The Monday 6th April launch was great [thanks to Jo and the models, the comedian, singer and band etc!], but we need to talk about “what next”?
We need to think about what we want to achieve, what dangers there are to be avoided. Where will the energy come from? The money? Where should it go?
Where is the group’s energy best directed?
What can it DO next?
How can new people be enthused to get and -crucially- stay involved? How can we keep it a welcoming and ‘learning’ environment.
What mistakes of previous efforts of this type should we be working to avoid?
Is it worth trying to organise a conference? Is more talking what’s needed? [a conference needn’t be the *only* thing that happened next]
What relationship would the “group” have with other existing groups and campaigns?
Ideas please!!!
This page will be updated frequently. We are keen to have concrete and specific proposals as soon as possible, so that when we meet on TUESDAY 21st APRIL from 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, we are not ‘starting from scratch’.
Guidelines for proposals will be posted here soon, but *you can choose to ignore those guidelines if you choose*!!
What next? The launch was fantastic. The Call for Real Action document contains loads of fantastic ideas and practical actions. Whether a conference is need, I don’t know. But we should definitely try to engage with MCC (Howard Bernstein? or 3 or 4 leading councillors – probably better). We should also try to engage with Man Camber of Commerce – ouch, but probably necessary. Keeping the MEN informed is also essential, getting wider coverage would be excellent.
Yes I agree with all that. The report really is excellent -on of the best piece of collective work I’ve seen..
Did we do a press release? we can still do one to try and get some more mainstream profile.
I think an event of some sort would be good – one that tries to be as inclusive as possible – inviing existing groups, councillors, council officers. It could be self financing if we charged some of these people/groups depending on resources.
I tihink we need to capitalise on the enthusiasm of the launch – still evident when I got there after most of it had finished!
In terms of the linkage with other groups we should think in terms of coalition/alliance – not instead of other groups / initiatives but something to add to the mix and – yes catalyse it.
The Launch was so much fun, thanks to everyone especially Marc for all their work.
How about some meetings with Exec Cllr Cowell, the Green City Team or even dare I say it…with Leese and if they decline I purpose we have a stall outside the next full council meeting with info, pictuires the report etc etc?
Does anyone know when the next so called ‘engagement’ event is? We could organsie a group of us to go…a type of informal flash mob type thing?
We could do a spoof of the ‘Proud of Campaign’ pics and try to get some press on them?