3 May 2024
The Stubborn Optimist
In this first interview episode of Manifesting Agency, hosts Ian and Esther talk with Kath Steward, a retired GP and active member of the Ilkley community. Kath shares inspiring stories of her determined efforts to create positive change, from her early days advocating to study medicine to her more recent projects like establishing community orchards. The conversation highlights key lessons around persistence, finding allies, and adapting when needed. Kath's experiences showcase how the initiative of committed individuals can have a real impact, and she encourages listeners to stay the course in manifesting their own vision for change.
Links
Margaret Mead (anthropologist) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mead) and her quotations:
thoughtful and committed citizens (https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/11/12/change-world/)
healed thigh bone (https://www.sapiens.org/culture/margaret-mead-femur/)
David Graeber (https://davidgraeber.org) and his quote about the ultimate hidden truth of the world (https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Ultimate_Hidden_Truth_of_the_World/APTtEAAAQBAJ?hl=en).
Ilkley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilkley), the town where we all live
Climate Action Ilkley (https://www.climateactionilkley.org.uk)
One Planet Living Framework (https://www.bioregional.com/one-planet-living)
Greenham Common (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Greenham_Common) and the Embrace the Base protest (https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2023-08/date-history-what-we-greenham-common-women-achieved)
Monica Sjöö (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_Sj%C3%B6%C3%B6)
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) (https://cnduk.org)
TED talk "How to Start a Movement" (https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement)
Example of Kath's use of MURAL to think about a potential project (https://app.mural.co/t/climateactionilkley4082/m/climateactionilkley4082/1594208073389/0e11c5295b25c72fe69bb5c1e458a9ba88445b69?sender=u55767ff4eb7f332dbe3e0965).
Culture Declares Emergency (https://www.culturedeclares.org)
Esther's Declaration of a climate and ecological emergency (https://www.culturedeclares.org/declarers/estherabramson/)
Culture Declares Emergency Wharfdale and Airedale local hub (https://www.culturedeclares.org/cde-wharfedale-and-airedale/)
Poem "Caminante, no hay camino (https://scalar.fas.harvard.edu/resources-for-loss/caminante-no-hay-camino-by-antonio-machado-contributed-by-jerry-sevillano-2021)" ("Traveller, there is no road") by Antonio Machado (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/antonio-machado)
Alex Sobel, MP (https://www.alexsobel.co.uk) and the Climate and Nature Bill (https://www.zerohour.uk/climate-and-nature-bill/)
Caroline Lucas, MP (https://carolinelucas.com)
Three word summary generated with ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com) from the episode's transcript:
The interview with Kath Steward, encapsulating her journey and approach towards activism and community involvement, can be distilled into three pivotal keywords: Persistence, Community, and Adaptability. These terms not only summarize the essence of Kath's efforts but also serve as fundamental principles for effective activism and personal growth.
1. Persistence – Persistence is the backbone of Kath’s endeavors, from overcoming barriers in establishing a community orchard to initiating climate action in Ilkley. Her narrative underscores the necessity of not giving up in the face of challenges, bureaucratic red tape, or skepticism. Persistence reflects her determination (distinguished from stubbornness) to pursue goals despite obstacles, illustrating that sustained effort is crucial for manifesting change.
2. Community – Community is at the heart of Kath’s activism. Her projects, whether related to environmental sustainability or local engagement, are deeply rooted in the idea of collective action and empowerment. Kath’s work demonstrates the power of bringing people together for a common cause, highlighting how community involvement not only amplifies impact but also fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging. Her ability to engage, collaborate, and build coalitions exemplifies the critical role of community in achieving significant, lasting change.
3. Adaptability – Adaptability shines through Kath’s ability to navigate the complexities of local activism and project implementation. Faced with hurdles, she exhibited flexibility in strategy and approach, whether in adjusting project plans to accommodate council requirements or in refining tactics to engage the broader public. This adaptability underlines the importance of being open to change and responsive to new information, allowing for the evolution of projects in ways that enhance their effectiveness and reach.
