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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 the quality of their local environment. They may 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, mainly coordinated by Friends of the Earth, which has a strong network of local groups. Over 1,500 people have taken part in training so far, with events open to all interested parties, including members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Campaign for Better Transport, Friends of the Earth and AirportWatch. Events have taken 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.
"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
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By supporting training events the Manuka Club strengthens the backbone of the grass-roots environmental movement - equipping local organisers with the confidence and skills they need to present the case against poorly thought out development plans, and to suggest viable alternatives.
Training events also give participants opportunities to share experiences with other campaign groups, and increase their understanding of the broader economic and political factors at play in land-use policy. In this way, training and education helps participants to look at their own campaign in the context of the bigger picture, leading to coordinated pressure for change in national policy frameworks.
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