During the Green Action trip to Botton (which is an awe inspiring community in the North York Moors) we had a meeting round a fire/lake before cycling home. It was a bit rushed but hopefully it has started the ball rolling on setting down the motivations that makes us Green Action members (and therefore the motivations behind Green Action).
So here is the embryonic form of Green Actions philosophy:
Philosophy
(split into the different groups that answered)
- Taking back control collectively of aspects (food, job, housing, leisure) of our lives. The co-op is a practical example of one of the areas of where we felt we could make a difference - food. Instead of passively buying food that we had no control over in a shop we created the co-op so we know where our food comes from and give an alternative model to commercial shops - it has worked for over 15 years. This is a working practical example of the an alternative autonomous lifestyle which we are hoping to move towards - socially and environmentally sustainable, co-operative, practical, fair and collectively responsible. Come join in and meet other people with similar beliefs to share knowledge, skills and enthusiasm.
- practical solutions in Leeds, co-operative, about creating an environmentally conscious lifestyle, knowledge - skill share, positive practical ways of living, sense of community, Local!
- Meeting people with similar ideas philosophy on a practical basis, political
What does GA do / could do better?
A review of opening hours (change from 9-6 -> 10-5)
More contact, meeting-ups and socials - bring-a-dish meetings
Could we do workshops and skill shares - Food growing, consensus, co-ops, DIY
Spread the co-op model to other universities (maybe focus on just one)
More publicity, promoting co-op, signs, GA week
We could be seen as politically intimidating - be friendly
Develop links with other socs
We have good links with members from years ago (even some founding members)
Board in the co-op
giving examples of
- what we do/have done
- examples
- philosophy