I am here as

 [Alesha is currently working as a student placement with Permamently Brilliant, and so was a fantastic extra pair of hard working and very bright hands before, during and after at the CoaSTie event in Heartlands and the Cafe Disruptif Session in Chacewater ten days ago. This is what she has to say..Ed.]

 Monday 12.03.18

“The Gathering of the Tribes” Heartlands, Cornwall.
As a student, it’s fair to say I often doubt myself; procrastination deadlines and wonder if three espressos was a good idea. I never planned to ‘Change the World’ … sure when I was younger perhaps. But now? I’m realistic now… There’s nothing I could do that would change the world.


Oh, how I was wrong…
 
Presentation after presentation I sat digging deeper into my thought bubble. Ideas I had stored away were surfacing now; Ideas I once thought were ridiculous now appeared credible.
Why? Because I’m surrounded by people who make ideas a reality.
 
I’m angry with myself for the doubt i’ve consumed over the last 18 years.
I’m inspired by these people who have taken their first step towards change.
I’m excited.
I’m excited to learn.
I’m excited to change.
I’m fuelled.
 
I believe change is a timeline of progression. Steps taken to get from one place to another.
I believe change is a timeline that is never-ending… That’s why it’s scary.

We - as human beings - fail to accept spontaneity.
We like control (Oh the irony), and predicting the knock-on consequences, five or six steps along from the beginning of our timeline is terrifying because we cannot predict the outcome.

Something the Gathering of the Tribes taught me was to take initiative. If it feels right then most likely it is right - regardless of the fear or worrying about further down the timeline. If it feels right NOW, if you have the opportunity to do something NOW, then do it.

Tuesday 13.03.18
“The Psychology of Change.” Chacewater, Cornwall.
 
Monday was an introduction. Tuesday was a beginning.
I wasn’t arriving as a student today.
I wasn't arriving as a volunteer today.
I was arriving as a disruptor.
 
A notice from a speaker during the gathering: Focus on changing one little thing today, and you’re already making a difference.
 
Chacewater filled me with inspiration; not to learn, to act. I had plans to connect members with friends; people who I knew could collaborate and work collectively. Chacewater left me feeling engaged with the issues, something which made me realise the issue of psychology. Connection. Without an engagement, people aren’t going to connect with the wider issues.
 
So how do we connect people?
How do we change their way of thinking?
We find a common goal, a common interest. Something that makes you and I human. Something that connects us. That’s where we start.
Because saying “I know better than you” has never worked to help the world.
Connecting people … coming together as one.
That’s the goal.

Disruptive Inspiration:

Liberty Heaverman (20 :
Flatmate and close friend.
Fine art student who I believe can change the world through visual art and product design. 
 
Themes explored: Plastic pollution, Political dispute, and the refugee crisis
 
Why Am I Inspired?
Lib found herself struggling with her course, pressured into completing work which didn’t suit her passion. Tempted to drop out she gave it one last push, and found momentum to make her work fun again; despite not being the ‘Social Norm’ amongst her fellow art students.

Lib’s sideline project “Bruce.CO” https://www.instagram.com/brucecompany2/ is also worth noting trust me, the sustainable art movement is going to kick off !

LIBERTYHEAVERMAN.COM
 
 GABBY EDLIN :

Founder of BloodyGoodPeriod; Providing period supplies to asylum seekers, refugees, and those who can’t afford them.
https://www.bloodygoodperiod.com/
https://twitter.com/bloodygood__
 
9 Year Old Boy; Ponsanooth.

Although I don’t even know you,
I would like to say thank you.

My attention was brought to your artwork during a plastic pollution presentation from The Gathering of the Tribes. However, it wasn’t until by bus journey from Redruth to Penryn that I fully admired your work in person.

If there was ever a more perfect sign to realise change is coming. that moment was captured. Call me cheesy but I guess you could say that journey home provided me with an ephiany.

The younger generation of disruptors are rising.
Watch out.

Alesha-Jane Owens, University of Exeter, Cornwall