Spreading the word 1 April 2006
Steve Crawford, an engineer from Lincoln, has been busy spreading the word about The Big Ask.
Below he explains what inspired him to get involved.
Staff at Ottakars helping to spread the word
How did you hear about The Big Ask campaign?
Following an inspirational talk given by a Native American visitor to Lincolnshire last spring, I decided to get more active with my concerns about climate change - so I joined Friends of the Earth. It was on the website I saw and joined The Big Ask.
What have you been doing to help spread the word?
I have been placing Big Ask leaflets in any suitable locations. That's included arts venues, the local university, pubs and restaurants with leaflet bays, a local nature reserve reception centre and 6th form and staff common rooms in schools.
What has been the reaction from people?
Generally the response is entirely positive because of Friends of the Earth's reputation and the timeliness of the concern.
The most sympathetic reception has been the Ottakers bookstore in Lincoln who now display the leaflets and bookmarks on their counters on two floors.
Steve Crawford
And what has been the response from publicans to the Big Ask beermats?
If you choose the right kind of locations - traditional pubs, sympathetic bars of whatever kind - the response is usually very favourable, even enthusiastic.
No-one so far has refused to take the beermats - one publican went so far as to say 'these will definitely fit in here!'.
Have you been doing anything else to spread the word?
Writing as many letters to as many people as I can, from Government ministers to Bob Geldof, from senior Conservatives to Richard Branson and Archbishop Rowan Williams - anyone with any influence in society.
I have been helping concerned friends do the same, particularly writing to politicians and the local newspaper. Currently I'm also trying to arrange for talks to be given to local 6th formers on climate change.
When I see my friends' small children I can't help thinking of the world they will inherit. For me the future is what we do now.
Steve Crawford
Get involved
Could you help us to spread the word about The Big Ask?
We have loads of leaflets, postcards, bookmarks and beermats - please use our feedback forms via our contact page to contact Alex in the Climate team and let her know what you would like.
© Steve Crawford
