Charis Chittick: a reminder that real change is possible
Like many organisations right now, at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll Scotland), we are thinking ahead to the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
Last month, we gathered organisations, academics and individuals together in Glasgow to co-create our manifesto for the economy.
As Scotland’s network of organisations and individuals committed to transforming our economy, it was important to us to include our members in the process of creating our manifesto.
We believe there is power in coming together. By sharing our collective expertise and experiences we can create a manifesto for our economy that has breadth and depth. A manifesto for the economy that is backed by the people of Scotland.
Working in the third sector, it’s easy to feel discouraged and deflated right now. Many times this year I have felt angry as we hear news of policy decisions that put pressure on those of us who are already struggling to survive. I am fed up with short-sighted decision making that prioritises the wrong things and puts our natural environment at risk.
Right now people in Scotland are feeling overlooked and ignored by politicians. Let down by a system that is stacked against them. For too many of us, the economy isn’t working and we are left on shaky ground. Too many of us struggle to pay our bills, heat our homes, or even buy enough to eat. We can and must do better.
As I sat in our manifesto workshops on a rare sunny day in Glasgow, my sense of hope for a better future and determination to keep going was reignited. I spend most of my time working from a small corner of my bedroom at my ‘home office’. It’s easy to forget that we are part of something bigger.
Being in that workshop, filled with people from a diverse range of organisations and backgrounds, was exactly what I needed. There was a buzz and anticipation in the room as we worked together and a reminder that change is possible.
I’m now back in my bedroom office and we are beginning to draft our manifesto for the economy. We are still in the early stages of writing it and we’ll continue to work with our members to co-create our manifesto for the economy.
But one thing is clear, the next parliamentary term is an opportunity for politicians to rebuild trust through their actions. To act on the issues that matter most to people.
We must deliver real and lasting change for people in Scotland that ensures everyone has enough to live with dignity. We must act to restore and protect our beautiful natural environment for future generations.
It’s time for our politicians to invest in a better future for Scotland by getting today’s decisions right. To commit to redesigning our economy.
If you want to join us, why not become a member of WEAll Scotland and add your voice to our manifesto for the economy.
Together, we can build a wellbeing economy where people and planet can thrive.
Charis Chittick is campaigns and communications lead at WEAll Scotland.
