Across Bristol, Global Majority communities are already engaging in environmental work in many different ways – through community organising, food growing, cultural practice, land stewardship, wellbeing and care.

However, much of this work remains unseen, disconnected and largely excluded from how climate action is shaped in the city. This gathering creates a space to bring that work into the room, on our own terms.

What to expect

In this participatory session we will:

• share stories of how we are already engaging in environmental matters
• recognise our strengths and assets: skills, knowledge, relationships and practices
• connect across communities
• explore how we want to influence what is happening in Bristol.

We will also introduce a simple overview of Bristol’s climate context, not to overwhelm, but to help us identify where our work already connects, what we want to understand more, and where we may want to influence or challenge.

The session will include:

• small group conversations (Story Café)
• collective reflection and dialogue
• a participatory ‘fishbowl’ discussion
• open space for collaboration and self-organisation
• shared food, music and informal connection.

Who is this for?

This gathering is designed primarily for Global Majority individuals and groups active in:

• environmental work
• community organising
• cultural and creative practice
• land, food, nature and wellbeing
• strategic and community leadership.

A small number of aligned allies and institutional actors will also be invited to listen, build relationships and support future pathways where appropriate. Come as you are. Bring your work, your experience, your questions and your curiosity. What becomes possible when we organise from what we already have?

Age: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Venue: The Pickle Factory, BS5 0HL
Access: The main hall, cafe and garden are all accessible to wheelchair users. There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Please fill out this short form to book your place. 

Facilitators

José Barco (CoLab International)
Gnisha Bevan (Black Seeds Network/ Nature Rising)

About Gnisha

Gnisha Bevan is an Educator, Producer and Consultant. She leads the Black Seeds Network, co-developed with Roger Griffith MBE, to showcase and support the incredible work of Global Majority environmentalists around Bristol. She’s also the catalyst behind the award-winning Nature Rising Programme. Gnisha has advised on a range of environmental and social justice projects, specialising in brokering equitable partnerships between grassroots communities and ‘mainstream’ environmental organisations. She’s passionate about representing and recognising the existing work of Global Majority environmentalists in innovative ways.
@blackseedsnetwork

About José 

José Barco is a Colombian facilitator, musician and community organiser based in the UK. He is Director of CoLab International, where he designs participatory processes that help communities, organisations and movements collaborate, learn and imagine new possibilities together. Catch him play as Tuto Barrios, 7 May at the Plough Inn. Or take part in The Great Game of Power, 3 May at The Harbour Totterdown.
@jose.barco