When I first saw the agenda for Britmums Live, I was really excited. Last year at Cybermummy my favourite session was the one about blogging for charity, and it changed the direction of my whole blog. I found new focus. So when I found out that the colourful, inspiration and amazing Camila Batmangelidjh was speaking, I was awestruck.
Then, last week, I was asked to speak on the same panel as Camila and I felt sick with nerves. Would I be able to speak to her without turning into a blithering wreck? Would I feel confident to speak?
Camila is the founder of a couple of charities that help London children, the most famous being Kids Company. When I first moved to England, Kids Company was three years old. I recall watching Camila speaking on television about her life, which is just fascinating, and being amazed by her own personal resilience and her passion for kids other people have written off.
One thing I did know about Camila is that, like Joseph, she was an extremely premature infant. She was just over 1 kilo at birth, and wasn't expected to live, they didn't even place her in an incubator. Camila is severely dyslexic, she does not use computers at all as she is unable to read the screen. Her staff print off things they need her to read.
I had a lovely chat with her and she advised me to watch out of neuro visual issues with Joseph, but was so happy to hear his story. We had an amazing chat about the role of bloggers, she felt a little out of her depth, but I explained that we are here to help and to use social media, so she can use her time where it really matters, with her kids. I also explained that unlike traditional media it is much easier for charities to use bloggers, to get their message across, with passion and authenticity. Authenticity to me was the unofficial theme of Britmums Live, and they don't come much more authentic than Camila!
Camila is exactly how she comes across on television, full of positive energy, quick with a smile and a laugh that just fills the room. She's the sort of person that makes you feel enriched, and ready to go out and help others. I am so glad that I made the first move, and chatted to her.
If you are based in or visiting London please try and find time to visit "Childhood The Real Event" which is an exhibition of art work by 1046 children helped by Kids Company. It is being held by the Royal Academy of Arts at 6 Burlington Gardens.
 |
| Image courtesy of Britmums |
Camila is the founder of a couple of charities that help London children, the most famous being Kids Company. When I first moved to England, Kids Company was three years old. I recall watching Camila speaking on television about her life, which is just fascinating, and being amazed by her own personal resilience and her passion for kids other people have written off.
One thing I did know about Camila is that, like Joseph, she was an extremely premature infant. She was just over 1 kilo at birth, and wasn't expected to live, they didn't even place her in an incubator. Camila is severely dyslexic, she does not use computers at all as she is unable to read the screen. Her staff print off things they need her to read.
I had a lovely chat with her and she advised me to watch out of neuro visual issues with Joseph, but was so happy to hear his story. We had an amazing chat about the role of bloggers, she felt a little out of her depth, but I explained that we are here to help and to use social media, so she can use her time where it really matters, with her kids. I also explained that unlike traditional media it is much easier for charities to use bloggers, to get their message across, with passion and authenticity. Authenticity to me was the unofficial theme of Britmums Live, and they don't come much more authentic than Camila!
Camila is exactly how she comes across on television, full of positive energy, quick with a smile and a laugh that just fills the room. She's the sort of person that makes you feel enriched, and ready to go out and help others. I am so glad that I made the first move, and chatted to her.
If you are based in or visiting London please try and find time to visit "Childhood The Real Event" which is an exhibition of art work by 1046 children helped by Kids Company. It is being held by the Royal Academy of Arts at 6 Burlington Gardens.