November 2007
Welcome to the inaugural Otesha UK Newsletter. Prepare to be entertained, amused, bemused and astounded...
Turn On Turn Off
Plastic Bag Free Claiming Territory on Ice
Every month we're going to be mithering on about our biggest moans and bigging up our favourite things. If you'd like to flick the switch send your suggestions to jo@otesha.org.uk.
The Otesha UK Book – Hold tight. It’s coming up!
In 2005, Otesha members and volunteers in Canada published a collection of personal accounts of how small, daily actions can change the world. Since the Otesha Project has now become a global movement, we wanted to make a new book with new stories, experiences and exciting projects taking place all over the world and especially in the UK. The book will have eight chapters, each on a different theme: water, food, fair trade, fashion, energy, money, media and transport. The basic idea is that we’ll release one chapter a month in this newsletter. At the same time we’ll invite anyone and everyone to tell us your stories.
We’ll publish the stories on our website and create an amazing bank of inspiring personal accounts and projects. Each month we'll select a story at random to receive one of our newly-created trouble kits (with everything the surreptitious changer maker needs to make an impact). In the autumn of 2008 we’ll select our favourite stories from the pool of submissions and get the book published for real.
Hopefully your mind is already spinning with stories you've got to tell. The first new chapter (on food), will be out in the next newsletter, when we'll be inviting you to submit your tales of Tomatina tomfoolery.
Straddle that saddle - It's time to join the ride
The very first Otesha UK cycle tours will be happening next summer. We've got the routes, we've contacted festivals, schools and communities to let them know we're on our way. The only things missing now are two teams of committed and passionate cyclists aged 18 to 25 to join the ride.
From May to September 2008, two Otesha teams will meet up, cycle to different places around the UK, really practical environmental actions, challenge people to do something in their own lives, and then move on to the next place. Each cycle tour is six weeks long. The two Otesha teams will showcase the Otesha play, facilitate interactive workshops on specific issues like climate change or fair trade, and invite people to participate in hands-on sessions on bike repairs, do-it-yourself media and more.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, then email cycletour@otesha.org.uk and we'll send you an info pack that tells you all you need to know. You can also download the info pack and application form directly from our website right here.
How many young people does it take to change the world?
Some of us are also involved with Go Change the World. They're a panel of young activists who go out and give inspiring talks on how easy it is to change the world, bit by bit. They give talks at schools, colleges, community groups, voluntary sector forums, radio, bookshops ...wherever and whenever they can. Basically they want to encourage everyone everywhere to make a difference. We like them, so expect to hear more about them.
What simple action would you ask a million people to do?
This month We Are What We Do is asking every child and young person under the age of 18 in the country “What simple action would you ask a million people to do to change the world?”
We Are What We DoProvide an answer to their question that is creative, compelling and sufficiently world-changing and they’ll try and get a million people to do it. This campaign is designed to show the power of small actions x lots of people = BIG CHANGE. If you or anyone you know is under 18 and would like the chance to be put on the map for social creativity then go towww.smallactionsbigchange.org.uk for more information.
Want to know what else is happening this month?
Take a look at our events calendar to see what else we're plugging in November. There's a lot going on, from the annual anti-shopping celebration Buy Nothing Day to a Bicycle-Powered Bonanza, where some great bands, DJs and the Magnificent Revolutionary Cycling Cinema are coming together for a night of pedal-powered revelry. Trust me, these events are not to be missed.
And finally
This month at Otesha, we have mostly been eating seasonal food with an orange hue.
We've been Otesha, you've been great. Collect your friends' email addresses and sign them up to the next newsletter without their consent or knowledge. They'll thank you for it. We hope.
Jo, Barbora & Liz
The Otesha Project UK
www.otesha.org.uk