Well, given you clicked ‘How was it?’ here’s your answer: ONLY THE BEST PEOPLE’S POWERHOUSE CONVENTION EVER!!!
Oh where to begin! So many highlights! Was the best bit the revelation that Sir Michael Marmot has a secret fantasy? A secret fantasy to create a social movement to end the north’s health divide. A secret fantasy that People’s Powerhouse are extremely on board with.
Or was the best bit when our friends The Three Hijabis inspired us with their story of petitioning against racism in sport? In conjunction with our very own Racial Justice Network these three amazing women gave us a energetic and thought provoking insight into their own journey and what we can all do support equality in sports and everywhere else.
Other highlights include our session on Community Wealth Building where we showed Tortoise Media’s Dave Taylor our northern soul. Cllr Jan Williamson took us through social value on the Wirral and Neil McInroy considered the ultimate question ‘Who owns England?’
Michael Taylor led a great session on how we can achieve economic justice for all, with contributions from Joanne Thomas of the TUC, esteemed member of our board, Tracy Fishwick, and Prof Andy Westwood amongst others.
And how we loved hearing from Nazir Afzal, Kim Leadbetter MP and Cllr Arooj Shah. They discussed diversity, leadership and power and both Kim’s and Arooj’s incredible journeys into politics. The authenticity and honesty that Kim and Arooj showed couldn’t have failed to inspire.
Thursday afternoon saw The People’s Powerhouse welcome a magnificence of Mayors who were all on brilliant form. The Mayors reacted to the recently revealed ‘Integrated Rail Plan’ by proposing using the increase in land values created by major rail investment to help fund the 'full fat' Northern Powerhouse Rail themselves, with Andy Burnham stating ‘No more bowing and scraping to Whitehall'. We also saw support for two People’s Powerhouse People’s Conventions new year.
All in all, everyone had an excellent day, filled with enthusiasm, hope and inspiration for a brighter North. We can't thank you enough for your contributions and support. Please check back regularly to hear about future plans that have emerged from This Is The North 2021.
The People’s Powerhouse marches on, speaking truth to power and always having fun.
I'm deeply passionate about improving people's lives by empowering communities.
Five Labour metro mayors spelled out what could be the start of a new approach to the big issues.
To be Northern
Nathan Parker, spoken poet and proud northerner recorded this version of ‘To be Northern’ which was shown on both days of the convention to the delight of attendees.
~~~ Attenees at This is The North 2021 ~~~
Batley and Spen
Company (tlc)
Greater Manchester
Yorkshire
BME Network
AIURC
Groundwork UK
Tortoise Media
RSA
Manchester Digital
Oldham Council
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Involve UK
Council
IPPR
