Global Changemakers

Continuing on the road…

When we started on the road to Davos we were all very excited and if you were like me you were a little confused about the conference and what we are going to be doing in Guildford. I remember when Asanda and I were applying. The mixed emotions when we recorded the YouTube videos. I was excited to be meeting like minded people and also to participate as a young activist. The time passed by so fast, we applied, were selected and were then on this amazing website interacting with other young people from all over the world.

Our arrival at the forum was perfect. We were all very excited to meet the people that we have been interacting on the website but we never lost track of the focus. We were there to learn from the facilitators, challenge each other and most importantly share our skills and learn from one another. The one thing that I would like to highlight in this blog is the day when we all thought about what we would like to achieve for the next year. We spent some time looking at the things that we would like to achieve both personally and in our work as activist. I remember thinking about where I would like to be when we kiss 2008 goodbye. We all made plans and took some time to look at each others plans. I was really impressed with all the plans that was on the walls both project plans and personal plans. If we are looking at the road we have travelled together and the road that we are continuing to travel.

I would like to propose that we look at the plans that we made and look at how we can help each other make them a reality. (The last thing that we want is for them to just lay there on Steve’s desk) Those plans are an indication of our aspirations. I say we all look at implementing those plans by following the following steps:

• Look at the plans and design project proposals. (Nick has already started with this one)
• Send the proposals to the network. Look if there is any space for regional collaborations. Look if anyone else has a similar project idea and how we can combine ideas.
• Try to source funding and look for partners.
• Try to implement our project proposals without disrupting our lifestyles.

Once we have these concrete plans on paper it will be easier to present our ideas to possible funders or partners. I also feel that this will give us a strong foundation for the next meeting. When we all gather again we can start a process of "Peer Review" Where we can give each other advice on the projects that we implemented. I also believe that this will create a platform of learning and sharing that we can all benefit from.

I hope that my blog has taken some of the gravel out of the road and that you are now cruising down with your climate friendly car.

Keep well Guys

Peace and Love

Gillion

Cape Town, Sunny South Africa