Charity Meetup’s May meeting was an exceptional event, not only because it marked our virtual third birthday (yes, we really have been going online for three years already!), but also because it gave our guests some valuable insight and inspiration.
We began with a fun mixing game to break the ice. Attendees were given three minutes to create a birthday card inspired by the aims of Charity Meetup. There were some beautiful designs, and Hope found it tough to choose a winner, but Louise Collins from Sussex Wildlife Trust took first place. Her prize was a gift set of Temple Spa goodies donated by consultant Vicky Avis and a virtual session with emotional, well-being and mind management coach Natalia Christie to help boost positivity.
Among the other highlights was a talk by #iwill ambassador Ciara McCarthy, who shared her experiences and advocacy for improved education for young disabled people. The key messages from Ciara’s talk included:
Awareness and Inclusion for Deaf People
Ciara highlighted the lack of awareness surrounding the deaf community, which became apparent to her during the pandemic. This set Ciara off on her journey where she advocates for improved education, focusing on educating young people about disabilities. Ciara even took her message to the Labour Conference, emphasising the need for inclusivity and awareness in our education system.
Advocacy Through Social Media
Recognising the importance of spreading awareness, Ciara began championing her cause on social media. She uses platforms to discuss the need for open conversations about disabilities, aiming to bridge the gap in awareness. By sharing her own experiences, Ciara has transformed her negative experiences of bullying into a positive force for change.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Ciara’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities. She experienced adversity and bullying due to her disability, but instead of allowing it to define her, she channelled her experiences into advocating for change. By transforming her negative experiences into a force for good, she has become an inspiration to countless others.
Why do we engage in charitable work and what are we most proud of?
We concluded our birthday Charity Meetup with two breakout sessions. The first explored our ‘whys.’
The responses revealed a common thread: the desire to make a tangible difference, help others, and foster a sense of community. Regardless of the sector we work in, these shared values unite us and fuel our passion for making a positive impact.
For the second breakout session, everyone was asked to reflect on the last three years and talk about what they had personally or professionally achieved that made them proud.
From Ciara’s advocacy for inclusive education to the importance of discovering our ‘why,’ this Meetup highlighted the power of awareness, connection, and support. By learning from the experiences of others and embracing our own unique journeys, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Let us be inspired to take action, make a difference, and leave a positive legacy in our communities.
