...and welcome

We Are What We Do. Funny name but it kind of does what it says on the tin. We are a new kind of movement. One that believes in the power of small individual actions to determine what kind of world we live in. Or – if you prefer – that we are what we do.

Doing is the thing you see. We believe that small actions x lots of people = big change, that the big, world-changing changes are more likely to come from lots of us doing small, everyday actions like turning off the tap when we brush our teeth, switching off appliances, smiling at people in the street or simply walking a short distance every day. When you get millions, and we mean literally millions of people doing an everyday, throwaway action, like declining plastic bags, they begin to have a domino effect. Those everyday shoppers affect their local shops, which affect the big chains, which empowers the agencies, which send messages to government which, hey presto, creates big change.

It's not just a hunch. We made a simple shopping bag called the 'I'm NOT a Plastic Bag' with Anya Hindmarch. You might have seen it. On shoppers arms. And on the front page of newspapers. We followed it up with the Plastic Ain't My Bag campaign and, we're sorry to report, if you're a non-biodegradable plastic bag the future's looking pretty grim for you about now.

When we started, back in 2004 we figured the best way to spread the word about the power of everyday activism was to put it in a book. We did so. Two to be exact. Change the World for a Fiver and then Change the World 9 to 5. They went on to be million copy best-sellers and to affect millions of people’s lives.

This year, we will publish our new book, ‘Teach Your Granny to Text & Other Ways to Change the World’. It's a book created for children, by children and it will go into every school in the country. So, we are hoping, will you.

Books are a great way to spread the word. Websites are fantastic too. But nothing beats the power of a person – of someone standing up on stage and inspiring you with their words – which is why the next chapter in the We Are What We Do story belongs to you.

As we speak, We Are What We Do Young Speakers are going into schools and youth clubs. They are inspiring and engaging the next generation from podiums, in presentations and through plays. Some are collecting and involving friends on MySpace and Facebook. Others are working with MeWe Youth Theatre on an interactive play to tour schools across London. Changing the world, one classroom at a time.

We have no idea what this next chapter will hold - sky’s the limit. Only that it will be an exciting, page-turning read. We hope that you enjoy the experience. And so, without further ado and with your permission - Let’s make history. And change the world.

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Do you want to be a Young Speaker?

Do you want a young speaker to come to your school or community group?

Do you have a press enquiry? Contact Kate - k.wilson@timebank.org.uk