Michelle Charlesworth Expand Can you tell us about you and your background? I worked in the domestic abuse sector for over 10 years, and latterly in the homelessness sector. In April 2019, I saw the Extinction Rebellion unfold in London, calling on the government to address the climate emergency with appropriate attention and urgency. I had no idea that there was a climate emergency - I did my recycling, and thought that was all I needed to do to play my part for our environment - but an emergency? So I did my homework - and I was shocked when I realised how sick our beautiful earth is. Why wasn't this state of affairs on the daily news? Why didn't we all know about it -- and why weren't the government doing more to spread the message and make the changes needed to avert temperatures rising above 1.5C? My purpose now is to do all I can to avert the climate catastrophe, share my knowledge with my community and try to make a difference in this emergency. As Greta Thunberg says - 'we need everyone to show up'. I can be found on Twitter and Instagram, where I try to share my knowledge and raise awareness! What drew you to work with Aspire? I've been aware of Aspire's work since 2008, when I was working in the domestic abuse support services. Here, we would make use of the clothing donations and workshop opportunities for our clients - the Aspire welcome was always warm, and I remember thinking how about how dedicated the Aspire staff were.This was confirmed in 2018-19 when I started working in the homelessness sector, leading a project that directly benefitted from the services offered at Aspire. I was amazed at the variety of support offerings available - from mindfulness walks and buddying up, to courses ranging from Parenting to basic IT. When a friend shared news of Aspire's new One Planet Living 'Community Champion' role, I immediately applied knowing that it was a perfect fit for me! I can now do my bit for our planet whilst earning - imagine if we could all work this way? A better future IS possible!
Hannah Belok Expand Can you tell us about your background? I’m a fourth year Masters student studying Mathematics at the University of Oxford. It was through the Oxford Climate Society that I first became inspired to take action on climate change, having attended their fantastic 8-week School of Climate Change educational programme (which is open to the public!). My approach to climate activism aims to be intersectional, as I firmly believe that we cannot have climate justice without social justice. What drew you to work with Aspire? This core principle is part of what drew me to work with Aspire on this project; their focus on supporting disadvantaged communities and increasing representation in the climate movement is incredibly important to me. Community-based action is key in solutions to the climate crisis, and I am delighted to be a part of that through my role as a Community Champion.
Cathy Mulhall Expand Can you tell us about your background? I am a science graduate. I care about people and our planet. I want to use my talent and creativity to help myself and others to stop contributing to climate change and to actively work together to improve the climate - I am really inspired by Aspire's work. What ideas would you like to explore through One Planet Living? How we can happily take small steps together to make local positive concrete steps to improve our situation, learn and have fun along this path.
Ella Davy Green Expand Can you tell us about your background? I have spent the majority of my twenties either immersed in study, or working with various third sector organisations in Oxford and Brighton. I am now drawing on what I have learned and launching a new fledgling Community Interest Company, 'No Vice Ice', in Oxford. 'No Vice Ice' seeks to empower people to have conversations about the links between food, health and sustainability in ways that are fun and inclusive for all - namely designing, producing and eating ice lollies. In particular, we are focusing on the ways these issues affect people with often invisible long term health conditions/disabilities, who can face additional barriers to eating well. What drew you to work with Aspire? Aspire's social purpose and mission! My personal experiences of struggling to find suitable employment whilst living with long term health conditions has made me aware of the need for the work Aspire does - it's brilliant to be working with the Aspire team! What ideas would you like to explore through One Planet Living? I'm really interested in how we can empower communities to design and implement actions for sustainable transformation/systemic change, in ways that feel accessible and achievable for all. In particular, I would like to explore how people who might be excluded from these discussions can become further represented in these spaces. I am hoping that the holistic and flexible OPL framework is a means by which we can start to work towards this!