Action Briefing Oct 2002 - Nov 2002
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

A Tale Of Two Conferences

"This year’s FOE Local groups Conference was a very positive one, with a highly relevant focus on Corporate Globalisation and What to Do about it. Speeches from the outgoing Charles Secrett and the incoming Tony Juniper were using words like “revolutionary” and “new world order” and the need for FOE to identify what we are FOR as well as what we are against - prompting some to ask whether FOE were in danger of becoming too like a political party.

I was in agreement with the speakers, however. Corporate globalisation IS the root cause of the race to the bottom in environmental and social/welfare standards, and there is a limit to what we can achieve if we treat problems of pollution, or climate change, or having GM crops forced on us, as issues in isolation as the tradition has been.

This was also the first FOE conference in which I’d heard reference from a main speaker to the term “localisation” as an alternative to globalisation and as the new ideology we need to adopt. This is of course particularly relevant to my forthcoming involvement in the Localise West Midlands project.

In fact my excitement about LWM coupled with other people’s interest (and envy) was one reason why in Conference social time I found myself doing rather more talking than listening - probably an opportunity lost as there are a lot of interesting people at Conference! The other main reason for being that Andy’s classic announcement of the forthcoming Motor Show action generated a lot of interest and enquiries."

Karen Leach

"The John Preedy Memorial Lecture was split between three people: John Vidal (The Guardian), Dr Sylvia Boyes (Trident ploughshares) and Paul Evans (Environmental Philosopher). Speaking on the theme of “The Challenges We Face”, the second two were especially memorable, challenging us to think of other kinds of environmental activity, from Direct Action to contemplation of our motives. Paul Evans was certainly the first speaker I’ve ever seen who was able to heckle himself, so perhaps there’s something in it!

From my point of view the skills-based workshops were also really useful. I feel better able to fulfill my new role as daytime campaigner having learned about “Pulling Power” (attracting and keeping new members), and how to be an effective public speaker.

However, my lasting memory of my first FOE Local Groups Conference has to be the people. After three days of being challenged, being made to think, and taking full advantage of the long opening hours at the bar, I came back to Birmingham tired but inspired, and excited at the prospect of the coming year."

Jenny Thatcher