In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with Steve Chalke, a true pioneer in social justice and community transformation across the UK and around the world.

They dive into Steve’s journey from his early days in South London to founding Oasis, an organisation that now runs over 50 schools and community hubs across the country. The conversation covers everything from authentic leadership and transformative education to the vital role of holistic care in building stronger communities.

Steve opens up about his own path, including a defining moment in his teenage years that led him to community work, as well as groundbreaking initiatives like Oasis Restore for youth justice. This episode is packed with real-world insights on building trust, engaging communities, and creating a genuine sense of belonging in leadership.

Culture Crush:

🧡 Oasis (Oasis UK, Oasis Community Learning, and globally) 

➡️ For your relentless pursuit of inclusion and your transformative approach to social justice. 

Key Takeaways:

✅ Building trust takes time, but a genuine commitment to community can bridge gaps and foster belonging.

✅ Authenticity in leadership is crucial; what’s inside a leader will come out under pressure.

✅ The journey of transformation often starts with individual stories and personal connections.

✅ Education is not just about academic achievement; it’s about nurturing the whole person and addressing community needs.

✅ Creating opportunities and being present in conversations can lead to impactful partnerships and initiatives.

Sound Bites:

📢 “You can’t harm someone to heal them. You can’t punish them into a better life.”

📢 “What’s inside you leaks out. People have a completely different impression of us than the ones we’re trying to give because they see us.”

📢 “Trust takes time to build, but people will judge you when you walk through the door within 30 seconds.”

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

01:30 The Origins of Oasis

07:40 A Journey of Purpose

14:00 The Power of Opportunity.

21:45 Building Schools and Community

29:15 Healing Through Understanding

31:56 Oasis Saint Martin’s: A New Beginning

36:36 Building Trust in Communities

40:46 Fostering a Sense of Belonging

44:34 Authenticity in Leadership