Intersect

Purposeful Young Professionals

Intersect Good Stories!

The Intersect Crew are keen to hear of any good experiences that you've had through this networking site or through Intersect-supported events and activities.

Did you learn something new?
Did you score a job?
Did you find a cosy flat with like minded people?
Did you find true love?
Did you find the right people to create/deliver a project?
Did something give you goose-bumps or make you feel all gooey?
Did you have a profound 'Ah Ha' moment during a conversation?

Please share your stories here! This makes it easier for us to demonstrate the usefulness of this network and secure funding to grow the network offerings. Plus it makes everyone feel good about being part of this network and growing it together!

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Permalink Reply by Mahara Inglis on April 5, 2010 at 16:13

In September of 2008 at an Auckland Intersect drinks a round table discussion was taking place where people were sharing ideas and interests. At this session Guy Shrubsole put up his hand and said
"As we no doubt are aware at the end of 2009 the historic Copenhagen Climate Change conference is taking place. Youth from around the world will be attending. I think it would be great if New Zealand youth were represented."

From this simple statement began a more than year long journey which culminated in 12 young New Zealanders aged 17-26 attending the historic conference. Their achievements were many and great. From lobbying politicians directly for a Fair Ambitious and Legally Binding agreement, to connecting with youth from around the world.

A huge spinnaker covered in thousands of messages from NZ Youth was taken all the way across the other side of the world and unfurled in the 120,000 strong climate action march. Communication from the otherside of the world was many and varied from media releases to blogs. Since being back the feedback has continued and we hope to do even better in the coming years. Last but not least 12 young people learned a huge amount and gained invaluable experience.

This whole initiative which touched thousands of New Zealanders all started at a humble Intersect Suite drinks.

Thanks Intersect. It has been amazing and we will continue to represent the voice of NZ Youth.

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Permalink Reply by Lindsay Alderton on April 7, 2010 at 19:07

Dear God

Thank you for Intersect. For it taught me much and for that I am grateful.

I learned that I don't have to be an expert on sustainability to join a sustainability group, and soon as I let go of my insecurities around this, so opened a portal of potential, learning and maximum fun.

I made friends - proper friends - who broadened my horizons, inspired me to step into my dreams, and connected me with my small place in the universe, of service, of vision, of how things could be.

I learnt that my energy is best applied when it's pro, rather than anti - and gave up on angry protests, and raging towards any stupid machine. I now know that what propels me forward in active change is the good stuff which sits within, and developing the practices to sustain it, honoring my own unique expression of Life throwing itself forward in this Lindsay-shaped form, and fuelling it's expression through moments of shared wonder, giggles, beauty, creativity, silence, kisses and immersion in nature, and the desire to express gratitude for all of this through the simple act of loving. Regardless the machine, or the shadow it casts.

I learnt that I am a witch and that Joshua is a ninja, and that together we will battle and bring forth the mighty heart troll within the fey woods of the Orangariros. And all will be good from that point on.

I found love. True love. And it was awesome. And it was massive. And it gushes most plentifold on Thursday mornings in group settings. And it's been around and within for millions of years.

I found a house which was a home, and learnt about consenus decision making, disabled cats, delicious home cooking, dream-living, urban tribes and home-grown tomatoes - that burst joyness with awe all over your tongue-pods. All of the above equated to abundant awesomeness.

I learnt that from time to time it's important to Freeze.

And I found the right people. And goodness was rife.

And as for goose-bumps and as for goo? I think you can tell by now that I know no other way.

In the name of the future,
the sun,
the moon,
and the holy Radness.

Amen.

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Permalink Reply by Joshua Vial on September 25, 2010 at 11:15

We found a stellar project coordinator for 350.org.nz - Sam Rye who was looking for opportunities on the Wellington group.

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Permalink Reply by Nick Potter on November 17, 2010 at 12:57

Last night the Intersect Trust was awarded a Special Commendation for Social Innovation at the Sustainable Business Network's national awards. They celebrated the work of the Trust in growing the Intersect Network over the last 3 years and the great impacts that our members are having. Thank you to all the members of this Network, our past and present Intersect Trustees, our supporters and the Sustainable Business Network for celebrating what we're creating together.

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Permalink Reply by Joseph Nicholls on May 12, 2011 at 19:19

I found a great new flat with lovely like minded and conscious people! Thanks intersect!

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Permalink Reply by Nick Potter on September 13, 2011 at 17:16

Often it's the little things that make me really grateful for Intersect.

Wellington Activators recently organised a film screening of We Are the People We've Been Waiting For. I'd been wanting to see this film for a while but no-one had screened it in NZ. So we bought a copy and watched it with Intersect members. It sparked heaps of lively conversations and interest.

Afterwards, a teacher at the screening came up to me and said "This film reminded me of why I became a teacher." It had clearly re-invigorated her passion and her purpose for her work.

This event has helped to spread this film (and the important messages it contains) further afield. It's now being screened in Nelson. Intersect members in several government agencies, schools and research institutes are organising screenings in their organisations. It's likely to be shown at a Festival for the Future. I have a waiting list of people who want to borrow my copy of the DVD. Another Intersector told me that the film had left her pondering all week.

This is what Intersect is all about to me - connecting people across diverse sectors, having meaningful conversations, learning, and spreading change. It's a platform to amplify our personal and professional interests. We put a bit of energy into Intersect and it turns into something larger - even if it's just one person who has rediscovered her love for teaching.