Good morning merry folk of 5 Bullets,
My weeks are taking on a more predictable, rolling feeling - as if on a great boat lilting over the ocean's broad and grandfatherly waves. Late October is a time of turning inward, taking out the duvet, and transitioning to warmer stews and soups. But come rain or shine, Fridays are Fridays, and I'm delighted to share 5 social tips, tit-bits, treats and talking points, all of which I've come across or re-discovered over the past 2 weeks! Please enjoy!
1. What I'm reflecting on: Overton Windows - I've been thinking about Overton windows, a political concept that sees politicians as only ever acting in a limited window of mainstream acceptance. The work of change-makers is not to convince politicians but to shift the window of what is acceptable or not. I've been thinking about how this might apply to migration and veganism; how can welcoming migrants or shunning meat be seen not as unthinkable, radical or just acceptable, but instead sensible and indeed popular? Maybe a good example of this is the Green Party's new leader, Zack Polanski, powerful short video here, well worth the watch.
2. Project I'm sharing: We Need Books, Athens - Two weeks ago, we held a book launch in Athens for Taha's Remnants of War, Migration, Love (check out my event update here). I was a delight to return to We Need Books who kindly hosted us. What a project it is, a multilingual library, after-school support space and community hub run by people who care immensely. You can become a patron of the library by making a small quarterly donation here.
3. What I'm analysing: Global Deaths and Harms - What issues do we dedicate our lives to? How do we decide what might have the greatest impact? It may seem cold and analytical, but philosophers like Peter Singer would argue that there is actually a moral imperative to reduce suffering in the biggest way possible. To this end, I have been prompting AI to help generate this cold, hard table to analyse where most harm is done. It includes deaths per year, the level of solvability, and how overlooked this issue is. It makes for very interesting reading. Whilst I can't vouch for these AI-driven numbers, I believe this works functionally as an indicator of the world's most pressing areas for attention. Which one will you focus on?
4. What I'm fermenting: Ginger Bug - I hadn't heard of this concoction until recently, but to make fresh, fizzy, homemade drinks, this works a treat! It's ridiculously simple, full of probiotics and yummy. Chuck a tablespoon of grated ginger, sugar and water into a jar. Stir. Cover with breathable fabric. Repeat for 7 days. The jar will fill up and start producing bubbles. When you're ready to make your drink, add half the fermented ginger bug to a litre of water and fruit, or go wild with any flavouring of your choice. Seal hermetically. Wait 2 days. Voilà!
5. What I'm reading: Holocide - A thoughtful and perspective shifting piece by George Monbiot that highlights the ecological cost of Israel's assault and genocide in Gaza. This piece brings to our attention the environmental havoc wrecked by war. An important to help expand our moral awareness beyond just human suffering - and a way to create more synergy between climate and human rights work.
📣 Opportunities from me and my network
👉 At The Vegan Society, we're hiring a new Head of Commercial Operations. Apply here.
💻 Looking for a website maintenance plan? Visit Circular Design, our non-profit web agency.
🥦 Become a Vegan Society Member for free if you’re under 26!
📖 Don’t forget to order your copy of Remnants of War, Migration, Love by Taha Salim.
⭐️ Know someone critically-minded? I’d love to nominate them for Aspen Rising Leaders.
That’s it for this fortnight! As ever, please let me know your thoughts and feedback – and send anything you’d like me to include in upcoming editions this way.
