Dig out your old T-shirts: Friends of the Earth 40th anniversary conference

Karen Liebenguth

21 April 2011

Preparations for our biggest event of the year are well under way and this week has been a particularly exciting one. Three of Friends of the Earth former directors have confirmed that they will be joining us to celebrate our past: Jonathan Porritt (1984 - 1990), Charles Secrett (1993 - 2003) and Tony Juniper (2003 - 2008).

Of the three I only know Tony well so I googled all of them. What was really striking was the consistent references to 'one of Britain's leading environmentalists' or 'one of Britain's most effective eco-warriors'. What an achievement, I thought to myself, and how good to know that they are out there, still working for the same cause.

I'm really looking forward to their stories from Friends of the Earth in times gone by.

Celebrating our past will be just one element of  the programme for our two-and-a-half day annual gathering which brings together local groups, activists, staff, volunteers, colleagues from Friends of the Earth International and guest speakers.

We'll also be looking to the next 40 years, at how our campaigns can help our planet to thrive. Along the way we'll hear from our current director Andy Atkins, Nnimmo Bassey - chair of Friends of the Earth International and Kate Pickett, author of The Spirit Level.

And most importantly we will be celebrating with local group members their campaign achievements that for me are always the most enjoyable part of the event. This part always reminds me of the famous quote by Margaret Mead:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

This year's annual conference will be in Nottingham from 9-11 September. Places are limited and bookings are open from beginning of June. So watch this blog and the Local Group Conference page.

Karen Liebenguth, Organisational Development Team