A very happy new year to all our readers. We hope 2024 will be a joyful year for each of you, full of good health, peace and love.
The past 12 months have been a roller coaster ride of tragedies and triumphs, and everything in between. And, as the clocks struck midnight to indicate the start of 2024, many of us will have felt unable to fully celebrate given the deeply troubled state of the world.
From the climate crisis to the multiple conflicts raging around the world, coupled with the growing economic disparities and social injustices that plague our societies, there is much to feel upset about.
Yet each new year brings new hope; a chance to turn our good intentions into meaningful and sustainable actions.
Change starts from within and among our immediate circles. What may seem as small and simple acts of kindness can have far-reaching ripple effects that can transform our own lives and those of many others for the better.
Undoubtedly, the best example of this was the British Turkish community’s incredible response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkiye in February of last year, where we quickly mobilised to raise millions of pounds and send tonnes of essential supplies to those impacted by the earthquake.
As the old adage goes, ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’. British Turks can indeed achieve far more as a community by harnessing our collective strength and skills more effectively.
For too long we have tolerated casual racism and failed to stand up to those who act against our interests and seek to discriminate against Turks, Turkish Cypriots and Azerbaijanis and to malign our ethnic motherlands.
This year will see major elections take place across large parts of the United Kingdom, including the Mayoral and Greater London Assembly Elections, and many other metropolitan districts. There is also a strong likelihood of a General Election.
Your vote matters!
If there is ever a time to influence political parties, it is in election year. Ignoring politics or simply being a keyboard warrior changes nothing!
One of the most important things you can do this year is to join a political party that best reflects your values and interests. No one party will be perfect in all areas, however, if you can support that party improve its reach in your local area, it will in turn give you a voice and an opportunity to influence party policy.
Let’s make 2024 a year of positive change, where our common humanity prevails over the narrow and cruel interests of a few, and where the voice and rights of British Turks can be heard and respected.
From T-VINE Magazine — now a decade old — we thank you for all your fabulous support in 2023.
We look forward to covering your success stories in the coming months, while also supporting our readers and the wider community to overcome the diverse challenges and injustices we face.
Wishing you all a kinder, happier and healthier 2024.
