BWIP Origin Story

BWIP is a self sustaining network of socially and environmentally aware people who meet regularly to inspire each other, have fun and help each other catalyse or create positive change.

BWIP comes from humble origins, partly based on my feeling "I did not fit in", and deciding that if I could not find what I needed that I would create it!

As an immigrant it had taken me years to decode how to function in British society, and network effectively. I wanted a platform to explore ways of

• increasing positive impact
• bringing people together that may not ordinarily have met
• making connections between people and ideas
• helping catalyse and support inspirational actions and outcomes
  While there are many networks out there, there did not seem to be one that fitted the bill for me.

BWIP brings together diverse actors, making connections, building relationships, and helping people. It provides a safe place to explore ideas and share feedback, guidance, expertise, support and mentoring others while benefiting from a vast range of expertise that one might not normally have access to.

When I initially set it up, I really did not have much structure or plan.
I had wanted to do something like this for ages, but had procrastinated, mostly out of fear I guess. I wanted to have the perfect venue, menu, curation of attendees, agenda, opening remarks, chemistry and outputs. I could never come up with it. Life is messy, people are complex and organic. Nothing happens if you don't do something. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

One day, largely born out of frustration and unhappiness at work, and frustration with my lack of activity and impact (perhaps an impending mid-life crisis, relating to my not having achieved as much on this earth as my potential would suggest is possible) I sent an email to a small group of people. That was March 2017. It was a leap, and I was scared.

"I have been meaning to do this for ages, and never quite got around to if for whatever reason. So starting small, will add a couple of folk as we go along and may even have a theme.."

— the email that started BWIP, 7 March 2017

Nine years on, BWIP is still here generating smiles, inspiration and value!

Characteristics of a BWIPer :)
BWIPers;

• give more than they take.
• are either a friend, who I would like to spend more time with, or an acquaintance, whom I would like to call a friend, and would like to spend more time with.
• have a social and environmental conscience.
• are thinking and doing inspirational things.
• want the world to be a better place, and are walking the walk, and helping others do the same.