BREAZE

Some suggested first actions:

1. Write a letter to your local council, local State MP and local Federal MP introducing your new Climate Action Group. Let them know that you represent people in your area who are concerned about climate change, and you would like to see them taking more action.

2. Write a letter to the local paper. You can write to your paper to announce the formation of your new group (you could call it a ‘launch’), with details about next meetings and how people can get in touch. Alternatively you could send in a media release with your comments on the government’s latest climate policies. More about writing a media release here…

3. Meet with your MPs. Write to your local MP to request a meeting to discuss your concerns about climate change. For more about meeting with politicians, go here...

4. Hold a stall. Local fetes and markets are great places to introduce the community to your group, and share information about climate change and how people can take action to reduce emissions. Environmental groups, and even some local councils and government departments have information and materials you can hand out to people.  Make sure you have a sign-up sheet for your email list.

While these first actions might help you get some momentum, it’s important to make sure that you’ve got a clear plan of action so that you don’t get overwhelmed by all of the things you could be doing.

Planning is very important. What does your group want to achieve? What are your objectives? If half of your members want to lobby politicians for political change, choose a couple of key issues and focus on them. If others want to work with the local community raising awareness about climate change, map out a plan for how you want to start doing this (and stick to it).

New opportunities and campaigns will come up. Other Climate Action Groups or environmental groups might ask you to help them out with an activity in your area. You might hear through the networks of a national event you want to be a part of that will take up much of your time. The government might introduce a new policy or make a decision you want to campaign on. Whatever the case, if you have a clear plan and objectives, you will find it much easier to compare and weigh up priorities for your group.

Developing and reviewing your plan every 12 months is recommended to keep your group focused, and to make sure you are active on the most important issues to your community. For more information about strategic campaign planning, go here…