I’ve been at the University of Exeter for four years, and throughout my time here I have been involved with the Be The Change society. From being a member, to my time as Wellbeing Officer, to ultimately becoming Co-President this year, it’s been an invaluable space that I have cherished.
Each year, Be The Change runs a campaign based on what students think the University could be doing better. They are always varied, exciting and a great way for students to make change within the institution. This year, we created Stitch by Stitch. Over the years at Be The Change, our charity shop crawls have consistently been the most popular social we run, attracting many people and gaining lots of traction for our wonderful little society.
I am super lucky that I get to work with the Sustainability Team as Sustainability Engagement Intern, which has provided me with a fascinating insight into the sheer amount of work and passion that goes into making our University a leader in green initiatives, one of which is the new Student Sustainability Fund (SSF).
Run in collaboration with UPP Foundation, the Student Sustainability Fund grants campaigns with the money they need to get their ideas off the ground. In its first year, the SSF engaged Exeter, Leeds Beckett and Hull University. The fund instantly appealed – the money could help us forge new relationships, engage more students and ultimately create a project that can sustain itself for years to come.
After everyone pitched their idea, we were so excited to be told our project had been chosen to receive the funding. We had £1,000 to make our idea a reality!
From January to March our schedules were jam-packed with slow fashion fun. We ran jewellery workshops, embroidery workshops, speaker events and clothes swaps.
Our campaign culminated in a Big Slow Fashion Day, where, alongside LGBTQ+ society and the AU, we ran a huge clothes swap in The Forum. We couldn’t believe the amount of engagement we received, so many approached us to say that they hoped we’d run another in the summer and wanted to know more about Be The Change and Stitch by Stitch.
We also established wonderful relationships with local businesses, particularly Rosy of La Vie En Rose Makery. We are excited to be running another workshop with her on 20 May, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating small, local businesses.
We recently found out that we are the overall winners of the project, and could not be more proud of what we have achieved.
To Kay, thank you for believing in our little project. The outcome has been more than we could have hoped for. And to Hannah, your enthusiasm for Stitch by Stitch has been completely unwavering, and we are so proud that we led Exeter to victory for the first SSF!
To my team, what a huge achievement this has been! I have adored my time with Be the Change these past four years and cannot think of a better end. Molly, who will be taking the lead as President next year, you are an absolute superstar – I am so proud of all you have achieved.