Mindset Revolution in Manchester's Legislative Theatre

Manchester, UK – Wednesday, 25 June 2025 – Today was more than just an event; it was a vibrant, living experiment in democracy, participation, and the power of collective action. The energy at the Legislative Theatre in Manchester was palpable as young people, community activists, authorities, and academics came together for the Mindset Revolution.

The day began on a high note, with a warm welcome for our passionate young participants who travelled from Barcelona to be part of this transformative experience. And what better way to kick things off than by celebrating a significant milestone: a very happy 19th birthday to Ahmed! It was a beautiful reminder of the human connection at the heart of our work.

Setting the Stage for Change

After the celebrations, the theatre buzzed with activity. Everyone – actors, facilitators, and our diverse audience – prepped, rehearsed, and got ready to dive deep. When Katy Rubin, our incredible facilitator, took the stage, she immediately set an inclusive tone, introducing herself and the Mindset Revolution's ambitious goal in both English and Spanish, ensuring our Barcelona team felt fully immersed. Nadia's translation skills were invaluable, bridging any language gaps with seamless grace.

Katy's opening question resonated deeply: "Raise your hand if you've ever seen a participatory process that had a great start and then kind of fizzled out?" A sea of hands confirmed it – we were all in the right place, ready to explore how to make change stick. This Legislative Theatre process isn't just about identifying problems; it's about actively practicing, working through scenes, and trying out solutions in real-time, pushing for tangible results.

We heard from the "Casalo Aritas," a youth collective from Barcelona, who shared their inspiring journey of self-organizing to impact their neighbourhood, tackling everything from housing to health issues. Their presence, alongside our Manchester-based Mindset Revolution veterans, underscored the collaborative spirit of the day – a true learning exchange between vibrant communities.

Warming Up and Leaning In

Before the dramatic interventions, we had a fantastic "warm-up" session led by Lee. What started as a simple game of opposites ("Yes, yes, yes" met with "No, no, no!") quickly became a lively, brain-teasing exercise in quick thinking and mental agility. It was a brilliant way to shake off any stiffness, get everyone engaged, and prepare our minds for the creative problem-solving ahead. As one participant noted, it's about "thinking in a different way... questioning that really these days."

The introductions that followed highlighted the incredible breadth of expertise and passion in the room, from representatives of the Great Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Manchester Metropolitan University to mental health charities and long-standing activists. This was truly a cross-sectoral gathering committed to real impact.

Unpacking the Challenges: Scenes of Economic Injustice

Then, the heart of the Legislative Theatre unfolded. Through three powerful scenes, we witnessed the real-world frustrations faced by individuals navigating bureaucratic hurdles and systemic injustices. From a desperate young person seeking help being met with a rigid, unsympathetic system, to the crushing reality of recommendations "fizzling out" due to shifting priorities and lack of accountability, the scenes brought abstract issues to life. The audience, now "spect-actors," observed the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways power dynamics, budget limitations, and a "firefighting" culture undermine meaningful change.

A key theme emerged: "participation washing" – the act of making something look participatory without genuine follow-through or impact. This resonated deeply with many, highlighting the need for true, embedded change rather than superficial gestures.

Igniting Solutions: Spect-Actors Take the Stage

The most exciting part of Legislative Theatre is the intervention! Inspired by the struggles on stage, spect-actors from the audience stepped in to propose and test new ideas in real-time. We saw incredible interventions:

• The "Participation Manager": Josie, playing a newly-imagined role, intervened in a scene of bureaucratic stonewalling, advocating passionately for the personal wellbeing of staff and the reputational integrity of the organization. Her idea challenged the notion that "care is not in the budget," positing that staff wellbeing is intrinsically linked to their ability to deliver meaningful work.

• Community-Led Support: Another intervention brought in external community organizations and translators, challenging the system to recognize and value support networks beyond its own walls. This highlighted the need for mutual aid, shared understanding of community resources, and accessible information, rather than imposing internal, often inadequate, solutions.

• "Test and Learn" Culture: A powerful suggestion emerged for organizations to adopt a "test and learn" approach, allowing staff the authority and incentivization to experiment with new ways of working, free from fear of failure. This challenges rigid hierarchies and encourages innovation from the ground up.

These interventions sparked rich discussions, revealing underlying barriers like hierarchical interruptions, a lack of holistic understanding of community needs, and the systemic "firefighting" that prevents long-term solutions.

Forging a New Path: Concrete Proposals for Change

Building on these insights, the collective wisdom of the room coalesced into powerful, actionable proposals for systemic change. These aren't just ideas; they are blueprints for a more just and participatory future:

1. Department of Equality and Social Rights: Every school and workplace should have a dedicated, embedded (not separate) department of equality and social rights at the leadership level, ensuring that everyone knows their rights and that governance structures support genuine empowerment. This includes a mechanism for frontline staff and community members to regularly review and hold the department accountable.

2. Council of Accountability and Legacy: A cross-sectoral body (government, communities, academics) to avoid "participation washing." This council would be co-designed, valuing emotional resilience and social learning as part of its legacy and accountability. Crucially, it would advocate for public funds dedicated to "care infrastructure" – recognizing that care for people and staff is not an optional extra, but a fundamental investment.

3. Promoting Safe Spaces and Staff Wellbeing: Organizations must promote and embed safe spaces for staff to test and experiment with new ways of working, with clear attention to staff wellbeing. This includes incentives for engagement and collaboration, fostering a cultural shift towards prioritizing holistic wellbeing through organizational design and practice. It calls for recognition for workplaces that truly encourage experimentation and engagement, beyond just basic employment standards.

Personal Commitments: The Revolution Continues

The day culminated in a powerful moment of personal commitment. Each participant, from government officials to youth activists, shared one concrete step they would take in their own work or life to advance these proposals. From integrating emotional resilience into impact reporting to advocating for staff wellbeing in policy meetings, from joining a local union to simply prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout, these commitments were a testament to the immediate, tangible impact of the day.

The Mindset Revolution at Manchester's Legislative Theatre was a resounding success. It proved that theatre is not just entertainment but a vital tool for social change, allowing us to collectively diagnose problems, test solutions, and commit to a more equitable and caring future. It was a powerful demonstration that when diverse voices are brought together in a space of trust and innovation, real revolution – a revolution of mindset – is truly possible.

Thank you to everyone who participated, organized, and contributed to this extraordinary day. The work has just begun, and the seeds of change sown in Manchester today promise a brighter, more participatory tomorrow.