Scrapbooking our story (so far)

Written By Devi Leiper O'Malley

We came together during a time of transition. Each of us were leaving leadership positions at young feminist focused funds and philanthropy, and looking for what would come next.

We had a brief meeting at the end of 2019 and began to chart some of our next steps. Then came COVID-19. Like everyone, we were thrown into an unnatural separation. We were already familiar with creating and collaborating across borders and time zones - but this time it was different.

At a time of disconnection, we wanted to stay connected. Amidst a harsh reality, we wanted to hold each other and dream of new futures together. That’s why, over Zoom calls, Whatsapps chats, and Insta inspiration we wove a new universe for ourselves, energies, and visions for a world that we believe is closer than you think!

Here's a scrap book of us #closertogether in physical and virtual space.

A picture of Swatee, Devi, and Ruby together at a restaurant in Belgium.

Photo Sep 2019.

First gathering in Belgium as we were winding down at our respective organizations. Getting excited about working together... not knowing that the world was about to be thrown into a pandemic.

Image of a whatsapp chat. Swatee is sharing how she feels, worried about the pandemic and proposing a time to speak across multiple timezones of the UK, Morocco, and Mexico.

Whatsapp Chat Mar 2022.

The coronavirus was beginning to sweep the world. Swatee and Devi were supposed to meet up in London, but Devi decided to stay in Morocco as fears and chaos were rising. Ruby went quickly back to Australia from Mexico. Soon after, borders closed.

A picture of a whatsapp chat where Closer is swapping voice notes, saying "I love it" and "I have an idea", with emojis

Whatsapp Chat 2020

Sharing ideas with each other and sending excited voice notes and spells across continents.

Zoom screen shot of Swatee laughing really hard at something that Devi sent her

Photo 2020.

Swatee's reaction watching a silly video Devi sent.

Picture of Ruby and Devi's zoom video screens where Devi is pointing her finger down, and Ruby is pointing her finger up so it looks like they are touching.

Photo 2021.

Ruby and Devi trying to 'connect' over zoom

Whatsapp Chat 2021.

A failed meeting attempt, but learning IRL to never make anyone rush to a call after they've had a massage. Also shows Ruby's fabulous sticker game.

A screenshot of Swatee, Devi, and Ruby's video screens on zoom. Ruby is in blue, Swatee in yellow, and Devi in green.

Photo September 2021.

Group photo before we start a virtual meeting facilitation, Ruby in blue, Swatee in yellow, and Devi in green.

A picture of a whatsapp chat where someone has posted a flowchart about whether or not to take on a new project. The flowchart asks "Do you have enough time for this" and the only options to follow are "No You Dont" and "Don't do it"

Whatsapp Chat 2022.

Showing the support we give each other to not take on too much work! It includes a meme posted by @chaninicholas .

Photo of Ruby, Devi, and Swatee together in front of some flowers. Everyone is smiling. Ruby is in the middle with Devi and Swatee either side with their arms out.

Photo June 2022.

Us at the Bellagio Center, finally reunited in person after 2 years - which almost didn’t happen because Devi got COVID right before.

Devi Leiper O'Malley
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The world we want is Closer Than You Think