Our learning this week. We have been inspired by the “Access to Inspiration” podcast hosted by Sue Stockdale, one of our longstanding Advisors. During her podcasts, Sue speaks to people from a diverse range of backgrounds as they share their stories of how they have transcended day to day challenges and ignited new possibilities. During this particular 17 minute episode podcast, Celia Garland, a glass blower and naturalist, talks about her experience and learnings from completing the Appalachian mountain trail (which is over 2,000 miles long) with her family.
What was the key to their success? Before setting out Celia researched the factors that contributed to the successful completion of the trail. She found that it wasn’t about being the fittest or having the best equipment, the key to success was based on the number of people the hikers had told about undertaking this adventure: “The more people you told, the more likely you are to finish it because if you have to go home and explain 1,000 times why you were home early that was going to keep you hiking". We can use this analogy in our own lives.
This learning about the importance of communication is particularly relevant to organisational strategies. By telling your stakeholders about where you want to go and how you’re going to get there it shows commitment to your goals whilst also creating a support network. This form of accountability is incredibly powerful.
We have been working with Hope for The Future to support their strategy development process. Hope for the Future is a climate charity which works to equip communities, groups and individuals across the UK to communicate the urgency of climate change with their local politicians. In order to support their work, they are currently seeking an interim senior support. If you are interested in the role, please see the job description here.
Hot off the press! We are excited to publish our fourth research paper for The Commitment. The paper is titled “Climate Change and Biodiversity: Using social media advertising to inspire action”. Special thanks go to Kibbo Kift Agency and Sam Narr for co-creating this project which ran for 9 months and explored the use of social media advertising in expanding The Commitment’s reach and inspiring action for a healthy planet. To read the report here.
Change maker of the week:
Quote of the week
"Things never happen by accident. They happen because you have a vision, you have a commitment, you have a dream.” Oscar de la Renta
Best wishes,
Ian, Lorna, Rosie and Megan