The best thing about skillshare is not only the meeting up again with Greenpeace mates you have met before from previous events, but also the making of new friends. It gives you a bit of space to sit back and reflect on what's been happening over the past several months, as well as a chance to look forward to what's on the campaign horizon. For me and the other 7 Bristol East members, the skillshare at Goblin Combe in Somerset was so convenient, being just a few miles from the city. I salute those who travelled many miles from the corners of Malcolm Carroll's new 'administrative' area and so it was great to meet people from Manchester, Northants, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Salisbury and mid Wales. Great rural venue - shame it's on the flight path for Bristol Airport!
On the Saturday morning Malcolm started the day by reminding us of the international perspective of what Greenpeace does and the ways in which we aim to achieve our campaign objectives. It was timely to hear the good news that Apple had commited itself to renewable power for its US data centres following recent actions in the UK and abroad. Some of those attending had taken part in those very actions. Here's hoping Amazon and Microsoft follow suit. As one campaign sees results it is clear that others are about to kick off and this is going to make it a potentially busy summer (and beyond). In the offices at Canonbury Villas it has been dubbed Mid May Madness as HQ staff have been working flat out to get campaign materials ready for groups to use. Unfortunately it was for this reason that three of the key speakers could not attend as planned.
We all know that 'actions speak louder than words', but it is also true to say that 'the pen is mightier than the sword' (however, in this day and age it is the keyboard or phone keypad)! Technology is one of our key tools that has helped with our successes. It was therefore very useful to receive advice and tips from Richard Martin who has the task of planning new and imaginative online campaign strategies for us to use. Effective use of blogs, tweets and Facebook entries all help to get the key messages out there and encourage the public to support our causes.
Bristol East have already had a very successful local launch of the campaign to reform the EU Common Fishing Policy and next week this is being launched nationally. However, it will not be the only campaign focus for the summer. 'Save the Arctic' is going to be an internationally co-ordinated operation and it promises to be a landmark battle to stop Shell and other oil/mineral companies from exploiting the oil and mineral resources that are now more accessible due to climate change. UK Greenpeace Director, John Sauven, sees this as the most important campaign of this generation. Over 450,000 people have registered their concern about Shell's intentions - click here for the petition.
Also on the horizon is a campaign on forests - details of which I have yet to see. For Bristol East we also have Big Green Week in mid June which looks like a great week of events to celebrate green lifestyles and a more sustainable future and provides a brilliant opportunity to encourage public support for our causes. All in all it looks like we are going to have plenty to do over the coming months. I know Bristol East volunteers and activists are looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Many thanks to Malcolm and company for organising the weekend and to all those who took part in the Goblin Combe Skillshare. Great food, beer and cider - sounds like I missed out on a lovely walk on the Sunday. Hope to see some of you again soon!
Comments