This article is a summary of the podcast conversation 32. “How a Ripple Sparks the Power of Activism”. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

How a Ripple Sparks the Power of Activism

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word “activist”? It’s a word that can stir up a lot of feelings – but at its heart, it’s simply about standing up for what you believe in, and doing something about it.

In this episode, I’d love you to meet film producer Michelle Dado-Millynn from Dungog NSW. Her film, The Power of Activism, shines a light on people doing what they believe in most.

Well before the film came out, Michelle was already creating ripples of change within her hometown. Her ripples turned into a wave, culminating in the environmental documentary, which highlights the stories of six female Australian activists and how financially viable their work is.

Our conversation is about what activism can look like for all of us, how it exists on a continuum and how this film can be the impetus for grassroots change in your own community.

Overview of the Conversation

One of the featured activists in the film, Ella Bancroft from The Returning

About The Power of Activism film – focussing on young female activists with different issues
The film stemmed from production designer Michelle’s desire to use her skills and passion to make a difference and share the stories of climate change. “The health and wellbeing of people and our planet’s rich biodiversity of life depends on us putting the balance back and fixing the problems we’ve caused”.
Is there a difference between activism and advocacy? “We forget that we’re part of nature. We’re not separate to it. We’re part of it…Humans tend to take ourselves out and think that we’re superior. We’re an apex predator for sure but we’re part of a system not separate to it”.

One of the featured activists in the film, Jordan de Boer from Boomerang Bags

Why six women activists and no men? “The ones that are leading and dedicating their lives are vast majority are women”.
What is the social and environmental impact of the film?

Community is a big through-line both in the film and our conversation
Sharing the ripple effect of concern, connection, sustainability and community, Michelle was already creating ripples of change within her town. Starting with Boomerang Bags in Dungog NSW, volunteering at Dungog Growers Stall and being part of the teams at Hive and Gobbler and Dungog Wholefood Co-op.

I say this to audiences all the time…When people say, “where do I start?” You start in your own community. You start in your home by doing what you can do. There are always things to do.

One of the feature activists in the film, Doha Kahn from School Strike 4 Climate

In our conversation, Michelle shares her tip for getting how started…

✓ when you feel overwhelmed by problems, start with a positive solution. Speak to people, share your idea, and focus on how you say it because others will warm to it.

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on Worimi country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in the Dungog region of New South Wales.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about doing better for our people and planet by taking a start where you live approach to living sustainably. If this episode has spurred you into action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Listen into the stories and voices of this story here at Spotify podcasts and here at Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.

Apple Podcasts ↓

How a Ripple Sparks the Power of Activism

Spotify Podcasts ↓

How a Ripple Sparks the Power of Activism (S4 Ep32)

Links from the Podcast Episode (S4 Ep32)

The Power of Activism website; organising a screening with Fan Force Films or watch on Beama Film.
The James Theatre, Dungog NSW
Canvas Bags on You Tube by Tim Minchin
ABC news article It started with Boomerang Bags, now Dungog dumps single use plastics for good of the planet
Dungog Wholefood Co-op passionate about community-owned fair food and the benefits it can have for Dungog and the planet
Keep Australia Beautiful provides an opportunity for everyone to make a difference to benefit from a cleaner, greener place to live
Boomerang Bags a global grassroots movement that empowers communities to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
Sculpture on the Farm, Dungog NSW: a regional exhibition of contemporary sculpture in Australia
The Knitters Picnic
The Dungog Show by the Dungog Horticulture and Agriculture Association
Thrive: Field and Flavour Festival: a celebration of responsible modern farming, food, and lifestyle practices
Dun Up Dungog Upcycled Textiles
Shark Island Foundation: philanthropic foundation dedicated to funding documentary filmmaking in Australia.