has caused us to reflect and review different aspects of our lives - this section features writing from people who want to share those reflections, in the hope you might find them useful on your own journey to discover the joy of taking collective action.
Reflections
“The doom-laden headlines of our times would seem to indicate there are two futures on offer. In one, an Orwellian authoritarianism prevails. Fearful in the face of compounding crises — climate, plagues, poverty, hunger — people accept the bargain of the “Strong Man”: their leader’s protection in return for unquestioning allegiance
Reflections
Just Stop Oil have hung up their hi-vis. After years of relentless action, the government has finally agreed to stop issuing new oil and gas licenses in the UK. Whatever you think of their approach, this is a monumental shift - one that wouldn’t have happened without sustained pressure
Reflections
In a world grappling with climate change, inequality, and social injustice, more people than ever are looking for ways to make a difference. At the same time, others are frozen in inaction, fearing that what they have to offer isn’t enough to make meaningful change. Let’s take the
Reflections
OR WHY WE NEED TO USE THE NEXT 19 YEARS VERY WISELY. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I’ve got a complicated relationship with astrology. Bear with me on this one. On the one hand, my logical, rational and Westernly-educated brain thinks that it’s all nonsense, and
Nature
In the fabric of my youth, one resounding question echoed: “Can I play outside?” Those were joyful days of boundless exploration, where even the most inconspicuous treasures—a backyard stick or drifting leaves—beckoned with the promise of adventure. Nestled within a rural community, I was blessed by the nurturing
Nature
I’ve been told more than once that it’s hard to get young people interested in nature or climate change. That they’re always on their phones - disconnected, disinterested. But honestly? I think we’re asking the wrong questions - and placing the blame in the wrong place.
Nature
I’ve spent the last 20 years of my career designing functional clothing – mostly for the outdoor industry. More recently I’ve also been working in education; helping upcoming generations of designers get to grips with designing for function and purpose. I’ve learned a lot and seen many changes
Nature
THE BACKGROUND TO THE #CITIZENFRIDAY CAMPAIGN Re-Action’s anti Black Friday #CitizenFriday campaign would never have come to life if the founders of Re-Action, Gavin and Heather, hadn’t read Jon Alexander’s book Citizens: Why the key to fixing everything is all of us. Jon’s theory is that
Nature
Growing up, my nickname was ‘20 Questions’ because I was always curious, always asking “why?” I felt a deep sensitivity to the systems and ‘norms’ around me. There was a quiet, persistent unease, a sense that something wasn’t quite right. I didn’t realise that what I was experiencing
Reflections
PLUG-AND-PLAY AESTHETICS AND THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC Hey guys look at this photo of me and tell me what I could change to improve my face? What surgery would make me look prettier? I’m not fishing for compliments, I really want people on the internet to tell me how to
Reflections
ACTionism - The Story ACTionism, the film, follows Ellie Meredith’s journey. A journey of discovery, told through the Re-Action Collective. The collective is a group of organisations and Citizens that are re-imaging our relationship with clothing, equipment and the outdoors. Together they’re co-creating, sharing, building and demonstrating a
Nature
My Dad broke his neck and entered a coma on the 14th October, my Birthday. Endings and beginnings. At the time I was on the other side of the world, about to make the longest journey of my life. Days later, we would take the decision to switch off his