Stirred up? Speak up!

by Bryony Loveless.

I’m not a typical campaigner. Whilst campaigning sometimes looks like standing on the street and holding a placard, sometimes it looks like racing through an inbox of emails, spending hours preparing for Zoom calls with policymakers or Parliamentarians, crunching data from enormous spreadsheets or running over to the print shop to pick up a banner. 

Between campaigners and policymakers, it feels like there is constant debate about whose approach is better. A colleague of mine used to say to me, “If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu”. In other words, if your cause isn’t represented by someone at the decision-making table, who will speak up for it? But of course, it is more nuanced than that – because big campaigns like Fridays for the Future or Extinction Rebellion often make spaces at the table too, as politicians see how important a cause is to the general public. I’m lucky: campaigning is part of my job. But if you’re not in that category, you may be thinking: how can I campaign? Where is the place for me? There are days where this can certainly feel bleak, when politicians seem to do the exact opposite of what the climate crisis requires, and we as individuals feel powerless to make change. However, what is important is to simply add your voice: campaigning needs all types of people. Sure, it might involve grabbing a placard and standing in the street, or it might involve talking to your friends about how their choices affect the planet.

I would also encourage you to engage with your local MP. Writing to your MP is an effective tool. I used to be a caseworker for an MP and read through the correspondence from constituents. It’s important to note that you’re keeping the MP in a job, so it’s in their interests to respond! There are also plenty of organisations, like Hope for the Future, out there who can help you engage with your MP. You could also sign a petition, like the one for Warm This Winter. But if it’s this campaign or another issue you’re stirred up by, I’d encourage you to find out more and get involved!

This ‘Meet the Community’ article was written by Bryony Loveless for the Wild Christian email, ‘Nature and stepping up.’ Bryony is Policy Adviser for Green Alliance.

Listen to Bryony’s ‘Warm this Winter’ presentation from our Wild Christain Campaign Takeaway here.

Add your name to the Warm this Winter campaign here.

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