Prior to the General Election, Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, order how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, cost what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer.
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet: photograph by:
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Olivia Sprinkel , Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
Think Act Vote will be at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival this weekend.
Prior to the General Election, sale Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer.
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet: photograph by:
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Olivia Sprinkel , Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
Think Act Vote will be at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival this weekend.
Prior to the General Election, ambulance Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, pharm how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer.
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet: photograph by:
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Olivia Sprinkel , Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
Think Act Vote will be at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival this weekend.
Prior to the General Election, about it Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer.
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet: photograph by:
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
Think Act Vote will be at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival this weekend.
Prior to the General Election, shop Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer.
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photography by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photography by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photography by Deepti V. Patel
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photography by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photography by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
Think Act Vote will be at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival this weekend.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, more about Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer.
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photography by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photography by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photography by Deepti V. Patel
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photography by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photography by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photography by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
Think Act Vote will be at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival this weekend.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, ambulance Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, medical how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, story what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer.
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
Think Act Vote will be at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival this weekend.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, cheap Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust is settles and the Coalition has passed the 100 days mark. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the outcome of the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, sildenafil how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!).
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, had live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth. On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation. I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
What form were you hoping the Coalition would take?
I don’t know, there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, Where you following the news reports on the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
Well as I was away, it was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
Think Act Vote presents a positive way to reclaim our future. With this in mind, what did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
Thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas. There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your voice heard?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote and The Future I Choose?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
Yeah, we do these often, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on our website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. Not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, viagra Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on the birth of the coalition. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
Well we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project the night before, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote ?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. Not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, viagra 60mg Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on the birth of the coalition. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote ?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. Not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, search Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on the birth of the coalition. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, medications how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote ?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. Not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, visit Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on the birth of the coalition. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, viagra buy how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, page what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work. I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere. From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee. Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are the summer plans for Think Act Vote ?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks. We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer. Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions how to make them. You can read the stories here. The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it. The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that. But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well. Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. Not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, there Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on the birth of the coalition. Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work.
I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere.
From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee.
Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are Think Act Vote plans for the rest of the summer?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks.
We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer.
Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions on how to make them.
The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does the Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it.
The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that.
But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well.
Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. This is an event not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, thumb Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on the birth of the coalition.
Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work.
I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere.
From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee.
Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are Think Act Vote plans for the rest of the summer?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks.
We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer.
Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions on how to make them.
The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does the Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it.
The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that.
But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well.
Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. This is an event not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, and Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on the birth of the coalition.
Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work.
I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere.
From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee.
Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are Think Act Vote plans for the rest of the summer?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks.
We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer.
Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions on how to make them.
The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does the Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it.
The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that.
But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well.
Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. This is an event not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, click Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the dust settles on the birth of the coalition, Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote Photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party. They looked really fun. There was no live coverage on the plane!
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work.
I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere.
From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a Compass Conference – could you describe to Amelia’s Magazine readers the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee.
Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals. They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live.
The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, covering over 30 topics including Climate Change“>Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think through alternatives to the ways problems are currently being tackled, have open discussions, ask questions and be inspired.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are Think Act Vote plans for the rest of the summer?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks.
We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer.
Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions on how to make them.
The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does the Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it.
The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that.
But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well.
Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. This is an event not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Prior to the General Election, this site Amelia’s Magazine interviewed Amisha Ghadiali about her new project Think Act Vote. As the coalition has passed the 100 days mark and the dust settles on its birth, link we catch up with Amisha to find out about her reaction to the events and what’s next on the Think Act Vote agenda.
Amelia’s Magazine caught up with Amisha to find out about the Think Act Vote Poetry competition, more about how to be involved with the The Future I Choose Anthology (deadline the end of September, what are you waiting for?) and to find out where Think Act Vote will be for the remaining days of summer. (Hint! 13th – 15th August finds Think Act Vote at Vintage at Goodwood, for more details read the interview!)
How did Think Act Vote spend the election night?
The night before we had our amazing Think Act Vote party at The City and Arts Music Project, where we revealed the winner of our poetry competition, with live music from the Delirium Tremens and did a Think Act Vote photobooth.
On election day, I cast my vote and then had to pack and head to the airport. My brother was graduating from film school at NYU Tisch Asia on the Friday in Singapore so I had to choose between watching the results live or being at the graduation.
I really wanted to go to the election party at the Hub Kings Cross hosted by NEF and Future Gov, and also the Billbored party.
Showpiece by Beautiful Soul for Think Act Vote: Photograph by Dominic Clarke
What was your desired General Election outcome?
I can’t say I had one that was possible. I was hoping there would be a more inspirational leader in the race. But under the circumstances, I was hoping for a coalition.
Why were you hoping “under the circumstances’ for a coalition?
I don’t know; there wasn’t an ideal choice there for me. I just want a progressive government. I think the real issue is our system. We need parliamentary reform, this should have happened before this election, but hopefully it has shown Westminster that the current system doesn’t work.
I would like to see a system that allows more independent candidates to get into parliament. There is an argument that this will allow too many people from the far right to get into power, but actually we proved in this election that good old fashioned campaigning can keep the far right at bay.
I think it would be exciting for our country if we had more independents, as I think there are a lot of interesting individuals out there that would be interested in standing for parliament but don’t want to join a particular party.
Campaigns Group at Time for Tea. Photograph by Vanya Sacha
As the hung parliament reality dawned, whilst you were in America. Were you able to follow the developments in the Lib-Lab and Lib-Con talks?
It was strange. I wasn’t watching the TV news, so was seeing it all from the internet. I would have liked to experience it here and to have taken in the atmosphere.
From far away it seemed like utter madness, in any project, you plan for different circumstances. So I did find it strange that the Lib Dems hadn’t already decided what they wanted to do if this situation occurred.
What did you think to the press coverage during the General Election Aftermath (I found the ‘squatting’ headlines referring to Gordon Brown particularly unhelpful)?
Again from a distance, it did seem like a country in chaos. That nobody had a clue what to do. But yes I agree referring the Prime Minister as squatting is never going to be helpful!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What were your initial thoughts on the Con-Lib Government?
Surprise, that the Lib Dems had chosen for the country to have a Tory Prime Minister. I would have thought that this would be the last thing they would ever want to happen. But I thought it was interesting that things would have to be passed through such differing views.
As the reality of the cuts loom, have your opinions changed towards the effectiveness of the Coalition Relationship?
I think it is a bit confusing, I don’t feel like Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems have shone through in any way. It does feel more like a Conservative government. I know that we are going through a hard time at the moment with the national deficit and the recession, but they have made some cuts to things that could be really important. For example totally cutting the Sustainable Development Commission and The UK Film Council.
Photograph by Vanya Sacha
Earlier this summer, you attended a compass meeting – could you tell Amelia’s Magazine readers about the nature of these political events?
There are various political conferences that take place, I have been involved with Compass for the past four years. I used to be on the Compass youth management committee.
Compass was set up by Neal Lawson and is an umbrella organisation for progressive politics, bringing together politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and individuals.They hold an annual conference every summer to discuss ideas.
There is an opening address in the main hall which this year had Caroline Lucas MP on the panel, and a closing address which had Pam Giddy, POWER 2010, Jon Cruddas MP & Chuka Umunna MP. There was also a Labour Leaders Debate which was quite interesting to see live. The rest of the day is filled with smaller seminars, there are over 30 on topics including Climate Change, Parliamentary Reform, Tax Justice, The NHS, Feminist Issues and Poverty.
It is an opportunity to think about different issues, ask questions and talk to others about how you think these issues should be tackled.
Photograph by Maciej Groman
What are Think Act Vote’s recommendations for making your vote count everday?
It is just about thinking about what is important to you, and finding ways to take action and get your voice heard. Whether that is through supporting campaigns, or thinking twice about what you spend your money on.
If you haven’t yet, a good place to start is by contributing to our book. Ask yourself the question – What is The Future You Choose?
You might just give yourself the answer of what to do next..
You can read some examples and contribute online.
What are Think Act Vote plans for the rest of the summer?
More, more, more. We have been doing Think Act Vote Photobooths, and running around music festivals taking photos and getting people to take part. So we are going to carry this on until the end of September.
Ethical Fashion Green Sunday. Photograph by LUDOVIC DES COGNETS.
Where can you find out about the Photobooth events?
We do these events often, keep your eyes on our facebook page and the events page on the Think Act Vote website. Apart from the festivals, we are planning various other venues around London over the next seven weeks.
We are trying to find interesting venues, like the Union Street Orchard for example.
The release date for the The Future I Choose anthology has been delayed, what were the reasons behind this decision?
We had such a great response and more than enough content to publish the book straight after the election, but thought it made sense to get more people to take part over the summer.
Also we didn’t want to send out the message that you only get a choice in The Future You Choose in the run up to an election, because the whole point of our campaign is that you get that choice every day.
Playsuit by Tara Starlet for Think Act Vote: photograph by Dominic Clarke
Have you been working with new fashion designers since Amelia’s Magazine interviewed you? I see the blog mentions: Nancy Dee and Miksani?
We have been sharing on our site the full stories of the Think Act Vote Refashioned pieces, and in some cases instructions on how to make them.
The designers that took part were Ciel, Ada Zandition, Nancy Dee, Miksani, Junky Styling, TRAIDremade, Beautiful Soul and Tara Starlet. Other designers really wanted to take part but couldn’t at the time as they were out of the country, we might get them to do a little something.
The MA students on the Fashion & The Environment project at London College of Fashion are working on something for us now, which we can’t wait to see!
Photograph by Deepti V. Patel
What does the Think Act Vote campaign mean after the election?
Although inspired by the election, the campaign was never about voting in the election. It is about understanding that everyday we all express the future we choose by how we spend our time, money and energy. It’s about inspiring ourselves and others to live a life that reflects what we actually want from our future when we stop to think about it.
The ‘Vote’ is ours, it is about taking that word away from politicians as something we give to them every four years. About us not being afraid to use political language in our every day lives in a positive way.
I know that having Vote in the campaign name has put many people off it, and even a lot of my friends have thought it was about voting in elections until I explained that.
But I think it is important to be aware that everything we do is political and that every day we make choices that shape our world.
Photograph by Deepti V.Patel
Olivia Sprinkel, Winner of the poetry competition was announced on the night of the Think Act Vote Party, How was this decision made?
The poetry competition was judged by John Bird and Shane Solanki. The shortlist was read out at the party and went down really well.
Even though the competition is over, everyone is still welcome to answer our question – What’s The Future You Choose with a poem. It might end up in our book!
What’s next for Think Act Vote?
We are really excited about Vintage at Goodwood this weekend! We are doing Think Act Vote Refashioned workshops in the sustainability area where you can make your very own Think Act Vote Refashioned Dress. We will also be doing photoshoots, meet us outside our tent after our workshops.
I am also doing a talk in the talk tent on ethical fashion and creative activism.
This weekend (13th – 14th August 2010) finds Think Act Vote participating in Vintage at Goodwood’s, Sustainable Design Workshops. Find the the Think Act Vote team at 11-1 and 3-6 on Friday and between 1-4 adn 4-7 on Saturday and Sunday.
From the Think Act Vote Team:
“It is an invitation for you to take part in Think Act Vote Refashioned. You can make your very own Think Act Vote one off piece and then have it photographed to be in our book, as well as a post online about how you went about your customisation.
You will be in very capable hands as the workshops will be led by Laura Metcalf and Alison Lewis who met on set of a channel 4 television pilot, they have been working together most recently on alterations and repairing vintage clothes at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair in London.”
Amisha Ghadiali will be interviewed by Leonora Oppenheim about Ethical Fashion and Creative Activism at 5pm on Saturday in the Talk Tent. This is an event not to be missed!
What’s the Future You Choose?
All illustrations and photography by Emma Block.
Emma and I had been told to arrive at the ridiculously grand 33 Fitzroy Square for a Townhouse Party at 7pm punctually; but we’re both crap at being on time and we ended up ten minutes late following a drastic dash across London. Tut tut. But it didn’t matter at all, cialis 40mg and we ended up having what we both keep referring to as ‘the best night of our lives’ (perhaps we are slightly over-dramatising it, viagra approved but it was amazing).
Where to begin? The party was collaboratively held by girly cider makers Jacques and David Carter, founder of the 40 Winks boutique hotel, so naturally the whole thing was like a grown up version of Alice in Wonderland. There were even some rabbits, although rather than clutching pocket watches (and squeaking “We’re late, we’re late!” as Emma and I had been doing earlier) they were made of wood and bedecked with pink bows. As soon as we entered the building we were each given a map, printed on to a handkerchief, and a golden key for ‘unlocking’ the bar for some free drinks. As the theme for the night was a swap shop party – whereby each guest brought up to three items of unwanted clothing with them to trade with other people’s – we were also given the equivalent number of ‘tokens’ for each item. The tokens were large playing cards, in fitting with the Alice theme. The event was both ethically and fashionably motivated and everybody was a winner – people were getting rid of unwanted gladrags whilst also finding some unexpected new gems, and it didn’t cost them a single penny. Mankind has yet to determine a more glamorous way to help the environment.
?We went upstairs, where the bar and cupcake classes – yes, dear reader, cupcake classes – were both to be found. Impeccably attired and utterly charming staff floated around, complimenting guests and making jokes. We headed over to the cupcake table, held by yummy-scrummy company Vintage Patisserie. Lead lady, the fantastically named – and fantastically dressed – Angel Adoree, gave a brief talk about how to throw the perfect tea party, and then guests were encouraged to come forward and design their own cupcakes.
?Rubbing our hands gleefully, we and 100 or so other guests took it in turns to create our own cupcakes. The tables were littered with tubes of pastel-coloured icing and a huge variety of decorations, and we were encouraged to get creative. “The trick to icing a cake,” explained Angel beforehand to the hypnotised audience with a raise of her arched eyebrow, “is to hold the icing away from you, squeeze until you have as much as you want and then turn it precisely 180 degrees.”
Anyway, I deviate. Before this turns into a cookery/maths lesson, allow me to give you a very brief description of the location and the house itself. Fitzroy Square is nestled cosily a couple of streets behind the BT Tower; in the middle of the square, there is a communal garden for those who live there, and the houses are peppered with blue plaques.
Each room in the house leads – well, drifts, really – into the next. There were beautiful decorations everywhere; everything was stunning. Next to the cupcake stand, there was a long table covered with a white tablecloth and the most incredible decorative (i.e. not edible) cakes that I have ever seen. Every single one looked far too beautiful to eat (which was convenient, considering that they were made of cardboard) and they reminded me of the decadent French wigs worn in Marie Antoinette’s Paris. Other toppings included ships, ballerinas and, my personal favourite, dolly mixture. There were also trees sprayed silver or gold and decorated with lacy pompoms, illuminated by soft lighting. The whole place was like Narnia mixed with a bit of London Fashion Week – cosy, retro (there was a 1940s-style record player, for God’s sake) and oh-so achingly cool.
The clothes swap went on in a room just outside the bar, and throngs of women – and the occasional awkward-looking gent – scoured the racks of clothes for hidden treasures to take home with them. Meanwhile, in the basement, transformations were taking place. Courtesy of Benefit, guests were given the option of either having a full makeover or instead having a pair of incredible false eyelashes fitted. Emma went for the makeover, whilst I opted for the eyelashes (which were so heavy that I could barely keep my eyes open!) A photographer asked if he could take some pictures, and we posed – in an entirely casual way, obviously – with some Victorian-style props: Emma teetered on a painted rocking horse whilst I tried to hold a parasol in the coquettish manner of an artist’s muse. Needless to say, this was much easier to imagine than it was to actually carry out.
The party ended at nine, and clutching our goodie bags and a few left-over cupcakes, we left behind the shimmery glamour of 33 Fitzroy Square. Needless to say, we have already both planned to buy the house sometime before we turn 30, so we’ll be seeing it again soon. As we walked away the building faded into the darkness of twilight. As we gradually lost sight of it, and as it lost sight of us, we wondered if we had fallen down a rabbit hole and it had all been some kind of a wonderful dream.
You can find out more about Cordelia Weston, the lady behind the creative direction and set design of the party, on her blog here.
Written by Katie Byrne on Monday August 9th, 2010 5:25 pm
Categories ,33 Fitzroy Square, ,40 Winks, ,Alice in Wonderland, ,Angel Adore, ,Benefit, ,Cordelia Weston, ,cupcakes, ,Emma Block, ,Jacques, ,Marie Antoinette, ,Narnia, ,vintage, ,Vintage Patisserie
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