Kathleen Robinson is a Changemaker

Northside Rising is an Inspiring Communities initiative. Learn more about the Northside Changemakers program here.

The Northside Changemakers Program was developed as a way to celebrate and empower changemakers on the Northside. We wanted to develop a program which would not only grow skills and connections from people on the Northside but also foster hope and the idea that people can be the change that they wish to see. There are already so many people on the Northside doing amazing things, we simply want to provide a forum to showcase them.

The program itself is aimed to fund and support a pilot community project or initiative, while also delivering project management skills alongside a team of other changemakers. As well as designing and implementing community projects, participants also receive certification in community action skills such as Mental Health First Aid, Naloxone Training and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

This blog series showcases each participant’s journey. The changemaker we would like to introduce this week is Kathleen Robinson.

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Kathleen Robinson: Be Happy and Survive

Kathleen wanted to create an online community committed to showing people how to live off the land, and off grid. Through her Facebook group she co-designed videos on skills such as: starting a fire, purifying water and basic gardening skills.

Kathleen Robinson: Be Happy and Survive ( 128 followers)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/857319158149832

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Tell me a little bit about yourself

Hi, my name is Kathleen (she/her). I live with my fiancé, son, our dog (Zoey) and our two saucy cats (Babe and Missy). I have my own business, Be Happy and Wise, which focuses on community building, survival training, preserving food and other natural products. I love to grow plants and enjoy teaching others about growing their own food. I also homeschool my son and we spend a lot of the day driving, learning and exploring together. At night I enjoy relaxing with my family and gaming when I get a chance. 

What makes you jump out of bed in the morning?

I homeschool my son, so he gets me up bright and early every day! It’s exciting because you just never know how it is going to go. A good cup of coffee is a must to get me going in the mornings lol.

How did you hear about this program? What drew you to applying?

I heard about the program through a friend who recommended it to me. Right after that I saw the posters posted in town and knew it was a sign. 

What inspired you to do the project that you did?

I wanted to help create a space that showed people simple tips and tricks on how to survive in the wild. I also wanted it to be a space to connect with others in the community, and learn from one another.  

In the beginning my project started off as a hands-on learning experience with a small walk in the woods. However due to the ever-changing world in which we live in with the pandemic, that was not possible, so I created an online space instead. 

What do you love about the Northside? What makes it special?

So many things, the people, the land and the animals.

The people are amazing, and I feel and see great changes and opportunities in the future. It’s also so wonderful to be by so many outdoor places to explore and beaches to visit. 

When you think of the word Changemaker, what comes to mind?

When I think of a Changemaker, I think of  someone with the desire to make a difference, with the will to overcome obstacles. Someone who can see problems and find innovative ways to fix them. 

What are your hopes for the Northside? Why is that hope important to you/ the community?

I hope people can work together to overcome obstacles. I firmly believe the best way to make the world a better place is to be non-judgmental and work together.

Anything else?

Being healthy is an act of revolution!  Please care for yourself. I love you!