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Let's be friendsP&P Goes Mentor Mental!
Fancy becoming a P&P Group Support Volunteer? Here's what current volunteer Kristina has to say...
Kristina takes part in a P&P Ditch Dirty Development campaign stunt
Image © Mika Minio-Paluello
We are currently looking for Group Support Volunteers to work with local sixth formers from Autumn onwards. Group Support Volunteers support existing or new P&P groups in their local area. If this sounds like your kind of thing check out the volunteers page for more information and to apply. The Deadline is Friday 16 May.
Being a Group Support Volunteer for People & Planet is a great way to get more involved in the network and develop your skills as a campaigner. I started working with a small group of students from Abbey Grange School in Leeds late last year, who were already active campaigners but wanted to know more about becoming a Fairtrade school. The Global Justice group’s membership is rapidly expanding. Last month it held its first Fairtrade steering group meeting, attended by teachers and keen student representatives from most academic years. After a successful week-long stall during Fairtrade Fortnight to raise awareness across the whole school, the group is about to adopt a Fairtrade Schools policy and hopes to achieve Fairtrade status within the year. The wonderful thing about the group I have been mentoring is how little effort it requires — the group has been completely driven by the students’ enthusiasm and ideas, and teachers are very supportive. You’re basically there as a local point of contact with the P&P network, giving campaigners a helpful nudge in the right direction and linking them up with useful resources. After three years in Leeds University Union’s People & Planet group, it’s a fantastic opportunity to share the knowledge and skills I’ve gained and wish I knew in the beginning! I’m also learning more about campaign strategies, activism in a different environment and just how important it is to get schools on board. With issues like trade justice and climate change now central to the new ‘Global Citizenship’ curriculum, teachers and students are looking for ways to take the message beyond the classroom. So let’s support them! Anyone can be a mentor — as an active P&P member you’re already well qualified — and it’s a brilliant way to polish your campaigning and communication skills for University and beyond…
