Wanna be in my book?

I'm in the early stages of writing a book and am seeking interviews with people who have something to say about the current political climate, answering the question "What is the problem?". 

I am also looking to write about people (or share stories written by people) who are making changes in their every day lives to build community, do "good", and who use alternative methods of protesting and/or making change. 

This can obviously play out in many different ways which is GREAT! If you have something to say or would like to get involved in the project please get in touch. (PS. If you don't think there's a problem with the current system I am keen to talk to you too)

The Daily Telegraph thinks I'm a feral and it's making me giggle

I was described as a 'feral' today on the front cover of The Daily Telegraph... well, not me individually, I was just one of a giant collective of ferals. Were you one too? 

Yesterday I was one of 25,000 ferals people who gathered in Melbourne city to protest the budget and call for an election. The Daily Telegraph would LOVE you to believe that the only people protesting were hippy, patchouli wearing, dirty ferals because that would indicate that it is only the seemingly insignificant loony types who bothered to turn up to express their rage at this rotten budget. 

I tell you now, it was not at all like that. I was so proud to stand among an extremely varied, peaceful yet angry crowd of Australian citizens who want change. I walked alongside bloggy friends Carly Findlay and Kerryn Woods... fellow ferals in arms.   

I'm quite keen to let you know that I only saw a couple of what the Telegraph might describe as "ferals" (I did get a whiff of patchouli at one stage mind you) but the rest of the crowd were made up of sensible looking mums and dads with their kids, business people, old folks, indigenous people, people with disabilities, people who were born here and people who weren't. You might even say it was a cross-section of the community, all united by the knowledge that what the Government is doing is unjust. You might say that... yes!

Citizen journalism for the win people! Read the newspaper by all means, but take it with a grain of salt and tune in to Twitter for the real stories.

If you want to get involved in further action please visit

www.bustthebudget.com

Look at these ferals... they're wearing disgruntled retiree costumes

Carly and I enjoying the gathering of ferals angry people

How to STICK IT TO THE MAN with your friends

Just yesterday the Treasurer Joe Hockey delivered a federal budget that has made many of us very angry. It is a budget that negatively impacts the most vulnerable people in our community while mining companies, defence and big business are benefiting from massive funding injections.

The abc shared this handy graphic to help us navigate the budget. 

Click here to see it. It's really worth a look.

Anyway... This whole thing has got me thinking about how I can respond to this in a way that is actually effective. Sure, I can be a click-tivist and sign every petition that pops up in my Facebook feed. I can write to the government to express my rage- a good thing to do- I'm sure they take a little bit of notice of these things.

I've decided on a different approach though... I've decided to try and identify areas where people might struggle and address them creatively... so without further ado, here are my handy hints on:

HOW TO STICK IT TO THE MAN WITH YOUR FRIENDS

1. Go out and meet your neighbours 

You never know, they might need something you have and vice-versa, therefore helping you to rely on each other rather than a system that will no longer give you a hand-up

Sharing dinner with our beautiful neighbour Mayra

2. Join or start a local food co-op 

This is a great way to meet people, get away from the supermarkets and to stop relying on "the man" for your basic needs

Or go "food rescuing"!

Or even better - GROW YOUR OWN!! 

3. Raise some chooks 

Another way of bypassing a nasty system, plus they are just delightful to have in your life. Did you know that chooks have personalities? One of ours is super adventurous and we re-named her Harriet Houdini because she could escape from any enclosure. 

4. Donate your cash to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre 

Nothing sticks it to a xenophobic government like loving those problematic "boat people"

At Light the Dark silent vigil for slain asylum seeker Reza Berati

5. Find entertainment that is FREE

Join the local library; visit your community neighbourhood house and see what they have to offer; go jogging, cycling, roller skating, climb a tree; start a book club; eat IN with your pals; hang out with some ducks!

6. Start a 'resource-share' among your friends

Why would we buy six lawn mowers when we could just share ONE?! Do you have a food dehydrator? How often do you use it really?? You're lying! Now go lend it to you pal. 

You can borrow my Vietnamese coffee filter if you like! 

7. BARTER!

Do you have a useful skill? Are you a hairdresser? Well you might need an accountant! Hey... that accountant's hair is looking a little muffin-ish... see where I'm going with this?? (side note.. MY hair is getting a little muffin-ish and I have a LOT of skills I could offer you so please get in touch if you wanna make this thing happen!)

8. Look out for the little guy

If you are a person of means who might not be affected so much by the budget cuts please don't do the whole selfish "I'm OK Jack" thing. Have a look around you. Is there a person who has lost their job due to funding cuts? (that happened to me a few years back and it hurts), is there a family that is struggling to make the $7 medical co-payment? Please stop saying "$7 isn't much!"... It's a lot when you've got nothing. If you can afford to give to a charity that helps people who are struggling please do it. Or support people directly. Offer the hand-up that the Government will no longer give vulnerable people. And please, just think before you open your mouth because the things you say can be very hurtful, disempowering and belittling. Ok? Good.

9. Have a cup of tea and relax

It will be ok folks. If we support each other we will all be fine. Individualism is lonely and SO 1990! We are in this together. 

Do you have any other tips to help us to stick it to the man?? I'd love to hear about it! 

Carly Findlay :: Ichthyosis Awareness Month :: Why YOU should care

Pic by Rick Guidotti

Today we are lucky enough to hear from the effervescent Carly Findlay. Carly is a Melbourne based writer and appearance diversity activist who is currently spreading the word about Ichthyosis Awareness Month and she has been kind enough to answer some questions for The Squee.

WHY IS ICHTHYOSIS AWARENESS MONTH IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I was born with a lifelong, severe and rare skin condition called Ichthyosis. It means scaly red skin. It's medically and socially challenging - with sore itchy and dry skin, occasional hospital stays and lots of staring, questions and comments from strangers.

I blog to raise awareness of what it's like to look different. Blogging has allowed me to reach out to the Ichthyosis community as well as inform those who know very little about the condition, and also be published more widely. I also speak about my condition and consult on blogging and self advocacy through storytelling.

Last December my photo was misused on the content sharing website Reddit (http://carlyfindlay.blogspot.fr/2013/12/how-to-win-internet-or-how-to-defend.html). My photo was ridiculed and diagnosed by hundreds of strangers. While not a pleasant experience, I took to the site and write a response so the ridiculers would see the real me. I directed them to my blog and, you know, some of these people who clicked on my photo to gawk said they learnt something and developed compassion. The Reddit situation showed me just how powerful blogging can be, and I wanted to give the same chance to others affected by Ichthyosis.

Through the whole month of May I will be featuring guest posts on my blog from people affected by Ichthyosis. There are more than 30 stories this May - from patients, parents and grandparents, partners and even a non-human!

I have created a video for the Blog Project, where I encourage people to celebrate their uniqueness: http://youtu.be/-9wu_G8WfrU

Sharing these stories on my blog gives people a platform to be heard - without sensationalism and without pity. Their stories in their own words raise the expectations of people who look different. The stories show strength, challenges and triumphs, life change, a 'normal' life lived, self acceptance and hope. The condition affects 20 people per million, and there are more than 24 types. These stories through May will show you the sheer diversity in symptoms, appearance and treatment.

The Ichthyosis Awareness Month Blog Project also empowers the contributors. Jaime, a contributor from last year, told me: "I was diagnosed with Ichthyosis Vulgaris about 3 1/2 years ago...I love what you do. You helped inspire me to come 'forward' into the public and actually reveal my secret. I used to be ashamed of what I have, but now I'm ready to embrace it. I hope to connect with others who have Ichthyosis too…".

I've met amazing people working in appearance diversity fields - the staff at Centre for Appearance Research, Changing Faces and Rick Guidott

Sharing stories brings people together. Since last years IAM Blog Project, I've met - virtually and physically - many, many people with Ichthyosis. I am currently travelling overseas. So far, I've met Larisa, Carolyn, Mellissa, Michael, Aurora and Matthew, Kallie, Evan and Dianna (top left to bottom right).

WHAT CAN WE DO TO SPREAD AWARENESS?

You can follow my blog - carlyfindlay.blogspot.com and read and share posts. I'd love this to reach people outside of the Ichthyosis community as much as those in it. All of the posts are located HERE.

I'm also sharing links on my Twitter (twitter.com/carlyfindlay) Facebook (Facebook.com/tune.into.radio.carly) and Instagram (Instagram.com/carlyfindlay).

GET INFORMED PEOPLE!

Appearance diversity is about more than just shape and size. It's about different faces, different appearances being present in the media. We see so many homogenised images of people in our magazines and on screen - and there's a beauty ideal, and I want to change that.

A few years ago my blog was discovered by staff at the Centre for Appearance Research in the UK. They asked me to speak at their conference. You can read my speech here: http://carlyfindlay.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/couldn-handle-looking-like-you.html

Also see changingfaces.org.au and positiveexposure.org

ANY MORE WORDS OF WISDOM?

Before you ask why someone looks different, say hello! It's the polite thing to do

Social Media Win of The Week :: Not Now, Not Ever.

Hi there! Have you been on social media this week? Of course you have... I have. 

Have you noticed this really great thing?

"Not Now, Not Ever" 

Julia Gillard's misogyny speech has been set to music and performed by award winning choral group Australian Voices. Artistic director, Gordon Hamilton approached Brisbane composer Rob Davidson to create something special with the iconic speech after the success of the previous speech mash up "We Apologise". 

This tickled my fancy for a few reasons. 

Firstly, I've been feeling particularly femmo and anti patriarchal recently - especially after reading Natalie Barr's Daily Telegraph article about why discrimination is basically the fault of each individual woman and due to our own choices - not a systemic fault in society in general. Yup.. it's out fault gals. I loved this response from Andie Fox at Daily Life. 

Secondly, How clever are people?!! Right?! Someone had an idea and they got folks on board and they went for it. I think that's ace.

And, for the record... I really don't like Tony Abbott... I think he's a piece of work and I enjoy watching JG bring him down a peg or two.

Have you noticed anything particularly awesome being shared around the social media traps recently? Please share in the comments.

Finding joy in spite of the darkness

Why hello there!

After feeling such a heaviness and sense of despair about the plight of asylum seekers in our country I have decided to try and find some beauty in the midst of the cruelty and I think a wonderful place to start is with the Light The Dark vigils that have been held across the country in memory of slain Iranian asylum seeker Reza Berati.

In Melbourne alone, over 5000 compassionate people gathered together to honour the life of a man that desperately wanted to be an Australian. We stood united with our candles lit and joined with many thousands more around the country to send a clear message to the Australian government that we do not support the current cruel and unjust immigration policies.

I have a lovely friend and neighbour who also happens to be an asylum seeker. Being friends with her, helps me to stay grounded and not get lost in the despair. Just the other night she cooked a wonderful meal for me and about 20 of our friends at a weekly community meal we share together. She gives to our community in such a rich way even though the government thinks she has nothing to offer. Our government says she and her little boy don't belong here but they are here in our lives and we are better because of them.

Another little snippet of joy in the darkness was an encounter I noticed at the vigil. A lesbian couple stood in front of me and as Father Bob Maguire spoke about being free to worship "how we like, where we like and with whomever we choose" the couple looked into each other's teary eyes and leaned in to embrace one another; their relationship affirmed by a member of the church, as I believe it should be. I think I saw healing happen right there. It was lovely.

What have you noticed lately that has made you feel good? Has there been anything in your life that has countered the darkness? I would SO love to hear about it.

xox

Australian Immigration Detention :: No timelines, no information, nohope.

(image from truthaboutmanus.com)

http://truthaboutmanus.com

Exuse my diversion from usual happy-go-lucky posts but I must acknowledge the asylum seekers currently detained in Australian offshore processing facilities. Please see the link above to read some stats and facts about Manus Island. 

What we are doing to these people is very very wrong. 

If you agree with me please do as I am going to do and get in contact with Scott Morrisson, MP as the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.

Scott Morrisson MP

PO Box 6022 

Parliament House

Canberra, ACT 2600

(02) 6277 7860

email: minister@immi.gov.au

If you call, make sure you ask them to make a note of your details and concerns and read them back to you. They have been known to say "yeah, ahhahh, okay" and not actually record the call. Keep them accountible. 

Accidental resolution :: No more bad shoes!

This year I have accidentally made a couple of new years resolutions. I really didn't mean to as I actually don't believe in them, but this year a few general resolutions happened to be made at the beginning of the year.

One is to de-clutter. Moving house has seen to it that I cull ALL the crap, and I've been inspired by the delightfully junk-free spaces on The Design Files and by watching Gourmet Girlfriend's bright and wonderful renovation unfold on Instagram. I'm sure I'll share more about this process in time (if you're interested!) I know Smaggle is doing a crap-clearing/organising series right now if you're keen.

My second accidental resolution has been to get rid of all the shoes that are bad for my feet and gradually replace them with shoes that meet the following requirements:

1. They must be ethically made or second hand
2. They must be good for my feet and body
3. I must love them

I have completed the first step. All the bad shoes are gone. I am now adding to my shoe-drobe and have been fortunate enough to have been gifted a pair of second hand Birkenstock brown felt Mary-Jane's from Taz at Christmas time and I am in LOVE with them. I also found another pair of brown suede Birk sandals with a great ankle strap yesterday for $10 from the local oppy.

I have wanted to try Swedish clogs for some time as I have quite a few friends that rave about them so I started investigating a few different types. Lots of my pals have invested in a pair (or several) of Funkis. You can find information on the ethics of Funkis HERE. They seem to have their bases covered with the timber used being from sustainable sources and they have their factories based in Australia and Sweden, thus ensuring good working conditions and fair pay.

My investigations took me to the Swedish Hasbeens site where I found that Hasbeens are another shoe made responsibly by people, not machines however the price tag was a little bit too high for me so after a recommendation from a friend I ordered a pair of clogs from Lotta from Stockholm. I couldn't find any information on their website about the ethics however, after a bit of searching I found another review of Lotta clogs with the information I was after! Seeds and Stitches did the investigating for me and found out that it is a small husband and wife duo and clogs are made "by three other family businesses all based in the EU, the vast majority in Sweden itself, and all the clog materials are also sourced from within the EU from carefully managed sources" (quote from Seeds and Stitches). The only down side is the leather is not recycled however, along my ethical path I have realised that it is very difficult to find a 100% ethical garment/item- this is something also mentioned on the Seeds and Stitches blog and I agree that some flexibility is important, especially if a business is trying to do the right things across multiple areas.

I really love my Lotta from Stockholm clogs!* I purchased this really great silver pair and I am currently saving up to buy another pair with a lower heel for days when I'm on my feet a lot. 

This also fits in with Pip's "A year of ethical fashion" thing that she's got going on over at Meet me at Mike's- why don't you pop over HERE and check it out.

*I am not being paid to review Lotta clogs... I just love them