TO CHANGE THE WORLD, THROW A BETTER PARTY
Take the Jump recently threw a week-long pop-up party for the planet in a vacant shop in Chingford: ‘To change the world, throw a better party’.
Doors opened on Monday 8th April, with locals welcomed in to join the fun and explore what life beyond consumerism can look and feel like. The space, co designed by Take the Jump and production company Showponies, was a creative haven of vibrant (reusable) neon signs, sparkly outfits to try on, and chatty Take the Jumpers offering snacks, tea and cake.
The team even set up a playful Hypocrites Anonymous booth where you could offload your stories of not being perfect (because no one is perfect) into a phone and hear the stories of others. This helps us all realise that trying is enough and there’s no need to shame ourselves or others. And a tarot reader was on hand to guide you through a personalised journey of climate action and self-discovery via a gorgeously designed, inspirational deck of cards.
Each day highlighted one of the shifts, with local businesses and community groups invited in to share their work and experiences - leading up to a fabulous finale of cocktails, DJs and cabaret on the Saturday. The event is planned to be the first of many all around the country, with the Take the Jump team planning a step-by-step guide to help people create similar parties in their neighbourhood.
40% of those attending were new to thinking about environmental action, and the feedback was that: 75% felt more ready to make sustainable changes in their own lives, 80% felt more powerful and hopeful about the future.
“Our Chingford week was all about getting hyper-local, bringing climate action to where people are, and making it fun, playful and interactive,” says Leila Jones. “We chose a location which would reach people outside the environmental bubble, which means we had our work cut out in engaging different kinds of people, but helped us build some amazing new connections and partnerships, including a Turkish football team and local schools, a local summer festival, local community groups, and dozens of local residents. .”
The event embraces one of Take the Jump’s core principles - that cultural intervention is an effective way to inspire behaviour change.
“Storytelling, music, comedy, theatre….all these express and embody change in a way that top-down preaching can’t,” says Tom Bailey. “To get these changes embedded in our communities, we need new stories that people remember, share and make their own. That’s the power of cultural work.”
Niamh Tuft, Programming Manager for Culture & Destinations at Waltham Forest Council had the following to say: “The collaboration between Showponies and Take the Jump shows the role creativity can play in raising awareness, encouraging shifts in behaviour and transforming our collective imagination to prevent ecological breakdown. By engaging residents through culture and creativity, the project enabled them to explore practical changes we can all make in a joyful and non-confrontational way.
Take the Jump really understand the power of creativity - from storytelling, to music, theatre and making - to bring people together and inspire change within communities. They actively seek to engage people who don't think of themselves as environmentalists and create an open dialogue that doesn't lecture or shame, but encourages exploration and experimentation.”
If you would be interested in having an event like this in your area, or if you’re a council and think events like this could help inspire, activate and support your residents to take action, then get in touch at team@takethejump.org
