Over the next seven months the new cohort of Change Creators – The XLR Collective (who you will meet individually through their online profiles over the course of the programme) will be making waves in the city, tackling social issues through musical and creative solutions. The Inspire Week gave the group the chance to travel around the city and meet some amazing local and national organisations, getting them ready for the journey ahead and fuelling their fire for social change.
We talked about Bristol wide policies with Mayor Marvin Rees and Councillor Asher Craig, discussed mental health with local charities including Off The Record, and Intergrate UK opened the group’s eyes to FGM alongside a wide range of other topics and organisations.. Each issue was disseminated, and added to the group’s topics for later discussion.
The Collective met with, spoke and questioned a wide array of Bristol based social activists and creativists from all across the city. Deep breath …
Monday was all about the months ahead, focusing in on what leadership is, different types of leadership styles and each member of The Collective’s personal journey, informed by talks from the XLR Collective Project Manager; James Kennaby and the KWMC Youth Programme Manager; Mena Fombo. After a full on day the group headed to Bagel Boy at Saint Nics for a debrief and get ready for the next day. After getting to know each other on day one the feedback was exactly what we were aiming for,
“Inspired and grateful to be around people who are doing things that I aspire to do.”
Tuesday, we were out and about in Bristol. Kicking things off with an inspirational talk from Julz at Ujima Radio, a self proclaimed Creativist. Originally from Knowle West, Julz gave a unique perspective on the area, and an enlightened understanding of the challenges face by people in the local area. He talked about his background, and explained ways that the group can make a difference to their local area by just getting involved and “not being scared to shake things up”.
That was followed by a tour / meet and greet with the DJ’s, presenters and volunteers at the Station. It was great for the group to meet some inspiring local characters who are championing talent in their local community and striving to make a difference.
From there The Collective headed to Desk Lodge for a Social Issues Speed Dating session. The group met:
– Off The Record
– Barnardo’s Care Leavers Team
– Integrate UK
– Daniel Edmund from Milk for Tea
Each focused on specific social issues that Bristolian’s are faced with and what they are doing within the city to combat them. The day was finished with Daniel from Milk For Tea, an entrepreneurial social force who’s mission is to create open conversation around male suicide and provide support alongside creating safe and inspiring networks through local events in London, Bristol and more.
“There’s no one way to be a man, anytime people don’t understand you they will try to attack you, that what’s labels are” Daniel Edmund Milk For Tea.
Some feedback from Day 2:
“I’ve always been a bit cynical about charities but it’s nice to see people who are genuine and have drive. It’s made me hopeful and it’s refreshing.”
“I feel re-connected with a lot of things happening in Bristol – and more informed.”
On Wednesday, we began our day at the City Hall with some seriously inspiring talks from Mayor Marvin Rees, Councillor Asher Craig and Phil Castang from Bristol Plays Music. Asher started the day, explaining how the local council works and her amazing journey to becoming the counsellor for Saint George. Marvin Rees, with his background and passion for music was excited to talk to the group about their ideas and offered some amazing examples of how musicians have the power to change so much within their local communities. Phil Castang, or as the group ended up calling him “The Castang!” began by explaining Colston Hall and Bristol Plays Music’s role within the local music scene and their education strategy. He then gave his personal insights and gave some poignant and honest advice based around resilience and striving to create what you want, no matter what the challenges are that you face. The City Hall leg of the week ended with Asher guiding The Collective around the building, seeing the elected mayor’s office, board rooms, The Cash Hall and many other intriguing spaces, marvelling at the fusion of the old and new elements of the building.
The afternoon was spent back at KWMC, reflecting on the three days, further discussing the issues the group feel passionately about, and then making some songs based around social issues in a creative way, reminding the group of how their creative skills can be utliised in a wide variety of ways. The songs were hard hitting, honest and diverse.
“I feel empowered and capable following these few days. I feel able to do the right thing. We’ve met people who are doing the right thing and that’s great.”
The XLR Collective are now formed, informed and ready to develop their ideas. This is set to be an amazing seven months.
Watch this space!
@change_creators
#XLRcollective
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