By Ramelle Lewis Growing up, I knew my family was different. When I was very young, I didn't realise that different didn't necessarily mean 'bad', or 'wrong'. I just knew that my family would never conform to the nuclear bloc of Mum, Dad and child. I had Mum, and later Ava*[1], my
Causes & Issues
The 7 Deadly Sins of Modern Activism
The struggle for social change has never been easy, but modern activism is fraught with pitfalls that could dilute a cause or turn allies into skeptics. Using the framework of the seven deadly sins—Pride, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth—we can identify detrimental tendencies in modern activism. Awareness of
5 Causes That Need Our Urgent Support
Marrying for a Cause: The New Trend of Charity Wedding Registries
Weddings are often a grand display of love and commitment, complete with lavish banquets, floral arrangements, and sentimental gifts. Yet, a burgeoning trend is flipping the script on the traditional wedding narrative: charity wedding registries. Instead of toasters and tableware, couples are asking their guests to give to causes they
Youthquake: How Gen Z is Rethinking Philanthropy
The philanthropic landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, thanks in large part to the emergent energy and perspective of Generation Z. This digitally native, socially conscious generation is not just rethinking philanthropy; they are actively reshaping it. From utilizing social media as a fundraising tool to focusing on systemic change
The Creative Catalyst: Art, Media, and Social Change
The creative industry has a powerful role to play in driving social change. Unlike traditional forms of advocacy, the arts and media have the ability to engage public interest and influence opinions in a unique and impactful way. Whether through films that illuminate the hardships of marginalized communities or advertising
Taboo to Transformation: How to Discuss Uncomfortable Causes
Discussing uncomfortable or taboo subjects is often avoided in polite conversation, but it's precisely these topics that frequently require the most attention and action. Issues like mental health, domestic violence, and systemic inequality often go unspoken, perpetuating stigmas and inhibiting social progress. Addressing such subjects is the first step toward
Micro-Movements: Small-scale Campaigns with Big Results
In a world that often celebrates grand gestures and large-scale initiatives, the power of small-scale campaigns or "micro-movements" can be easily overlooked. However, these localized efforts, often driven by individuals or small groups, can yield surprisingly significant results. They serve as tangible demonstrations of the principle that one doesn't need
The Litter Project: A Piece A Day
By Bernie Rakocevic Most of us were horrified as we watched the devastating environmental impact of the estimated 41 million litres of oil spilled from the tanker Exxon Valdez in Alaska’s pristine Prince William Sound. The spill covered 2100km of coastline. The ensuing financial, environmental and ecological impact is well documented. Over
The Loneliness Pandemic: Crafting Connected Communities
Amid the clamor of daily life—scrolling through social media, running errands, managing to-do lists—it's easy to overlook an insidious epidemic that's eroding the social fabric of our communities: loneliness. Not only does this emotional plague wreak havoc on individual well-being, but it has a contagion effect that weakens our collective