A million acts of hope
Rebecca Bellamy suggests a change in perspective to help create hope as we grapple with questions about living well together and deep division in society.
"When you start to look, hope is everywhere." – David Gee
Quakers are continuing to grapple with the question of how we can live well together while navigating deep division in society. But just changing our perspective, in order to focus on hope and the tools we have, can be transformative, as David Gee suggests.
Changing my perspective
The long view
Sometimes, I like to learn about the extraordinary progress made over decades or even centuries. Seeing how social, environmental, and medical progress has shaped our world reminds me that transformation isn't just possible – it's happening, little by little.
The micro view
At other times, hope can also be found in the small acts – the quiet moments of kindness, unity, and solidarity that usually miss the mainstream news. Sharing these stories is an act of resistance against despair, but also where these acts represent values that challenge the division we see they can take on new significance. For example, community gardening with refugees in the context of these communities being at the sharp end of structural and cultural and sometimes physical violence, makes community gardening with refugees an act of hope, solidarity and resistance.
Small acts of hope can look like sharing a cup of tea, or a poem, or a beautiful message with someone you might have an unlikely friendship with. It could be an act of care, providing some practical support or companionship. Or it could be something organised to build or deepen connections between communities. What else could small acts of hope look like?
A million acts of hope
Quakers in Britain are partnering on A Million Acts of Hope, which is a week of action (13-20 May) taking place across Britain to celebrate all those showing hope, compassion and kindness in the face of hate. Events will take place across the country, celebrating positive actions among communities. During this week, hundreds of charities, faith groups, and community groups will be getting involved.
A year ago at our Yearly Meeting, Quakers collectively agreed: “The spirit is pushing us as individuals, local and area meetings to improve our toolkits, to become better at building peace." (Minute 26, Yearly Meeting 2025). Turning our attention to acts of hope and connection, and countering hate, is one way of moving towards this.
Taking part in A Million Acts of Hope doesn't have to be loads of work or about putting on new events (unless you want to!). Getting involved in A Million Acts of Hope is an opportunity to:
- Shine a light on, and celebrate, the work you are already doing
- Connect to a wider national moment celebrating the hope found in local communities
- Reach new people in your community, and build new local partnerships
Prejudice, hatred and division thrive where hope feels lost, where there is fear and frustration. If we are to build resilient communities where we live, the quality of our relationships will be key to how we respond in times of crisis. Including the relationships with people outside of our familiar circles.
Peacebuilding in Britain is a programme of Quakers in Britain that can support Quakers in this endeavour. Our staff provide accompaniment to Quakers and others, create resources that can be shared, deliver workshops and convene networks for peer support, reflection and learning.
Get involved
- You don't need to sign up directly or submit anything, but please send us information about your activity we could share on social media, or if you have posted something do tag Quakers in Britain on Bluesky, Instagram or Facebook.
- However, if you would like to submit your event to the Million Acts of Hope website where there will be a growing interactive map, you can do so through this form: Submit your event
- Resources including posters can be downloaded here: Resources
- If you aren't planning anything for the week of Hope, 13–20 May, but have ongoing or recent activities you could share, Quaker Voluntary Action would like to hear from you by 27 April. Share Your Quaker Volunteering Story for A Million Acts of Hope
Looking to hold something later in the year? We have two workshops you may like to request:
- 'Building Peace in our Communities': aimed at Quaker meetings to think about emerging peacebuilding needs locally and how they connect to issues nationally and internationally.
- Participatory project 'Letters from Tomorrow': an exercise in imagination, for Quakers gathering with wider communities locally or regionally, to think about their future and begin building relationships that can hold strong in difficult times. A project pack for Letters from Tomorrow will be available soon, email us to receive more information.
To make an enquiry, contact peacebuildinginbritain@quaker.org.uk
Learn more on the Peacebuilding in Britain Action Update Page
