Coordinating a local Greenpeace network is fun, empowering, a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and to help Greenpeace win campaigns in interesting ways. It also requires common sense, commitment, some luck, taking responsibility for deciding what you want to do, and then doing it.
How we campaign: Greenpeace campaigns are centrally organised, and international. There are lots of different ways local networks can support Greenpeace, however if you would like to campaign on specific local issues, or to plan your own local campaigns then Friends of the Earth groups have more independence to plan their own local campaigns.
If you would like to campaign on international issues, where 1000’s of Greenpeace supporters campaign together on the same issue, then please get involved.
Time commitment: coordinating an active network perhaps takes 5-10 hours a month, or more if you so choose. Establishing an active network requires a similar commitment, and between 6 months and 2 years, to really get going.
Please don’t be put off by this, but have a think. If you’re leaving to go to University, or travelling in 6 months time, then perhaps this isn’t the best time for you.
Research: Please spend some time researching your local area, with a view to seeing how viable a Greenpeace network is in the area. Keep this research somewhere safe.
- How close is the nearest Greenpeace local network? They may be able to help you
- How big is your town? A population of 50K+ is helpful
- What about the demographics? A big student population can be helpful, a large commuter population can be less helpful
- What other groups / networks are active locally? For example FoE, WDM, P&P, CND, RSPB, WI, Climate Camp or? Plan to attend a meeting and say hello
- Google everything. Use key words such as climate change, community, groups action, recycling, green, environment, Greenpeace, activist, local environmental problem sites, the name of your town, surrounding towns, the county name and anything else you can think of.
There is no exact formula for what makes a good area to start up a Greenpeace network, but being familiar with what’s out there, and what the obstacles are, will really help.
Friends and family: If you have 1-2 friends (or family members) who want to help you, even if only for the first 6 months then the plan will be much easier. If you already have 4-6 friends, who you think will be reliably active, then you’re almost done.
Comments