I have lived a third of my 28-year-old life abroad, I was born in Germany, I speak 3 languages and my dad isn’t British. But when someone asks where I am from, I proudly and instantly answer “Manchester.”
This city really is different. Whether we are igniting social revolution, creating world-changing inventions, or building the foundations of unshakeable community spirit, it is always unique and from the bowels of the city.
I have never been prouder of my city than after the Manchester terrorist attack in May. Out of horrendous violence and unbridled hate came a fan fare of love, unity and community resolve.
I was at the vigil, I was nervous of a potential attack, but what kept me rooted to the spot was the feeling that the world is changing. People are starting to truly understand the powerful force of community and what it can do socially, politically, and economically.
We were all at the vigil to send the world a message that we are together and we won’t be silent anymore.
The change towards community empowerment is noticeably present in both every-day, political and working life. People are starting to wake up and change the world around them.
A topical example is the recent shock UK parliament result, where the tide shifted thanks largely to a mass youth turn out and disgruntled voters, who are neither represented or cared for, showing the government the power of the ballot. Further from home, we have the surprise Macron win and the continuous tirade of anti-Trump rallies across the world.
Political change is no longer bound to location, it is global and galvanised by social media. A world-wide communicating mesh of people, learning how to shake of the shackles of those who wish to change our life for the worse.
In every-day life community-led projects are on the rise. People are taking their problems into their own hands and working together both locally and as part of a network of national and international communities because they want to solve what they see happening outside of their doorstep.
The environment, social inequality, prejudice, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence are just some of the many problems that community projects are actively tackling.
In the business world, consumers now want to know where their products are coming from, what companies are doing in their name and they want businesses to have real ethics. This seismic shift in consumer demand is changing the business world.
Large companies now market ways that they ‘give back’ to the community, social enterprises are becoming mainstream and the common business dilemma among millennials is how to balance turning a profit with making a real difference.
Moral leadership, sustainable ideas and conscious business are all much more than marketing buzz words, they are all social foundations that are here to stay.
Sara is a freelance writer based in Manchester. She owns the commercial and creative content company Fraiche Ink, focusing on thought pieces and marketing content.
