The first step in the Go Green campaign is to get your Headteacher or Principal to make a public commitment to carbon reduction by signing the Go Green Pledge.
Here’s how to go about it.
Set up a People & Planet group, meet and plan
If you’re not already in a group the People & Planet office can help you get your People & Planet group set up and send you some information on how to run your first meeting. At the first meeting, make sure everyone knows about the Go Green campaign aims, and is clear on what you want to achieve and why (take this action guide along — there are spare copies in the pack to give to other group members). Then get started on planning your campaign.
Launch the windmill petition
It’s really important to get student and staff support for your Go Green campaign. Showing your Headteacher or Principal how many people at your school or college are concerned about its climate impact is a great way to get their attention.
In the pack with this campaign guide there are loads of Go Green windmill petitions which call on the Principal or Headteacher to sign the Go Green Pledge and commit the college or school to achieving the other Go Green Goals.
Once someone has signed the petition you can cut out the windmill and create mini wind farms in prominent places, like sports fields or playgrounds, to raise more awareness before presenting them to your Headteacher or Principal.
Meet your Headteacher or Principal
Meeting with your Headteacher or Principal is a great way to outline the case for Going Green, demonstrate the massive support for the campaign and ask them to sign the Go Green Pledge.
Before the meeting
First, request a meeting with your Headteacher or Principal. You could do this by writing a letter or email, or by asking a teacher or lecturer to help you set it up.
Once you’ve got the meeting organised, meet as a group to discuss what you’re going to say in the meeting. Three key points to get across are:
- The importance of climate change and your college or schools’ impact on it.
- What you are asking them to do. Explain what the Go Green Pledge is and why you want them to sign it.
- All the support you have. The windmill petition should give your Principal or Headteacher a reason to act, as it demonstrates how many people are behind your campaign.
During the meeting
Present your windmill petition display. You could set up the petition as a mini wind farm outside the Head or Principal’s window, or ask them to come and see the petition outside. This could be a great photo opportunity too.
Be aware of your attitude: be confident, assertive and polite. Remember you’re trying to get the Headteacher or Principal on-side.
Make sure you stick to your three key points and don’t get sidetracked.
Ask the Principal or Headteacher to make a commitment in the meeting, and take notes so that you have a record of what they have agreed to do and when.
After the meeting
Follow up, write a thank you note and remind them of they said they were going to do. Re-state your key points and arrange another meeting if needed. Publicise any commitments in newsletters or the local paper and write a story for the People & Planet website.
If they agree to sign the Go Green Pledge then you can move on to the other Go Green Goals. If they refuse to sign the Pledge then this will be the focal point of your campaign until they agree to sign it.
If all this sounds daunting please get in touch with the People & Planet Office so that we can offer you support. We even have special training that we can give you and your group on lobbying skills. Email advice@peopleandplanet.org or phone 01865 245678.
What to do with the signed Go Green Pledge
When your Headteacher or Principal has signed the Go Green Pledge, you need to send a copy to the People & Planet Office in one of the following ways: * Post a photocopy — you should keep the original) to: Go Green Pledge, People & Planet, 51 Union St, Oxford, OX4 1JP * Fax a copy to: 01865 791 927 * Scan the Pledge and email it to: gogreen6FFE@peopleandplanet.org
We will then add your school or college to the ‘Go Green Hall of Fame’ on the People & Planet website.
Celebrate and publicise your progress
Make time to celebrate and publicise your campaign successes so people can see that you’re making real progress. If your group looks like it’s getting somewhere, other people are much more likely to join and get involved in the campaign.
Don’t forget to let the People & Planet office know how you are doing. We’re here to help you, and not only can we give you advice but if you send us articles and photos, we’ll put up stories about your campaign on the national People & Planet website.