Using the framework of “Think locally, act globally”, we’re encouraging a discussion about the health of the planet as a whole, and how to take action in our own communities and cities.

With a bombardment of bad news from near and afar, how do we can we practise being active citizens without combusting? How do we show up for causes important to the greater world and the ones nearer to home, with a million issues to learn about at our fingertips?

With the rhetoric of “self care” being co-opted as a capitalist, individualised solution, many of us are no longer convinced that the path to saving ourselves is through buying face masks. We’ll instead be talking about the notions of community, systemic care, and the safety nets we can co-create to support everyone, not just ourselves.

Open up the conversation with some brilliant activists in the Birdsong network. They’ll talk about how they practise integrity to the issues close to their hearts, on their doorsteps and much further afield. Together we can make a better world for the planet, and for people.

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Our panelists are:

Birdsong artist in residence, Ellen Rock.

Formerly known as Nelly Rose, Ellen is a practising print designer and textile artist with a focus on global artisans and craft. Ellen uses a collaborative approach to preserve traditional skills and champion sustainability in a rapidly changing global world. Her career has taken her to Nepal, Indonesia and most recently an in store mural for the Birdsong shop.

https://www.instagram.com/ellenrockstudio/

Karan Pancholi

Karan is one of the stars of our Still European t-shirt campaign, and director of OKRA Studio community interest company. The studio, based on Old Kent Road in South East London, is an architecture, design, research and education collective specialising in projects that benefit communities old and new. They work with local community groups, housing associations and artists.

https://www.okrastudio.com/

Ayesha Tan Jones

Ayesha is a multidisciplinary musician, activist and artist. They use art as a medium to encourage environmentalism and ethics, exploring activism through ritual, spiritualism and craft. Ayesha has recently become known for their Shadow Sistxrs Fight Club self defence classes, and Gucci protest against mental health as a fashion statement.

https://www.ayeshatanjones.com/

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ayesha-tan-jones-protest-gucci-milan-fashion-week

Chaired by Birdsong Co-Founder Sophie Slater

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Birdsong create original clothing staples that are ethical and sustainable, made by expert women makers facing barriers to employment in the UK.

Our mission has always been to create clothes that women feel good about wearing and use our brand to inspire and implement change in the fashion industry. We’ve created over £100k in revenue for women’s organisations, and the low income women they support, since we established in 2014.