Regional Gatherings round-up29 January 2010
Friends of the Earth held Regional Gatherings all around the country over the last two weeks.
Up and down the country local activists came together to:
- Get up to speed on campaign plans for 2010
- Share their skills and successes
- Network and share information
Workshops galore
As well as sessions on the Food Chain and Get Serious About CO2 campaigns there was feedback from the recent Copenhagen climate talks.
Delegates heard from our campaigners who spent two weeks in Denmark trying to influence the outcome.
Alternative approach
There was also space to focus on local and regional issues.
At the Gatherings in Derby, Birmingham and Exeter there were sessions on key campaigning issues for the region. Activists got to share their:
- Existing experience
- Skills
- Knowledge
- Successes
Delegates from three regions came together in London for the Greater South East Gathering.
Viv Stein of Brent Friends of the Earth discusses local campaigning
During the afternoon they took part in a networking session and quizzed staff and activists on a variety of topics including:
- Working with young people
- Local Transport Plans
- Green Economics.
There were also workshops for people to develop their skills in areas like media and building alliances. To read the outlines and handouts from these workshops visit our Past Events pages.
It was good to talk & meet staff and activists on a formal but relaxed way
Feedback from the networking session
Northern delights
Those who attended events in Preston and Leeds were joined by activists from People & Planet and Louder.org.uk to and got to hear their top tips for 2010.
There was also a World café - an informal session focussing on a number of issues such as:
- Human rights
- Technology and campaigning
- Challenging consumption
My first time at a Gathering has been an inspiring and thought provoking experience - I'll be back!
A newcomer at one of this year's events
Great start to 2010
So that's the new year off with a bang. We hope you enjoyed the Gatherings as much as we did and found them informative and fun.
We're looking forward to the next round of Gatherings around the country in May. If you'd like to find out more about what's planned please contact us.
© Alejandra Fernandez
