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Training opportunities are a key need for local groups. The majority of people who start up and run campaigns are motivated by a strong desire to protect a beloved stretch of local countryside. They often have no prior experience of handling the media, dealing with the minutiae of the planning process, raising funds, or designing campaign strategy. The energy and drive of these individuals are most effective when coupled to specific skills and detailed knowledge of particular issues.
The Manuka Club has supported a series of training events over the last three years, mainly coordinated by Friends of the Earth, which has one of the strongest grass roots member networks within the environmental movement. Over 1,500 people have taken part in one of these training events since they were initiated, and there is a busy work programme going forwards. The events are open to all interested parties, including members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Transport 2000, Friends of the Earth and AirportWatch. The last two years have seen events take place up and down the country, from Truro to Newcastle, on themes including the Freedom of Information Act, the planning system, campaign planning and media skills.
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"This kind of event focuses the mind on the issue - you have to think about it. The events also help you feel that you're not alone with problems. It's great to get examples of what other groups are doing." Lisa, South Gloucestershire, at an event on recruiting members in Birmingham
By supporting these training events the Manuka Club aims to strengthen the backbone of the ‘grass-roots' environmental movement - equipping organisers with the confidence and skills they need to present the case against poorly thought out developments, and to suggest viable alternatives.
Training events also provide participants valuable opportunities to meet their counterparts in other groups, and to gain a sophisticated understanding of the economic and political interests behind the destruction of countryside. In this way, training events help to promote a NIABY (Not In Anyone's Back Yard) approach to campaigns in support of more sustainable patterns of living.
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