This week we have a guest blog from one of our trustees (who wishes to remain anonymous), reflecting on this difficult period we’ve just come through.
What can we learn from this crisis?
What have been your experiences during this crisis? How have you found strength? What might be some lessons we could learn? What would be your hopes for the future?
At Rainbow Turtle we have come through the shop being closed and our educational activities curtailed. There was no scope for normal business. Shutters and doors remained closed. None of our customers, volunteers or staff could be there to bring life to the shop. “Business as usual” had disappeared. It was a time of not functioning.
Yet, after a time, a spark of hope emerged, thanks to people and to technology. Management and volunteers worked together in outreach to customers online. And our customers responded with enthusiasm. We have learned that while things have changed, there is still deep generosity in people and a real desire to be part of making things better.
Some people hope for a return to “business as usual” and to go back to the way it was before. Some people hope for more change so that society can be transformed. We cannot predict what will happen but we can be part of a fresh start. Rainbow Turtle is one place where we can do this. Your purchase is part of making things better. You contribute to stability of income for producers and to caring for our environment. Both of these are crucial for the well-being of people and planet. You are our hope for the future.
Further reflection:
Radio 4 Analysis with Margaret Heffernan: Thinking for the Long Term
BBC Radio4 Khamal Ahmed in Mohammed and the Market
Or for “online conversation with leading public thinkers”
