Hidden Tales First Edition Dec 2019

We are a new student magazine focusing on Glasgow Caledonian University’s students and their stories. So many great people at our university are part of creating a better world for themselves and others - both in and outside the university. We believe these stories should not go unheard. We champion underdogs!

Contents Morgan Magnus Magnusson Fund supports Climate Justice research in Vanuatu Heather Saving One Donkey at a Time Kali Building a Nationwide Culture of Business as a Force for Good Laura Taking Action for a Greener Future Robert A Leader in the Making

Why should I read this: Funded research Travel Eye opening Magnus Magnusson Fund supports Climate Justice research in Vanuatu Morgan Mickelson, an international graduate of the MSc Climate Justice programme at Glasgow Caledonian University, recalls her experience of travelling to the South Pacific to conduct research on building climate resiliency with women in Vanuatu, enabled by the Magnus Magnusson Fund. 1

Prior to attending Glasgow A couple of months into my Caledonian University, I time at GCU, I learned about had worked for a number of the Magnus Magnusson years in the environmental award and how students with sustainability field in the big ambitions at GCU were United States. It was my stepping out of their comfort experiences in this field that zone to achieve their big led me to the realization that dream. The Magnusson award many of the ‘environmentally funds a number of projects friendly’ measures were only and opportunities each year, attainable for those with the that allows students to create means to purchase them. Yet new learning experiences and the same people who often once in a lifetime opportunities cannot afford the sustainable that align with the Common options are also those more Good mission of the university. harshly impacted by climate change. This realization led me to pursue a MSc in Climate Justice at GCU. Through the Climate Justice programme, I learned of the countless injustices that people around the world face due to climate change. 2

Soon after learning of this unique award, I also learned of an organization in the South Pacific - the Vanuatu Skills Partnership - that is working to create an inclusive and prosperous economy that works for all individuals through effective partnerships and skills training. An inclusive economy is vital to the island because the South Pacific is on the front lines of climate change. As we had learned in the Climate Justice programme, an economy that does not exclude certain groups of people, particularly women, is a key factor to enable a community to recover and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. 3

Working to create an inclusive and prosperous economy that works for all individuals through effective partnerships and skills training. 4

It was then I realized that with the help of the Magnus Magnusson award I could travel to Vanuatu. Traveling to Vanuatu would allow me to witness the effects of climate change and to see the success of the Vanuatu Skills Partnership program first hand. Which is exactly what I did. 5

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My experience in Vanuatu was truly eye-opening in more ways than one. I will never forget watching a mama in Santo weave the hat that she would later sell at a market, while sitting barefoot on the dirt floor of her thatch roof kitchen. 7

The funding from the women that she leads and Magnusson award also the cooperative business enabled me to travel to model she created, which is Malekula Island where I allowing women to sell their spoke with Naomi, a leader goods for higher profits. The in her community. From success of this business model her desk covered in a floral in Malampa is so impactful, tablecloth, she told me about that it is being implemented the incredible work she has throughout Vanuatu on other achieved: the council of islands. 8

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My experience in Vanuatu was truly eye opening in more ways than one. 10

I learned and grew so much from this experience, more than I could have ever imagined. Yet, I believe my biggest takeaway is that our climate solutions must be locally driven and by definition that means inclusivity. The solutions must be driven by and inclusive of those who are often excluded and most impacted by climate change. 11

Now that my time in “The Magnus Magnusson award Vanuatu has come is an incredible opportunity to an end and I have for students to shine while completed the MSc, I creating a lasting impact. I have returned to the can’t wait to see the next States. I have returned round of students that are with the intention empowered to create change.” of applying these global lessons on a 12 local level throughout communities in my own country. To current GCU students with their own big ideas: take a chance and make your own ambitions a reality! We often think that it’s not possible for us, but I would say if you are reading this article, then you probably have the resources and are capable of more than you know. I would have never had this opportunity if I didn’t take a big chance and move abroad for grad school. While I was applying for this award, I kept asking if my ideas were ‘okay’ or if I was ‘allowed’. Don’t second guess yourself.

Why should I read this: Animal rescue Charitable cause Saving One Donkey at a Time Working in a charity was the goal. Little did she know, she would be spending her time taking care of and rehabilitating donkeys at the nearby sanctuary. Meet Heather, a first year International Marketing with Spanish student who spent part of her gap year working with donkeys and intends to continue to do so in her spare time. 13

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Heather has always had a desire to work in a charity and found animal charities specifically attractive. In her gap year, she had the time to do just that. She started working at one charity, but soon realised it didn’t quite fit her values. She had heard about a local donkey sanctuary and after learning her friend’s parents knew the owner, decided to get in touch. One conversation later and they decided to give it a go; she was welcomed into the team and soon became actively involved in the charity. In the beginning, the plan was to spend just a couple of hours at the sanctuary, but as she learnt more and more about the donkeys and how to train them, she spent more and more time helping out. A sanctuary is different than an adoption centre. At the sanctuary, some of the donkeys stay for life. They’re in need of care and training – some due to being mistreated, others neglected. Heather had the opportunity to help treat a variety of donkeys. One had never met another donkey and didn’t know how to behave around others. Another one had a fear of being in an enclosed space with a human, and the team had to gradually 15

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introduce them to it. It is important to show the donkeys they can be appreciated. Where some methods included building up their muscles and working to prevent misbehaviour, other tasks included cuddling and showering them with affection. Heather feels “it was as good for me as it was good for them.” The sanctuary never uses aggressive or punitive training, instead they practice positive enforcement. This could be done by stroking the donkey, communicating to it that everything is okay. Another task includes walking the donkeys which Heather says “is the best thing I learnt.” Tasks like these help to rehabilitate the donkeys and provide them with a safe environment. 17

“ the fittest I’ve ever been – both physically and mentally 18

The team at the sanctuary including Heather would collectively make a plan on how to treat a donkey. This way, there was a shared understanding of the tasks needed to be undertaken. A strong sense of community at the charity is essential. But a community at the sanctuary wasn’t the only one used. The sanctuary accessed an online community whenever they would struggle, to seek the best advice from various people. This online network helps the different sanctuaries efficiently help as many donkeys as possible. Heather has learnt a lot from her time at the sanctuary, lending her hand and becoming part of a community helping animals live better and giving them fairer circumstances. A broad skill set was achieved which she continues to use in her work with the donkeyshelping animals live better and giving them fairer circumstances. A broad skill set was achieved which she continues to use in her work with the donkeys. For Heather, it was not just about working in any charity. She decided to focus on her personal values and to look at smaller charities and unseen issues such as donkeys being used as tools. 19

The experience for Heather Find your passion and was incredibly rewarding: “To find someone who shares be able to see the difference it - passion is contagious. over three months of a If you don’t have the time donkey who couldn’t walk to volunteer, you can also on a lead, who couldn’t come donate! Often charities abroad near you. And suddenly, need even more money, and they’re coming up to you for you can contribute by donating a cuddle, for a stroke, nibble to support their growth and your sleeve for attention. It is enable them to continue with the best thing. Life changing.” their missions for a better There are never too world – saving one donkey at a many volunteers. It may seem time. difficult in a big city, but as soon as you look outside the box and to the smaller charities, there will certainly be someone who needs your hand, Heather strongly believes. “ passion is “ contagious 20

Why should I read this: Changing businesses Work and study Building a Nationwide Culture of Business as a Force for Good Recent Glasgow Caledonian University graduate Kali Gibson puts her studies into action through her work with Scotland CAN B: The first nationwide programme combining Scotland’s vision to become a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship with a global movement to drive business as a force for good. 21

I used to think the same thing. 22

My name is Kali Gibson and I am a recent graduate of the MSc Social Business and Microfinance (now Social Innovation) programme at Glasgow Caledonian University. Originally from the United States, I was able to spend a little over a year in Glasgow while studying and absolutely loved it. I have always had a great passion for addressing the injustices facing our world and using my skills and resources to make a difference. This passion is what led me to my work in assisting companies to use their business as a force for good by creating positive impact and less negative impact. I have spent the last six years working for organisations aiming to create an inclusive economy where shared and durable prosperity is experienced by all. 23

I have always had a great passion for addressing the injustices facing our world 18 24

These interests led me to Taking a step back, the programme at GCU and I should share where my ultimately to the organisation passions and drive for this kind Scotland CAN B (SCB), which I of work has come from. have worked with as an impact consultant since coming in Fall As a daughter of a small 2018. business owner in a small SCB is the first town, I was brought up nationwide programme learning how to treat combining Scotland’s vision to customers, employees, and become a leader in innovation suppliers fairly. and entrepreneurship with a global movement to drive I loved business but that business as a force for good. quickly changed when my Our ambition is to build dad’s business had to close a nationwide culture of impact due to large, multinational management; equipping organisations moving close businesses as agents for place- to my town. I was devastated based systems change. and despised business and the harm it could create to a local community and personally, my family. Once I discovered the concept of businesses operating differently, for the good of the world, I felt like I found my professional and personal mission. Since that ah-ha moment, I have dedicated my professional life to working to support movements that are trying to change the way business is done. 25

Learn about a different way to do business - one that contributes to the wellbeing and needs of all and how you too can put your passions into action while being a student at GCU. 26

SCB is made up understand the impact of a team of impact of their business on all consultants, like me, stakeholders. that believe that As an impact business needs to play consultant I help lead an important role in workshops, webinars agents for systems and events where change. Much of entrepreneurs and the work we do is ecosystem partners fostering ecosystem are taken through partnerships, providing an impact journey open spaces for designed for them conversation and to reflect on their collaboration, and being business mission and a part of a movement theory of change, learn working towards place- methods to measure based systems change their impact, and in Scotland. On a very provide support on practical note, SCB managing, improving equips businesses and collaborating on it with the tools and over time. mindset needed to 27

Working with SCB made my learnings and modules taken at GCU even more valuable. I have been able to put my education into immediate practical action and have been able to use my experience to speak into my university work. I would challenge and encourage every student at GCU to find a volunteer or work experience that speaks to your passion, and pursue it, even if for a small amount of time while you are at university. Mixing the practical with the theoretical is so powerful and will make your time as a student even more valuable. As for me…what am I up to now? I am back in the United States, still working virtually and sometimes in person for SCB as well as consulting at the organisation B Lab as their Impact and Sustainability Training Manager. My time in Scotland was invaluable and my work with Scotland CAN B played a huge role in making it that way. I will continue to pursue my passion in re-inventing capitalism into something that works for all and creating an inclusive wellbeing economy in Scotland, the US, and around the globe. 28

Why should I read this: Climate change action Activism Taking Action for a Greener Future An internship with Greenpeace empowered her to take further action to create a greener future for everyone. Meet Laura Breitkreutz, a climate activist who not only dedicates her time to actions on land, but also drives a speedboat to carry activists out to oil rigs. 29

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Laura Bre is a recent An interest to create a graduate of the MSc Climate better world is what led Laura Justice programme at Glasgow to get involved in tackling Caledonian University. Since climate change. She believes graduating, she has been climate change is the most volunteering for Greenpeace pressing challenge humans Germany at their headquarters are facing. For her, solutions in Hamburg. But interestingly, revolve around taking matters her story with Greenpeace into our own hands and taking doesn’t start there. action. Believing Greenpeace As part of Laura’s to be the largest and most undergrad, and thanks to her effective non-profit fighting friends, she managed to land climate change, Laura was set an internship at Greenpeace on participating and playing in Germany. Thrown in at the her part, and has had many deep end, Laura was trained great experiences since. to read sea maps and drive a speedboat - skills she has used frequently out at sea. 31

Climate change is the most pressing challenge humans are facing 32

When talking about the actions, her face lights up, and she laughs. She takes a moment to think before explaining how she and other activists went to Vienna in Austria to protest against CETA (Canadian European “Trade Agreement): “If the big countries can trade freely, we are excluding third-world nations that are already struggling.” This action included blocking an entrance to a government building in Austria. Others have included driving climbers by boat to an oil rig where they then ascended the rig and hung up massive signs. Laura has been in charge of driving and keeping the base on the speedboat. Emphasising that it is vital to trust each other “when on such actions, she says “most of us don’t know each other that well, so we need to have full trust in each other and remember why we are doing this.” 33

We need to have full trust in each other. 34

“I want a change. I am standing up for this change. 35

You’re actually doing something. I want a change. I am standing up for this change. I am not just discussing things, but I am active whether it is an “oil rig or a building.” Laura finds it extremely rewarding to be part of a community that believes in creating a better future by taking matters into their own hands and protesting against the wasteful culture of society. Laura notes that it is especially easy to be part of these actions when you are a student, as “when you study, you have extra free time.” Furthermore, as a volunteer, Greenpeace pays for her accommodation and food when on an action. She mentions how it can be hard to make a difference while in Glasgow, but that there are local non- profits fighting climate change such as Greenpeace Glasgow and Extinction Rebellion. Glasgow Caledonian University has its own Extincition Rebellion society which Laura helped launch. She also shares how anyone can take action to be an effective climate activist by sharing messages on social media, creating stickers and hanging them around the city, and more importantly, to change your own behaviour by driving less and reducing your meat consumption. Laura champions the belief that we can take individual and collaborative action to ensure a greener future, and a better world for us all. 36

Why should I read this: University event TEDx A Leader in G the Making An avid TED talk watcher becomes an organiser of his own TEDx event. Meet Robbie, a Glasgow Caledonian University student who is on a mission to create, inspire, and lead. 37

Robbie Radev is a third year His drive to become a great International Business student, leader began in March 2018 travelling all the way from his when Robbie became President hometown, Plovdiv, in Bulgaria of GCU’s International Business to study in Glasgow. Robbie has Society. When whispers of been exceeding expectations GCU running their own TEDx by putting in endless hours Conference began to surface of hard work into numerous within the society, Robbie different projects in and around saw this as an incredible Glasgow Caledonian University. opportunity to get students First and foremost, he is the engaged and involved beyond License Holder and Organiser their coursework. By November for TEDxGlasgowCaledonian- 2018, the license to run the University, as well as being TEDx conference was in Robbie’s the President of the GCU hands, and a team of 30-plus International Business Society, hardworking and passionate and a member of the GCU students formed to build the Bulgarian Society. It doesn’t event. With a business plan, a stop there though; alongside vision and a ton of determination his academic work, Robbie also at the ready, he also gathered works two jobs. the support of multiple tutors, sponsors, and funding from the university itself. GET UP and do something 38

Robbie has always been an On October 12th 2019, advocate for sharing ideas, and speakers on both a local and in the lead up to this conference, global scale came together to wanted to place emphasis on transform their own journey into the conference sharing ‘ideas shared ideas, covering a range worth spreading’ – TED’s main of topics. Vicky Brock, a start-up mission. He says he was truly guru, talked about the six steps inspired after watching a TED to creating your own business talk by James Veitch, who and motivated the audience transformed spam email into to discover their own ideas a global phenomenon. After and explore them. Jeff Garner, observing this altered perception an internationally successful of a standard element of most fashion designer, arrived from people’s day-to-day lives, Robbie America to share his tried and realised that all it takes is one tested methods in sustainable bizarre idea to change the world, fashion and encouraged people and to make a difference. For to think twice about their this reason, Robbie and the clothing choices. Mike Scott, branding team formed this owner of Scotland’s largest social year’s theme: Unfolding Good media company, Hydrogen, Together. This is based around spoke about the importance of the concept of The Common transparency in branding. The Good - the university’s key day brought laughter, tears and mission being to make a positive feelings of overwhelm from difference in the communities it successful collaboration. serves. 39

Following the conference, Robbie’s inbox was flooded with feedback from attendees. They let him know that they truly were impressed by the incredible efforts of the team in organising the event, and that they were moved by the subjects that were discussed. Sponsors are already requesting spots for next year’s conference, and the team has begun forming again to design GCU’s 2020 TEDx Conference. Despite the clear success of the event, Robbie wanted to emphasise that not everything was ‘smooth sailing’. The team certainly had struggles throughout the process, facing technical difficulties, miscommunications, and occasionally a lack of ideas. Robbie also stressed that the organisation of the event as a whole was a lot of pressure, and sometimes brought him bouts of self-doubt and anxiety that he then had to deal with. However, with the support of his team, his co-organiser Martyna Kowalek, and his family and friends, Robbie overcame these hardships and built a resilient mindset allowing him to push through these feelings of failure, to create an extraordinary day worth remembering. 40

Robbie’s aspirations for the future revolve heavily around continuing to lead strong and powerful teams, and he encourages other people to get involved in similar projects. He speaks often about how his experiences in volunteer work truly built up his confidence and skills, both socially and professionally, giving him the experience he needed to create something truly wonderful. Robbie hopes to start his very own business, and it is undeniable the work he is currently involved in will help him to achieve this. By believing in himself and his abilities, Robbie Radev has built an incredibly valuable event for GCU to be proud of, and is well on his way to achieving his mission of encouraging others to build up their own self-confidence and begin taking steps towards their dreams. 41

nine times a failure one time a success 42

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