Meeting notes 18 May 2026

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Notes - Monday 18 May 2026 7.30pm - 9pm
University Arms


Business

  • Attendees: Julia, Saul, Clare, Shaun, Liddy 
  •  Apologies: Sue, Bee, Ashwini

Group Development

Group development course feedback

The course attended by Liddy and Ashwini covered group development, campaign development and recruitment & retention of new members. A strong message throughout the course was that it is not sufficient to run effective campaigns. Active and successful groups need to also have a focus on ensuring group members enjoy the social aspects of being part of a group and feel valued and able to contribute to issues they think are important. Groups work to maintain their external profile and attract and retain new members.
There are some specific actions we could take to organise an open event for people who might be interested in joining the group and to advertise specific roles eg social media, press and other media. Liddy would be happy to hand over or share the Treasurer role. Could revisit possible events/activities after the summer.

Campaigns

Planet over Profit Campaign
  • Change Lab students - the project has finished but we discussed learning from what did and didn’t work. Liddy to discuss with Ethan whether we should recruit a group for a more focused project from autumn 2026. She will contact Autumn to check if they have any resources to share and if they are able to attend the Summer Gathering in July.
  • Contact with MPs - Liddy and Julia have asked Olivia Blake and Abtisam Mohamed for a photo opportunity to hand over postcards but so far have not had a response. Action: Julia and Liddy to chase up with office staff and try phoning the office if no reply to email.
  • Howdens Letter - Saul and Julia have posted about 15 letters to relevant company addresses; responses awaited
  • Stalls - Potential stalls include Orchard Square Makers Market 27 June (or 19 September); Pollen Market on 20 September; Vegan Market on the Moor if people available for 12 July; also Pollen Market in the Winter Gardens 20 December.
Climate Change
  • Webinar - recent webinar is available on line
  • Agreed to use June meeting to develop resources for a stall

Events

  • Wednesday, 27 May - Opportunity to meet Asad Rehman, Friends of the Earth CEO in Leeds - Liddy and Julia are planning to attend. Meet at the station for the 16:48 train to Leeds
  • Saturday, 4 July Yorkshire Summer Action Gathering in Sheffield. - Claire is planning a walk + quiz to take approx 1 hour; we can plan at the June meeting for an initial introduction/welcome to Sheffield and a presentation on our Planet over Profit campaign

Next Meeting 15 June - University Arms 7:30pm - main agenda items will be developing stall resources for the next campaign and planning for the Summer Gathering