It happens in the life of every good, steadfast and dedicated Greenpeace volunteer. Apathy. That burnt out feeling you get when you’ve spoken to one indifferent member of the public too many. The sense that, try as you may, you really can’t, or won’t, give your all to a Greenpeace event.
So when the time came for the annual Greenpeace Skillshare I had mixed feelings about it. ‘I’ve been to several of these already, am I really going to learn anything new?’ ‘It’s been so long since my last Greenpeace action’. ‘Do I really want to sacrifice my Saturday morning lie in?’ As the big day approached these thoughts circled endlessly in my head. However, I fought my reservations and duly rose from my weekend slumber to attend. Frankly, I’m really glad that I did.
Once a year, Greenpeace organises a Skillshare day for its volunteers. Its an opportunity for all of us, regardless of age and activist experience to meet, get to know one another, participate in workshops and learn some new skills to help us on the campaign trail.
As soon as I arrived I was greeted by warm, friendly faces. People I have forged strong friendships with over three years of campaigning and festivalling. People brand new to Greenpeace and environmental activism, but no less warm and enthusiastic. While spending a day indoors, during the hottest October in London since the Great Fire seemed somewhat unlucky, I knew that coming was the right decision.
Now, what workshops to choose? Admittedly I had attended a number of the workshops on offer in previous Skillshares, but I still had an impressive selection to choose from. First stop, fundraising. Issy Griffin from Greenpeace’s fundraising team gave our group useful tools, tips and thoughts on how to raise money for Greenpeace, or indeed any cause. I hope I can soon put these into action.
After a delicious vegetarian lunch came the knot tying workshop with Andrew! I’ve eyed this session with curious interest at the last few Skillshares, but never dabbled. I decided this would be my lucky year. Before I knew it, I was tying half hitches and figures of eight like a natural whilst basking in glorious sunshine!
At the end of the day I took part in a brainstorming session to decide how Greenpeace should mark its 40th birthday. This session was run by Sebastian and John. Many exciting and inspired ideas were put forward by our group. I felt really humbled taking part in a session to help Greenpeace mark four decades of being. I hope that some of the ideas we put forward are carried out in the next year…
With the Skillshare concluded, my mood and attitude had really changed from earlier in the day. I felt fulfilled, inspired and looking forward to my next Greenpeace outing. I recognised that campaign fatigue is only natural. Highlighting our planet's plight to people who are indifferent is hard, thankless work! But the Skillshare reminded me that I’m not alone. There is an incredible organisation and incredible people who volunteer for it, that are as willing as me to keep up the good fight. As much as we need our world, so our world needs Greenpeace.
Now time for a well earned drink and more chat with old friends and new…
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with Greenpeace in your local area, then please visit out Get Active pages, find your local group/network, get in touch with your local coordinator and volunteer to help out.
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