‘There are moments in history when a door for massive change opens, and great revolutions for good or evil spring up in the vacuum created by these openings. In these divine moments key men and women and even entire generations risk everything to become the hinge of history, the pivotal point that determines which way the door will swing.’ (Lou Engle) Some have asked, ‘What happened next..?’ after I shared some early experiences in my previous blog, ‘Against the grain’. Having recently become a follower of Jesus and a left-wing social-political activist, my first action back in the workplace was to tear down the explicit pornographic posters that totally covered the workshop walls. (To understand the impact of this, the shop floor of such industry at the time was a heavily male-dominated environment. In fact, there was only 1 female apprentice in my year of around 80. Against this backdrop, I imagined I would get lynched for this act.) When my work mates saw what I had done, however, they just asked in dismay, ‘Why have you done this?’ I replied simply and assertively that the posters were demeaning to women. Nobody spoke a word. Next, I created a petition to reform the trade union. I used every lunch break to travel to different industrial plant locations to invite colleagues to sign it. Almost everyone said they agreed with what I was doing and advocating. At the same time, however, many explained they felt afraid to sign it in case the union retaliated by dismissing them from membership. They therefore signed with disguised names that were barely legible. On learning of what I was doing, the local shop steward, as official representative for the union, demanded that I give him the petition. I refused and he became angry, warning me sternly that I was ‘playing with fire’. On handing the final petition to the site convenor, the highest trade union representative for that region, he too reacted with predictable outrage. I didn’t wait to be dismissed or sacked. I sensed God was calling me in a new direction so I handed in my resignation, 3 months before I was due to complete my 5 years of studies there, and moved to London instead to work as a Community Service Volunteer. On just £12 a week, my family and friends thought I had gone crazy or joined a cult. In this role, however, I worked alongside a radical Marxist community development worker as part of an innovative social work team and, in my spare time, as a volunteer with local Central American political and human rights organisations. This was a decisive turning point in my life and I have never looked back for a moment with regret for that decision. When I completed this assignment, I hitch-hiked to the Middle East to work in a hospital for the poor. But that’s another story…
21 Comments
Angela Warren
13/12/2023 12:21:07 pm
Well done with the posters Nick! Did they put them back up?
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 12:22:40 pm
Thank you, Angela. No, amazingly - they didn't!
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Robin Beckett
13/12/2023 12:22:04 pm
That's quite a life story, Nick. Tell me, how old were you then?
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 12:23:18 pm
Hi Robin. I was around 21 years old at the time.
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Alan Walker
13/12/2023 12:36:27 pm
I don't know how you were brave enough to do those things Nick. I remember the closed shop days. I wouldn't have been brave enough to challenge management or union. I just kept my head down. Maggie Thatcher changed all that when she smashed the unions. But that gave all the power to the management. Kudos to you!
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 03:27:20 pm
Thanks Alan. I think it was a combination of passion for God, deep ethical conviction and, perhaps, a dose of youthful naivety. I like the Rush lyric: 'Innocence gave me confidence to go up against reality.'
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Carol Sanders
13/12/2023 12:40:02 pm
Hi Nick. I was a CSV! You brought back happy memories. I worked in a residential project for troubled young people with backgrounds in drug abuse, domestic abuse, homelessness. It was hard work but got me into social work. I don't know if CSV still exists. What was the work you were doing?
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 03:35:14 pm
Hi Carol. Great to meet a fellow CSV! Yes it provided great experiential opportunities in various fields of social work practice. Your assignment sounded pretty challenging. I'm pleased it paved the way for your social work career.
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Paul Lim
13/12/2023 03:39:42 pm
That sounds very interesting, Nick Wright. Have you written it up on your website?
Nick Wright
13/12/2023 03:41:52 pm
Hi Paul. Unfortunately not. It was some years ago now. I did a write up for CSV at the time - and it resulted in my being invited to a garden party (along with other social activists) to meet the Queen..!
Paul Lim
13/12/2023 03:50:14 pm
Wow Nick. Did you meet the Queen??
Nick Wright
13/12/2023 04:25:42 pm
Hi Paul. No, I turned down the invitation. To accept would have been inconsistent with my political convictions at the time.
Derek H
13/12/2023 02:43:44 pm
I would’ve lynched you for that!! 😉
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 03:35:45 pm
Hi Derek. To be honest, I was surprised they didn't...!
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Jasmin
13/12/2023 03:24:32 pm
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord, you’ll receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23–24. You are the epitome of radical initiative for social change Coach.#Priceless faith!
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 03:38:01 pm
Hi Jasmin and thank you for your encouragement. When it comes to a life of radical faith and social transformation, my life pales into insignificance compared to yours. Still, we each walk the unique path that God has called us to.
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Hans Vogel
13/12/2023 04:23:02 pm
You want a medal? You are an arrogant trouble maker.
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 04:29:14 pm
Hi Hans. I share my experiences in the hope that they may inspire others, and enable others to learn from my mistakes...
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Arman
13/12/2023 08:22:41 pm
Hi Nick
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Nick Wright
13/12/2023 11:18:32 pm
Hi Arman and thank you for your encouraging feedback - as always. 🙏
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4/2/2024 04:21:17 pm
Thanks for sharing a very nice and informative blog.
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Nick WrightI'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? Get in touch! Like what you read? Simply enter your email address below to receive regular blog updates!
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