Dear friends,

Firstly, we hope you are well in this time of uncertainty.

JCI Southampton like so many organisations has had to re-organise our plans for this year. Regardless of this, we have had to adapt and in response to current events, we want to launch our new "Think Local" campaign. Inspired by the needs of the community, local business and members.

The activities are inspired by the needs of the local community: like food banks, restaurants and artists in particular. With small businesses at risk of collapse despite government support, food banks overwhelmed and mental health crisis consuming people. With shops and businesses starting to open up again this week, albeit with the added challenge of adhering to social distancing guidelines, it's an opportunity to think local and support struggling businesses and organisations in your area. Here are 10 ways you can think local:

1. Try shopping at independent shops in your local area - on and offline
2. Consider joining your local Mutual Aid group
3. Order from local, independent takeaways and restaurants
4. Purchase locally sourced food if you can
5. Support charities and food banks
6. Support local artists and community organisations
7. Support vulnerable or isolated people
8. Send family and friends homemade gifts
9. Take part in local online classes
10. Thank your local heroes

This campaign is designed to:

• Improve the wellbeing of our members
• Build a better sense of community
• Support struggling local businesses

We’re calling on you, the members of JCI Southampton, JCI UK and JCI members all over the world to join us by taking part in our “Think Local”.

Please can you share how you are taking part by using the #jcithinklocal hashtag.

So please support your local community by getting behind this campaign.

Please think local and support your community through these tough times.