Justice networks bring together like-minded people, organsiations, charities, and campaigners to raise awareness about issues facing their communities and advocate for change. The Active Wellbeing Society helps to facilitate these networks and provide communities with the tools they need to bring about these changes.
The challenge
Inequalities in our society mean that some people live happily and healthily with resources and opportunities, while some people do not. The social, civic and environmental challenges we face are in large part built on this inequality and policies which promote economic growth at all costs.
Those at the sharp end of inequality are often most affected by the interlinked issues of climate change, poverty and health. When we address the symptoms of inequality rather than the causes, we can end up reinforcing rather than dismantling inequalities.
In the UK, 33% of people are civically active. How likely you are to sign petitions, speak to your councillor or take part in volunteering or social action is influenced by your age, ethnicity, type of employment, gender and where you live. People facing the most deprivation are up to 10% less likely to participate than the most privileged. The less ordinary people participate, the less they trust the decisions which are reached.
"We will all need support from each other. I think it has been helpful to us and we've been able to help others through the through the network, so I'm really glad the Food Justice Network is there. It's very much a reciprocal thing, we've shared surplus with other members when we've had it and been on the receiving end too.
There's also the campaigning aspect of the Food Justice Network, which is important. I think the there's very little an individual organisation like mine can do on their own, but a group like the Food Justice Network can tackle issues at city level and we can all chip in, go to meetings and campaign. It's much more effective to lobby collectively on shared issues than approach funding bodies or councillors separately."
– Gill, FJN member from a local foodbank
What we do
Building a future free from inequality takes more than institutions, it takes the ideas, efforts and collaboration of many different people. At The Active Wellbeing Society, we participate in and convene justice networks as a vital way to imagine and practise the future we want to build.
At the heart of these networks is a belief in people’s capacity to solve the problems they face. When we collaborate together, we can transform systems. We are able to shift attitudes, re-design policies and processes, make new connections, change how our neighbourhoods look and feel, change what feels possible.
Some individuals, groups and communities are stuck at the sharp end of inequality. We invite system leaders to play their role in dismantling these entrenched inequalities, to bring about positive change for people, place and planet.
Current projects
The Food Justice Network
The Food Justice Network (FJN) was initially set up to coordinate Birmingham’s emergency food response during the pandemic. Today, it brings together almost 350+ independent organisations working to improve access to food in Birmingham. Together we advocate for a better food system that leaves nobody behind.
The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) provides programme support to the Food Justice Network and its partners—maintaining relationships between FJN partners and local commissioned services. As a convenor, we seek perspectives from all the partners. Together we discuss the common themes and barriers we are facing, and reflect these back to the system.
The Clean Air Justice Network
Facilitated/convened by the Active Wellbeing Society, the Clean Air Justice Network brings together like-minded organisations, campaigners and people from a wide range of professions and backgrounds to advocate for equity in air quality as a social justice matter.
Tackling air pollution is a social justice matter because it impacts everyone. What is clear is that air pollution does not impact on people equally – the health impacts of air pollution are a product of both susceptibility and exposure.
The Clean Air Justice Network work with systems partners and communities to ensure that the communities most impacted by air quality are supported to tackle the inequalities, and have a voice in the debate.
