Group News: Winter 2007 - Spring 2008

Tony Juniper
On Friday 12 October, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director, Tony Juniper, formally announced that he will stand down  in the second half of 2008. His many achievements including seeing through the introduction of a UK law on climate change as a result of the Friends of the Earth's ongoing climate campaign, The Big Ask.

Tony Juniper said:  By 2008 I will have been with Friends of the Earth for 18 years and, after six fantastic years as Executive Director, the time will be right to hand on to a new face, and for me to take on new challenges.  I have achieved many personal ambitions working as part of a great charity that's made hugely positive changes to the lives of people and their environment, both locally and around the world."

Thanks to Friends of the Earth's successful public campaigns we are about to get a UK law on climate change, and have already got a law in place that is making doorstep recycling possible for the British public.  These are among a great many achievements that it has been my privilege to work towards during my many years with Friends of the Earth.  I'm very much looking forward to continuing to lead Friends of the Earth during my final year and to ultimately handing on a vibrant and successful organisation to a new Director in 2008."

Simon Counsell, Chair of Friends of the Earth Board, said:
"The role of Director at Friends of the Earth is extremely demanding, and we have gone from strength to strength under Tony's leadership. Tony has played a key role in presenting solutions to environmental issues both with the public and policy makers.

“In the last six years, Friends of the Earth has had great campaigning successes, including the introduction of the climate change law which is the first of its kind in the world.  We've seen a huge increase in public supporters, donations and profile, and steady growth in the number of Friends of the Earth voluntary local groups around the country.  We will be in great shape for any new Director."

"Any new Director will need to be an exceptional person, able to publicly champion a charity that makes a real difference to people and the environment as well as a great internal leader.  We will
be actively inviting applicants from all sectors and look forward to a smooth transition next year."
Local Groups’ Conference
Local Groups' Conference
Siobhan represented Sheffield Friends of the Earth at this year’s local groups’ conference in Reading. Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, was the keynote speaker on Friday evening with plenty of time for questions from the floor. The rest of the event was packed full of inspirational seminars, workshops and opportunities to network and meet each other. Conference is also the time when we celebrate our successes in the Review of the Year and the Earthmovers Ceremony, and when we discuss the opportunities for Friends of the Earth through the Motions Debate.

Printer
Sheffield Friends of the Earth successfully applied for a free Dell colour laser printer. The new printer will speed up the printing of newsletters and will allow more bespoke leaflets to be printed.

Local Group Development
Siobhan met with Neil (Regional FoE) and has developed a new member’s pack with information about the group, details of recent campaigns and information about FoE in general.

Climate Change Demonstration
The national demonstration will take place on 8th December in London. Several Sheffield FoE members usually join in and take the opportunity to enjoy a walking tour of London. Please let us know if you would like to take the Sheffield FoE banner.

Sheffield Campaign Against Climate Change are arranging a coach that leaves Paternoster Row (outside the Showroom Cinema / Hallam University Union) at 7:30 am and leaves London again at 5pm. Tickets cost £20 full/£15 low waged/£10 unwaged/students. To book call 07870 565 011 or email rebeccabryson@hotmail.com

Also, Sheffield University Students’ Union will be selling tickets from the box office for about £7.50. Contact chrismalins@gmail.com for more info.