Lena Bheeroo, Possible Now Stitching Fellow (UK)

Possible Now brings together a community that is already blooming, people who are active and working in ways that go beyond the current system and some of its thinking. It's a community that shows care, trust, flexibility and impact.

Much of my work has been on systemic change through a decolonial lens, changing the architecture of philanthropy and government, and organizing across civil society. In philanthropy we talk a lot about trust and flexible funding. In this community it's simply how people work. They share what they have, back each other and adapt to what's needed, and they've been doing it for a long time.

I love Possible Now for the space it offers to mobilize all that exists already. So often our sector puts its energy into making the current system work a bit better. Possible Now believes in a different kind of future, one that isn't just about fine-tuning the one we have. And I think how we talk about this matters. When we talk about the future like this, we're not just describing it, we're remaking it and breathing life into what is possible.

As a Possible Now Stitching Fellow I'm exploring how movements that have had to ask power for resources and recognition, including racial justice, LGBTQIA+, disability justice and climate movements, can build power from within. I think a lot of that energy already exists, but it's just not joined up yet. I'd really love to connect with anyone working across community philanthropy, organizing, mutual aid and funding, and with anyone thinking about how movements can build connections that outlive a funding cycle.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Kathmandu and building together.