On several occasions this month I have paused for a moment to appreciate just how much can be achieved by passionate people putting their heads together and working towards a common goal.

As our lives become busier, and our communities and families become increasingly fragmented, individuals are being left to their own devices in campaigning for the causes they are passionate about. Or so I thought.
I have been fortunate enough to encounter many ambitious young minds in recent weeks and conversations with some incredible individuals have left
me inspired.

As one such individual - Kate Kendall - pointed out to me, Gen Y are the first generation who will be able to really determine their own destiny. The internet is enabling each of us to work remotely and to own own strengths. This may mean that instead of each person moulding their skills and interests to fit the needs of a business, individuals can develop their own skill set and mould their work and interests into the shape they desire. But as great as this sounds, individuals working alone can only achieve so much. The final piece of the puzzle is combining our skills and working together towards
a common cause.

Kate is a Melbourne based social media strategist, SocialMelb founder
(www.socialmelb.com) and people connector. She is an inspiring and inspired young person who connects people and encourages them to share their skills and expertise. I have seen first hand what amazing projects and collaborations can emerge from a Friday morning coffee into something truly remarkable thanks to Kate’s vision and awareness of the power of the collective.

Tania De Jong (see page 16) is another great example of just what can be achieved by ambitious individuals working together, sharing their strengths and recognising that everyone has something to offer.

In the past week it has been so enlightening to see just how much of an impact my own actions have had.

The cause I am passionate about is raising the profile of businesses supporting environmental causes or doing their part to help others live their lives in a more sustainable way. Teaming up with blogger Cheryl Lin (www.businesschic.com.au) we are passionate about highlighting businesses in Regional Victoria who are working to promote the message
of sustainability.

Our first project saw us living on display for Melbourne’s State of Design Festival thanks to Daiman Otto and Craig Chatman, architects who’s own collaboration (ARKit - www.arkit.com.au) has resulted in an amazing prefabricated sustainable house. Support from several local companies who are also spreading the sustainability message is testament to just how much of an impact individuals can make when they combine their efforts.
Hopefully, by combining our efforts in showcasing these people who are making changes at a grassroots level we will inspire others to make small changes in their behaviours for the benefit of themselves, their families and the
wider community.

Please follow our adventures
and support our cause at
www.threechics.wordpress.com.