Plug us in - a summer of energy conversations

7 June 2011

We need a massive shift in how the UK thinks about energy. We need to show that another way is possible.

Over the summer you can help shape and prepare for a new campaign we're launching in September by:

• building new contacts
• gathering evidence to show a different energy future is possible
• preparing to start the campaign in the Autumn with a bang

Activity one - local energy survey

This survey is a way for you to talk to local people about energy, and create material for a news story for September.

Find out more in Activity Pack One: Creating a conversation with the public.

Activity two - case studies and contacts

We want inspiring case studies that show local energy projects happening on the ground.

You can help us build up an exciting bank of case studies by interviewing people involved in local green energy projects as well as finding new sections of your community that might benefit from green energy.

Find out more in Activity Pack Two: Building case studies and community contacts.

Here are some sample interview questions, along with an example case study to help you.

Props and materials

A good prop can make your stall really come to life, giving a visual hook to attract people and invite to see what you are doing.

We've made a big version of the campaign icon available for you to use:

• A1 poster
• A1 tiled colour poster
• A1 tiled black and white poster
• A5 bunting

Use the links above to download a copy of the prop as A4 tiles (so you can print it our yourself and put it together like a jigsaw) in both black and white, or colour, or an A1 version you can take to a local copy shop or printer - most decent
copy shops should be able to do this as a walk in service.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Glyn Thomas: [email protected]

Assembling your prop

The prop is an A1 sized visual of our Big Energy Conversation logo.

It will work really well as a big and basic poster (if your budget stretches why not print a few out and use them around your town to advertise your stalls - make sure you customise them with your group details?).

You could also turn the prop into a sandwich board. You'll need to print off two copies and back them on strong cardboard. Then use some spare cardboard to add 'straps' over the shoulders about a head's width apart, with string under the arms to hold the board together.

If you'd rather use your prop on the stall you can make yourself a big sign or free standing banner. Probably the easiest way is to attach it to a weighted box. You'll need to attach your printout to some strong cardboard and then secure this to a strong cardboard box. You can then weigh down the box with heavy objects to secure it in the wind.