fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
A Hard Lesson Learned, The Importance of a Growth Mindset
By: Kiera Malham
Tags: Growth Mindset, Education, Self Improvement, UK, Education Reform

The British education system needs improvement. I think that this is the case all around the world, there are always ways the schooling could be better. As a former Scottish student, the focus was the material, the test. Never how to learn, which is arguably, far more important.

Upon my fifth year of secondary school, my year was brought to the hall to sit in on an assembly all about the importance of a growth mindset over a fixed mindset. For those who are unaware, a fixed mindset is a simple belief that your innate ability to complete a task or succeed is static. It remains the same and there is no way of changing it. For example; “infectious diseases are just too difficult to learn, I just can't memorise all these terms”. A growth mindset is a belief that you can work and build upon your preexisting skills and that hard work reaps the high reward. For example; “I just can’t memorise all these terms, yet”. A single word can change your entire life.

My last year of secondary school was tough, I didn’t believe I had the capability to succeed because I “just wasn’t good at exams”. This led to my rejection letter from my dream university, and what I felt was a disappointing college course instead. Of course, I learned to be grateful for my experiences and I grew so much as an individual, I would never trade that for the world. But at the time, I was heartbroken. I felt well and truly hopeless. This was just another challenge though, and this time, failure was not an option.

My first year at college was the biggest wake-up call I could have ever received. I took the time to learn how to study, a crucial skill that was somehow lacking despite how academically orientated I have always been. And most importantly, I learned the value of hard work. Flashcards were constantly updated, I almost never missed a class, my reports were well-articulated. I pushed myself until I realised that the opportunity I have been given as a gift. That my intelligence was not dictated by a grading system but by hard work and perseverance.

With everything happening throughout the world right now, we power on. Within a single year, I transformed from a fed-up student with an average grade of C to a straight-A student with a fire unlike any she had ever experienced.

I am so proud of where I have come from and my story shows me all the time that with the right mindset, we truly can change.
Just bought a Medium premium subscription — a 4th government carte Blanche — the weapon license on…
By: Povilas Brilius
Tags: Public Space, UK, Media Literacy, Seashore, Cctv Camera

Just bought a Medium premium subscription — a 4th government carte Blanche — the weapon license on the streets. Practically it means connection to the lack of rights since the college SA — students representative body against the college senate.

Now I’m planning to contribute a little bit to the social conundrum of the city — academic city, my parents location moved from Vilnius; and now they are planning to move to France. My return from Maastricht SBE resulted in significant losses against LKBK, former KGB and relatives across the world, especially USA located.
Countries That Have Banned Travel From UK — Iryna Renkas
By: Iryna Renkas
Tags: Banned Travel From Uk, Quarantine In Uk, Iryna Renkas, Banned Travel, UK

Iryna Renkas — If you are planning to travel England then there is big NO for you.

According to information below countries banned there flights for England.

PARIS Italy Dubai Sweden Switzerland Latvia Rome Israel Saudi Arabia Kuwait

If you are planning for where to travel this Christmas 2020 then you may check the destinations.
何栢良稱應考慮停飛往來英國航班
By: C Y S
Tags: Government, China, UK

A columnist in political development in Greater China region, technology and gadgets, media industry, parenting and other interesting topics.
歐洲多國對英國實施交通限制
By: C Y S
Tags: UK, Governance

A columnist in political development in Greater China region, technology and gadgets, media industry, parenting and other interesting topics.
Catfish and the Bottlemen and Their Rise to Fame
By: Julia Rose
Tags: UK, Indie Rock, Catfish And The Bottlemen, Rock And Roll, Musicians

Band History

Photo Credit:Amazon.com

Tidbit

For the first few years of Van McCann’s life (the lead singer and guitarist) he toured Australia with his parents. This was a prolonged celebration after Van was born, the last attempt that his parents gave at trying to have a child. One day, the young Van was sitting outside a café with his parents when he turned to see a man hitting glass bottles strung by wire to make music. This was the moment that he became conscious, as he had become transfixed by the holders of alcohol.

Okay, that’s not true, Van isn’t your typical rockin roll, drug junkie bandmate, but it was his first memory of music. Later, in 2015, he actually got to meet Catfish, the man who had played the bottles. This is where the name Catfish and the Bottlemen was derived from.

The Formation (2007–2013)

The band that is Catfish and the Bottlemen, Oasis with better manners, formed in May of 2007 in Llandudno, Wales, as The Prestige. The indie rock band was formed between Ryan Evan McCann (Van McCann) and William Bibby (Billy Bibby). At the time, both of the kids’ parents owned bed and breakfasts, so they had a free rehearsal space, where they both played guitar. Benji Blakeway (bass) and Jon Barr (drums) later joined, enabling the band to preform with a full set of bandmates. In 2010, Robert Hall (Bob) replaced Jon Barr which completed the iconic lineup that is most well known today. Initially, CatB began their journey as a Beatles cover band.

Big Break (2014)

Even though Van McCann stated in an interview with Bearded Magazine that back in 2013, around the time of what most would consider the year of Catfish’s “Big Break,” he felt like the band’s sound hadn’t evolved and that they were still waiting for their break. In my personal opinion, their sound is still fairly similar to when they began, but their fame has increased exponentially since 2014, the mark of when they started to become popular. Around this time, Jonathan Bond (Bondy) replaced Bibby. Their single Kathleen even peaked at #1 on MTV’s hottest tracks in April of that year. In the year of 2020, their top three songs all have over 80,000,000 listens on Spotify.

Album History

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The Balcony

—2014—

Complete with eleven songs, The Balcony is Catfish’s first album that adds to a sum of 37 minutes. It is their most successful album according to Wikipedia’s discography section.
加拿大禁止英國航班
By: C Y S
Tags: Government, UK

A columnist in political development in Greater China region, technology and gadgets, media industry, parenting and other interesting topics.
英國病毒變種失控
By: C Y S
Tags: Government, UK

A columnist in political development in Greater China region, technology and gadgets, media industry, parenting and other interesting topics.
香港午夜起禁英國航班搭客抵港
By: C Y S
Tags: Hong Kong, UK

A columnist in political development in Greater China region, technology and gadgets, media industry, parenting and other interesting topics.
My Journey from Chile to the UK
By: Daniela Valenzuela
Tags: Travel, Remote Working, UK, Chile, Innovation

2020 was a year with the most change in my life.

I was working in Chile in a large mining corporation trying to set up its innovation unit — a very hard task due to quite a conservative mindset around innovation in the company (I was quite often the only woman and the youngest in the room). April came and the innovation unit was dissolved due to strategic reasons (the pandemic and poor performance during the last years in the company had had a clear influence on its finances). Fair enough, they did not want innovation — *or maybe not that way*. But you are young and you just keep going!

So I decided to move to the UK with my boyfriend in the middle of the pandemic, on among the first flights over to Europe since they had been suspended at the start of the restrictions. I went to the UK mainly to explore options for a masters degree or job. I was very lucky to find a job in an innovation consultancy within two months of moving there and was one of the two selected candidates among 500+ applicants. Obviously, at the beginning, I was scared about my English skills as well as maybe potentially struggling with different ways of working. It goes without saying that everything happened and keeps happening online.

All my fears quickly vanished when I realised that my English was up to the level and that the way of working suited me very well — things actually do happen, they don’t just get discussed. I have been very lucky to find a position where I am not scared to innovate, to propose crazy ideas, and to talk to everyone no matter their hierarchy. Besides, all the innovation expertise has been incredibly useful, and I can say that we have some great innovation education on this matter in Chile.

Besides working in this consultancy company I have been the teaching assistant of lots of innovation courses in Chile, all online. It has been great to be working from so far away, but still connected with great professionals that are hungry about learning more and making their organisation a better place to innovate. The time difference has been very helpful because I could work on this in the evenings. This really shows you that the world is one, more than ever before, and it really doesn’t matter where you are physically.

I have noted many interesting points on this journey. You are valuable no matter where you studied, where you come from, how you look, and how your accent is. You just have to put all your energy and will in what you do. Everyone will tell you that it is impossible to find a job in the middle of a pandemic, in another country and in the middle of an economic crisis. It is indeed extremely hard, but not impossible and if you do not try you will get nowhere.

Daniela in London

I can proudly say that I am excited about 2021, it might still be a tough year, but I just hope that the world keeps moving and that I can do my bit here to contribute in the UK, to keep growing professionally and keep putting my energy in all the exciting projects that are going ahead.

Go 2021!
UK BEST PERSONAL LOAN
Tags: Google, Blog, UK, Loans, Blogger

When you get the search results for Us witch personal loans you will be shown a representative APR. This is not necessarily the rate that you will pay. The final rate you pay are going to be decided once you’ve got made a private application and it’s been approved. The representative APR figure is just a guide.
Study in UK
By: Pyramid Eservices
Tags: Visa, Study Abroad, UK, Study In Uk, Study Visa

The United Kingdom is one of the best study destinations in the world, comprising four countries, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with about 5,00,000 foreign students enrolling each year. UK educational institutions in the world rankings are consistently performing well. This year the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College London, and 80 other UK universities have been rated among the best by the QS ranking agency for a moment.

For more information, https://www.pyramideservices.com/UK/
Disadvantages Of The UK Leaving The EU On 1st January 2021
By: Philip Ogley
Tags: UK, Life, Brexit, Politcs

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遠方友人
By: Nancy Tsai
Tags: 英國, UK, 旅行清單, 旅行

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Operation TORAL explained: Striving for peace in Afghanistan
By: Ministry Of Defence
Tags: Peace, UK, Terrorism, Military, Afghanistan

Operation TORAL explained: Striving for peace in Afghanistan

British Forces remain in Afghanistan helping to tackle terrorism and restore stability in the region, here are the three things you need to know. Ministry of Defence Follow Dec 18, 2020 · 3 min read

For over 19 years British forces have been in Afghanistan. In 2014, combat operations ended and British and NATO Forces continued to commit significant resources to Afghanistan with the aim of helping to rebuild and provide ongoing security in the region.

Operation TORAL is the codename given to the British element of NATO’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

Currently deployed to Afghanistan are soldiers from 2 SCOTS, Royal Regiment of Scotland. They are providing security in the form of the Kabul Security Force.

Here are three things you need to know:

1. What is NATO’s Resolute Support Mission?

Resolute Support is a NATO-led non-combat mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.

It helps the Afghan security forces and institutions to develop the capacity to defend Afghanistan. Protecting their people in a sustainable manner.

The Resolute Support Mission is currently made up of around 17,000 personnel from 39 NATO Allies and partner countries.

Soldiers from 2 SCOTS, Royal Regiment of Scotland, hold a Remembrance service in Kabul.

2. What are the UK Armed Forces doing in Afghanistan?

Alongside military activities, the UK Armed Forces support a wide range of projects including improving education, healthcare, economic growth and local governance in Helmand and across the country.

These have been made possible by improved security provided by international troops and the Afghan National Security Forces.

Force Protection

Stationed in Kabul, the British soldiers lead the 7-nation-strong Kabul Security Force (KSF). The KSF provides force protection and protected mobility for coalition mentors as they advise around the country’s capital.

As part of the KSF, the British Army’s Quick Reaction Force — an armed military unit capable of rapidly responding to developing situations — is helping provide vital security for Afghan security forces.

Soldiers from No2 Company Welsh Guards on a foot patrol in the streets of Kabul providing armed escort for a coalition advisor. (2018)

Toral Aviation Detachment (Puma)

The RAF’s Puma helicopters and their crews deployed in Kabul provide helicopter support to the NATO forces.

The Puma detachment enables mobility within Kabul, preventing NATO forces having to travel by road where the risk is higher.

Being the movement asset of choice in Kabul, the Puma’s agility and the capability of the crews are unparalleled.

They operate in all conditions — even the harsh Afghan winters.
Operation SHADER explained: Daesh’s demise
By: Ministry Of Defence
Tags: Security, UK, Terrorism, Military, Syria

Operation SHADER explained: Daesh’s demise

From striking Islamic State targets from the air over Syria to teaching skills and drills to the Iraqi forces, the UK Armed Forces have contributed to the Global Coalition for six years Ministry of Defence Follow Dec 18, 2020 · 6 min read

The global terrorist group Daesh previously took advantage of regional instability and political upheaval to control areas of Syria and Iraq roughly the size of the UK.

Daesh poses a threat to UK national security as it seeks to expand its terror network, using propaganda to radicalise and recruit citizens from the UK and around the world. That’s why the UK Armed Forces work day and night overseas to help keep Britain safe.

The UK Armed Forces’ latest mission in the Middle East has seen them work alongside 80 other nations to help provide safe and stable communities for the Iraqi people to live and work in.

Op SHADER — Air Element

Surveillance and airstrike sorties as part of the Global Coalition led by the Royal Air Force.

How it started:

Operation Shader began six years ago on 9 August 2014, when the Royal Air Force began a series of humanitarian air aid drops onto Mount Sinjar in Northern Iraq.

The air drops were ordered following the genocide of the Yazidi people and other ethnic minorities by Daesh in Northern Iraq, which had led to them fleeing onto the mountainside to escape Daesh. Following the conclusion of the aid drops, the operation quickly changed to become the UK element in the US-led coalition that began the campaign to destroy Daesh.
晚冬英國旅行
By: Nancy Tsai
Tags: 英國, 旅行清單, UK

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Save critically endangered species
By: Syed Umer
Tags: Birds, Future, Social Change, Environment

problem statement:

Due to over population, deforestation and pollution, avian species are in danger.

There was a time when nature had it’s verity of species

And then we came here and took their place :(

In Pakistan, we are facing a lot of issues because of air pollution. Out of which bird migration and death is a big problem. As I am a bird lover, it’s sad for me to see the damage we are making to the nature. Green trees were the homes of many beautiful birds but because of over population we don’t have a much of them left behind. In December 2019, the international Union of Conservation of Nature(IUCN) listed 223 critically endangered avian species. Following is the list of some endangered birds in Pakistan. I have mentioned only a few of them because I want to be focused on main point

Black-tailed godwit

Cheer pheasant

Cinereous Vulture

Dalmatian pelican

Egyptian Vulture

Peregrine Falcon

According to some studies, bird population recorded in Lahore is reduced to 85 which was 240 in 1965 including both residents and migrants.

I have searched a little deeper and have found that in Lahore district “Royal Raw Parrots” are in danger. Other than that I would like to mention some of the residents like

yellow-footed green pigeon

A pair of yellow-footed green pigeons

old world flycatcher

A White eyed flycatcher

parakeets

Rose-ringed parakeets

Old world bubblers

Striped tit-babbler

woodpeckers

black kite

Black kite

Now one of the many ways to save these species on which I am focused is is to pet them in home. Feed pets indoors if they are not wild.

In this way we can encourage plant growth, tree plantation and can make a new home for these beautiful little creatures. We were the ones who destroyed their home so it’s our responsibility to give them an alternative. But unfortunately we are not putting any effort here

Strategy:

The point is why would people with business mindset put effort in saving these species?

My plan is to bribe people, in a sense that these birds can not only give aesthetic look to our balcony but they can also be a source of handsome income. Yes we can keep them and then sell their chicks or birdlings to earn profit.

In this way everyone would start keeping birds in home and we can at least save these birds from getting extinct. Selling their offspring gives you money and increase birds population at the same time
A way to design thinking
By: Ayesha Rasool
Tags: Connection, Books, Book Readers, Design Thinking, Social Change

A way to design thinking

Design thinking is a very useful way towards problem solving. It involves various steps that lead us towards solving a problem. This problem can be our personal problem or it can be a problem that is faced by a large Community and it can also be a social issue.

It involves to empathize on the problem, to define and identify it and to refine and test the solution which you have found during this process.

While thinking of the process of design thinking, I came up with the idea that why don’t I think of a problem that start implementing it to solve that problem…

Okay now… the problem about which l have always been concerned is related to 'Books’. Why I am much concerned about this factor is because not a large number of people have ever thought on this serious issue. The problem which I discover is:

“ There is no such social community or social circle at general public level that can connect passionate readers. Those who are crazy about reading. Also, a lot of students and people are there who cannot afford to buy such an expensive books every year or every six months. Alongwith that, books, that should be treated as treasure, are being deteriorated and are now being disowned on a massive level; how? in a way, that a lot of people have lost interest in book reading in their hard copy form because lot of books are now available on internet easily. This is also greatly affecting the book publishing business all over the world”.

So why don’t we generate a platform that can connect these book-readers to each other so that they can share their books with each other either for a limited time or permanently, either for free or at a much lower price voluntarily. This will not only provide these books with a new home and a new master that will take better care of them but also it will tend to attract more people back towards book reading which not only will incorporate them with more knowledge but also provide them with their own source of peace and it will also help to revive the publishing business.

All we know that true books lovers never want to say goodbye to their books badly. So why don’t we provide them with the readers that are passionately willing to grab those books. This is would be a win-win for both sides..

What do you people think of this idea!!

Let me know about it and share your thoughts with me…

Then I will let you people know about my next plans..
Eve Prodding/Teasing — A Social Dilemma
By: Moeez Ahmad
Tags: Society, Social, Society And Culture, Social Justice, Social Change

Eve prodding/Teasing represents a sort of lewd behavior of a young lady. At present it has become a major issue in Pakistan. The majority of the young ladies cannot stroll in the city without being prodded by another gender. Numerous young ladies ended it all because of eve prodding. Numerous female understudies halted their investigations and, in any event, going outside. It is a shocking situation in Pakistan. At the point when we study the causes behind the events of eve prodding in Pakistan, we discover a few reasons. Absence of strict instruction, oblivious about religion, open sky culture, nonattendance of family trainings and so forth have large part in making this issue in our general public.

We see that numerous spots in Pakistan like roads, shopping centers, schools, schools, colleges, workplaces, amusement spots are undependable for a lady particularly little youngster. Studies have indicated that eve secrets are school understudies, undergrads, college understudies, jobless youngster, cart pullers, road merchants, transport drivers, transport conductors, works, safety officers and so on are associated with eve-prodding. Youthful and grown-up, rich and poor, taught or uninformed all classes are engaged with this horrifying demonstration. The casualties are likewise from different classes like assembly line laborers, homegrown specialists, understudies and high-class proficient ladies.

Eve mysteries habitually go through passing foul remarks, pointless contacting, pushing and pushing in the roads and generally openly moves. Different ladies are much of the time annoyed at working environments by male managers, associates or supervisors. Course of action of good and strict training in instructive and strict establishments, making work for the jobless youngster, presenting and sanctioning exacting laws against mysteries can assume an extraordinary job in causing society to dispose of eve-prodding.
跑步與社運？
Tags: Culture, 香港, Social Change

Learn more. Medium is an open platform where 170 million readers come to find insightful and dynamic thinking. Here, expert and undiscovered voices alike dive into the heart of any topic and bring new ideas to the surface. Learn more

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A Christmas Message for the People
By: Evangelist John Dye
Tags: Politics, BlackLivesMatter, Social Justice, Podcast, Social Change

Evangelist John Dye is always examining the times we live in and here is where it lead us.

There has been social and civil un-rest in our time with people being fed up with the current administrations dealing with society in America and around the World.

The problem is so bad that Globally, Black Lives Matter protested on every Continent for Racial and Social Justice for Blacks and Minorities because Police Brutality is out of control. (Finally the World United in Solidarity to stand up against it.)

Economic In-Equality for the poor and minorities has reached the boiling point and has everyone demanding equal pay and the removal of their leaders from office for failure to act on change.

Here in America, President Donald Trump refused to sign a Stimulus Relief bill to help the people; instead he went golfing and disregarded the suffering of many from a struggling economy due to the pandemic. (But he made sure his Political Criminals were Pardon.)

This type of arrogance and ignorance lead him to lie to the very people, he was suppose to protect when he down played the Corona Virus Pandemic / COVID-19. Now 300,000 people are dead and the truth is half of those people could have been saved. (Their blood is on his hands, believe that.)

It is said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, then Donald Trump has proven this to be true. He refuses to step down and leave the office of the Presidency as he continues to wreak havoc on society with his non-sense even though he lost by 7 million votes. (Who does that, a mad man that’s who)

This is not leadership and he is leaving a legacy of having no class what so ever. (A classless failure under his watch and the American people and the World will be glad when he’s gone.)

Evangelist John Dye says: “stand up and let your voice be heard, march, protest, speak out and demand Change and Term Limits on these so called leaders; if you want to have a successful society racially, socially, economically and democratically / unite together as one people under God and stop this foolishness.” Amen (A message from Evangelist John Dye the man of God / real leadership starts here.)

Websites: www.evangelistjohndye.com and www.heartministriesonline.com
The Complex Philosophy Of Societal Systems — Social Stratification
By: Marko Slankamenac
Tags: Philosophy Of Life, Social Systems, Social Justice, Social Stratification, Social Change

In the present, many of us fail to consciously acknowledge the difficulty it takes to endure being in the presence of a world that screams in agony- a world that defines ‘imperfect’ so, perfectly. And it is at this current time of development of human society, that seems to diminish. It is the lack of empathy, awareness, and recognition of our surroundings that seems to embrace our inner ignorance and thus, nurture disconnectedness.

And for both current and future generations, it is morally wrong to justify their “irrational” reasoning and “contribution” to this conflict. Ever since humanity began to progressively advance in various fields, the need for a system, was becoming ever so demanded. A system that would in essence, divide people in order to create, ‘order’. This system would eventually be integrated into the depths of society, serving a purpose to direct the path of humanity’s development in a way to benefit the rich, and immerse the poor in prejudice.

In fact, a remnant of this immense control is visible everywhere- including parts of the world where least expect. Schools, countries and practically everywhere on Earth is a consequent of this continual practice. The destined imprint of humanity is sadly, beyond the control of the poor; however, completely operated by individuals of higher status. Thus, a sinister, manipulative impression of humanity is created.

Societal systems have existed for as long as the beginning of humanity, thus elucidating the origins for these systems- intelligent life supplemented with sentimental capacity is the formula to initiate the creation of such a system. Thus, we can explain this phenomena by linking it to the birth of humanity; a societal system was naturally developed as a result- there was a great desire to become of great status. More so, to be socially ‘acceptable’.

Distinct forms of societal systems formed over different periods of time in a variety of countries. These methods of creating social stratification became increasingly applied- it was successful in separating groups of people into groups based on socioeconomic factors:

Wealth

Income

Race

Education

Ethnicity

Gender

Occupation

Social Status

This form of system can be classified as a social hierarchy, a social pyramid classifying groups of people depending on the factors above.
Socio Story spearheads “Leaders For Social Change”, an initiative to encourage sustainable social impact
By: Socio Story
Tags: Impact, Social Development, Ngos In India, Csr, Social Change

The need for change remains constant and inevitable: positive and sustainable change, change that impacts individuals, communities and societies.

“Leaders For Social Change” was initiated by Socio Story with the objective of encouraging corporate change makers to present their stories of impact, incorporating sustainable development goals.

“Selection process was very credible and the jury took a completely independent decision; our objective was to bring to light CSR projects that are making a sustainable impact on the community,” says Manoj Pachauri, Founder, SocioStory:

The jury for the initiative comprised of Dr Seema Sharma, HoD, IIT Delhi, Dr K.K. Upadhyay, Former Head of FICCI; and Prof Prashant R Chauhan, Department of Social Work, Amity University, Noida, along with the mentorship of Padma Bhushan Dr Anil Joshi, Founder HESCO, and Mr Yashveer Singh, Executive Director Ashoka Young Changemakers.

Jury Members

On the process of the assessment Dr Upadhyay commented: “Impact assessment was an open and a transparent process based on environmental, social and governance parameters, with an aim to make business accountable. It is extremely competitive and based on ethics, transparency and a responsible sustainable development paradigm.”

The following projects have been shortlisted for the final round

“Jeewan Jyoti women empowerment”, a CSR initiative by Sterlite Tech, with focus on creating a comprehensive ecosystem to help remote women achieve financial independence and self-reliance; Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, aiming to transform the lives of children and youth by proactively implementing and supporting programmes in school education; UPL Vasudha Program, a nature conservation initiative by UPL Limited, which aims for an integrated nature conversation; Schneider Electric India Foundation’s “Energy for Livelihood” project aims at livelihood enhancement of the rural community in the remote and economically backward districts of Jharkhand and Odisha; “Prabhaav Foundation”, a non-profit organization supported by Jindal Stainless Foundation which focusses on restoring, maintaining and developing an urban park; Roots Foundation’s DSR project (Direct Seeded Rice) aims at reducing water consumption by about forty percent, especially in areas where the water tables are low; Spark Minda Foundation’s prison programme that helps prisoners learn new skills, enabling them to find employment.

About Socio Story:

‘Socio Story is a development advocacy platform which brings stories of social changemakers to the world and raises a voice on various pressing issues like climate change, education, poverty, healthcare etc. It’s a platform where social changemakers can share their tale & journey of toil, grit and leadership towards achieving their social goals for creating a better India.
The Georgia Runoff Has Major Implications for Your Everyday Life
By: Sean M Everett
Tags: Senate, Elections, Politics, Social Media, Social Change

Because there was no Senatorial candidate who won a majority of the vote in the November 2020 state of Georgia elections, it means there will be two special runoff elections on January 5, 2021.

And because the race to control the Senate is so close, the outcome of these two elections will determine which political party controls our government for the next few years. This could impact your life in myriad ways, because whomever has control has the ability to pass new laws on issues like COVID-19 relief, gun control, and health care.

Learn more about what this means for you by reading the idea on Goodpoint:

It’s a respite from the rest of the internet, where you can share your beliefs without having to worry about trolls.
Mob Mentality: When will Mewat be developed?
By: Kayantar Foundation
Tags: Learning And Development, Rural, Development, Social Change, India

Mob Mentality: When will Mewat be developed?

Aasif is a learner in our Development Leaders for India program

People turn to the same shop during rush hour, and do not think it is necessary to consider other accompanying shops, even if there are better goods available. When there are three people standing together outside the shop, then a fourth will stop by, thinking that there must be something of value there.

Parents might think “If Hassan Saheb’s son has studied and become a doctor, then why must my son stay behind, even though he is a singer from within?” Or they might think “Three boys from the neighborhood have gone abroad to become engineers, so why not get our son admitted in engineering, whether he has the want or the courage to become an engineer or not?” We have fallen prey to this mentality, and become sheep, to such an extent that we are blinded on our path. This blinding continues, from one generation to the next. We should not think that all minds are meant to become doctors or engineers. Some children have a knack for becoming good teachers, while other children might be cut out for having a career in business. And, some children can become scientists, if they are guided in the right direction, depending on their talents and intelligence.

An innocent child who, under parental pressure, becomes a chartered accountant one day, places his degree in front of his parents one day and says, “You succeeded. Like the son of ‘Ram-Mohan’, you, now, also have a chartered accountant at home. But this chartered accountant killed an artist, who loved the camera. This artist wanted to play with colours, and now he will just play with notes…”

Who knows what people are going through? A bus driver in a khaki uniform who collects tickets and faces the dust on the roadside all day, might be sobbing on the inside. And who knows what people are capable of? Someone who might have made a model of a car that would have surprised the world, is making round loaves of bread, and keeping clothes in the cupboard. For instance, a girl who might have a talented Urdu writer hidden within, could be pursuing a professional degree and not even be aware of the “alif” of Urdu literature.

If someone asks me, “When will Mewat develop further? When will it progress?” I will have but one answer, “The day everyone follows their own understanding of things in life, where education is not chosen by relatives or neighbours, but by children themselves who are encouraged by society, that is the day that no one can stop us from progressing.”

Think positive.
Why Redlining Has Affected Everything and Anything
By: The Emerald Magazine
Tags: Social Rights, Redlining, Equality, Social Justice, Social Change

By Shantell Dasilva| Emerald Magazine

In the 1930s, the United States government created a program in order to sustain segregation in the housing market all while boosting the market for the white middle class. Banks and loan companies used a map created by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC). The map was color coded, and districts of each city were put into four categories: green — most desirable neighborhoods/white middle class, blue — predominantly white neighborhoods (not as affluent), yellow — “declining” neighborhoods, and red — “hazardous” neighborhoods/predominantly BIPOC.

This map was ultimately used to “redline” Black and Brown bodies living in lower-income neighborhoods, deeming them undesirable. As a result, banks and loaners were advised to deny loans to those living in yellow or red districts, while those that lived in green and blue districts were practically guaranteed loans regardless of any hiccups.

Although the program has been inactive for decades, the aftermath remains significant today.

In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, on average white families make 10 times more than Black families and eight times that of Hispanic families.

Additionally, the Federal Reserve conducted a study on racial wealth inequalities which confirmed that “white families had the highest level of both median and mean family wealth: $171,000 and $933,700 respectively.” Yet, Black families make $17,600 and $138,200 respectively.

While these trends may not seem to be linked to redlining from decades ago, they are indeed interconnected. When looking at a map of redlining from New York City, districts marked green in the 30s remain some of the wealthiest areas to live in today.

Brooklyn Redlining Map. Image via redhookwaterstories.org

For instance, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, an area marked green on the HOLC map, remains one of the safest and wealthiest neighborhoods and does not have any public housing available for its residents.

On the other hand, according to the Furman Research Center, Bedford Stuyvesant (which was marked red on the HOLC maps) is home to 17.1% of housing projects in New York City. The public housing projects in NYC are also over 90% Black and Hispanic.

Black and Brown bodies continue to be targeted by the government and are denied access to better education, health care, food, housing, parks, etc. The cycle must be broken.
Elle Dodd recently joined Collaborate as a Senior Head of Practice.
By: Collaborate Cic
Tags: Society, Commu, Blog, Government, Social Change

Elle Dodd recently joined Collaborate as a Senior Head of Practice. In her first blog, she reflects on why collaboration feels so important now.

In January I spent eight hours a day for two weeks in a room with 100 people from all over the world, teaching and learning about the challenges of leadership. We talked at length about how to generate the right conditions for change, the exercise of power, and the importance of working across boundaries. Back then, when being so close to so many people felt very normal, it was the topics that sometimes felt quite theoretical.

But 2020 has had a way of turning things on their head. The challenges and frustrations of the last year have shown me just how life-changingly real these challenges of leadership are. We’ve all witnessed it first hand, not in a course or a report, but in the news, in our jobs and in our communities.

We’ve seen how under certain conditions we can make changes at a scale and a pace previously unthinkable. We’ve seen the rise of leaders that share power and show vulnerability, and the failings of those that cannot give clear direction or lose public trust. And we’ve seen just how powerful, though often difficult, it is for people from different places, organisations and professions to work together for a common purpose.

It’s these questions, of change, and power and partnership, that Collaborate has long been working on. Just this year, the Margins to Mainstream report built on the learning from twenty pioneering organisations to deepen our understanding of how to grow a new approach from one service or division to bring change to a whole organisation. The Ignite leadership programme provided challenge and sanctuary for Chief Executives navigating how to deploy their power and provide leadership to the places they work in. And the Manifesto for a Collaborative Society set out a vision for what we could achieve across all aspects of our lives, if we act together in deeper partnership.

And so as we close 2020 I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the team and help take this important work forward. I bring with me my experiences in policy making and diplomacy from local and national government; training in economics; passion for learning; and drive for social change. I look forward to sharing those with our partners as we work and learn together.

Without doubt, next year will bring new challenges. Many of the things we’ve learned about how to adapt, to lead and to collaborate will be needed again, both in our continued management of the pandemic, but also in grappling with long-term challenges from climate change and Brexit to centralism and austerity. And there will be opportunities for new learning and exploration. I hope we’ll be able to explore together how to sustain shared purpose beyond the crisis; how to grow the movement of people leading change; and how to realise the Collaborative Society.

But for now, let’s find time for restoration over the winter break. I hope to see you on a Zoom, or even in a room, in 2021.
A Journey to Celebration: Music, Art and Black Joy
By: Alicia Waller
Tags: Art, BlackLivesMatter, Music, Art Activism, Social Change

As my artistic path has developed, I’ve been thinking deeply about the inner workings of systems that our collective societies uphold, and who are most favored as dreamcatchers. When it comes to race, Black bodies are often rewarded only up to the point that they do not disturb, offend, or even slightly interrupt the status quo. The price for entry is almost always some form of silence, and our systems are so effective that they can engender our silence subconsciously, even when we are not aware. I have come to believe that it is only through actively resisting silence that our fullest expressions can be awakened. For me, this has led to writing and releasing my own music for the first time in my life — music that is deeply rooted in a celebration of self and my people.

It has, however, taken me some time to get here. I first started dabbling with my creative voice through my love for opera, where I found access to distant cultures and languages through song. I began by curating performances that functioned much like a classical voice recital, while switching up my musical selections. I also played with a band instead of piano and organized setlists that included folk songs from regions in the Middle East, the Balkans, Brazil, and Venezuela; replacing traditional classical programming that is centered around the compositions of 17th and 18th century European men. My goal with these performances was to share in a discovery that artists and creatives have long known — that human beings are constantly exploring and making sense of the same things: our humanity.

Yet, somewhere along the way, I realized that silence had still found me. I began wondering if, in only looking out to the many beautiful musics of the world, I risked sacrificing the depth of my own journey. So, I decided to turn my artistic practice of exploring human truths on myself, investigating my own people through music, a path which has coincided with a major cultural awakening for my country.

Of all the critical social revelations that we have learned in 2020, it is imperative that we all continue to insist that Black bodies have the right to assert themselves — to declare our troubles and our joys in public. We have the right to exist, to lead with our whole selves, and, for that alone, to be met with nothing less than goodwill. In this spirit, I have created this song and accompanying video.

‘Soul’ and its visual are a celebration — a tribute to being Black and being musical, and to a Black woman’s love both for herself and for Black men. It was created to celebrate our bodies, minds, and glorious presences, and to honor our sisterhood and the wisdom of our hearts, while uplifting the lives we have lost in the long battle to reclaiming our joy.

The video also pays homage to a city that I have called home for close to a decade. New York City remains as vibrant as ever, breathing life into this Black woman’s blues.

I hope you enjoy.
Daily Mandate
By: Shawn Humphrey
Tags: Social Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation, Social Change

Leave the crowd.

Walk the tunnel.

Enter into the arena.

Go

Toe-to-toe

Chin-to-chin

Chest-to-chest

With your fears, anxieties, and insecurities.

They’ll knock you down.

But get back up.

They’ll knock you down.

But get back up.

They’ll knock you down.

But get back up.

And, even though you’re trembling, share.

Your art.

Your thoughts.

Your vision

Of the world

With the world

Without permission.

+++++

If you enjoyed this blog, you may enjoy my This is the Work newsletter.

Thanks. — shawn

+++++

Photo by César Couto on Unsplash
Future of Mobility
By: The Word
Tags: Adaptability, Adapting To Change, Future Mobility, Mobility, Social Change

Future of Mobility

Mobility. The ability to move freely between different levels in society. The ability to move freely and easily.

Well in such a trying time as now, where movement is more restricted and monitored than ever before. Humanities ability to embrace mobility from within, to embrace and design new paradigms in our minds is our greatest strength.

Embracing our unique perspectives and expediting our collective skill sets in open forums through applying new technology to overcome challenges has always been how change-makers enrich society.

Gone are the byzantine constructs of research and development, freelancers, skill sharing platforms and open source software has opened up society to new opportunities to become more flexible.

The future of mobility is beckoning.
খালেদা জিয়া পদ্মা  সেতু পার হলে ভেঙে  পড়বে- এমপি শাহাজান খান
By: Tahon Richand
Tags: Bangladesh Newspaper, Bangladesh, Political, Social Change

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