What is Groundswell?

Groundswell 2022 is Friends of the Earth’s flagship program of annual regional events for our grassroots activists and friends in the climate justice movement and the theme this year is “From climate frontlines to climate justice”.

As part of 8 events taking place across England and Wales, Groundswell North West will bring together experts, activists and communities for a day of stimulating talks, campaign plans and practical workshops.

Since 1970, Friends of the Earth has stood with our network and friends on the front lines to campaign for environmental justice. Even throughout the Covid pandemic we have continued to take action for a green and fair recovery. Now it’s time to scale up our efforts for a green and fair future for everyone.

Whoever we are and whatever our age, race, class, gender or background, we all want the same things. We all want the right to a healthy environment. We all want a better, fairer world for future generations. And we should all have a say in our futures.

Agenda

Morning

• Keynote speaker Karen Mitchell, Cumbria Action for Sustainability

Karen has worked in the environmental sector for most of her career. She started out in European environmental policy analysis before joining English Nature ( Natural England) where she held various roles including in agriculture policy development, corporate governance, marine conservation and external communications.

• Introducing Friends of the Earth's New Energy Campaign

Afternoon

• Lunch provided
• On the Global Frontlines - stories of international resistance and solidarity, speakers for this session are Katy Brown and Sally Clark (Stop Burning Trees Coalition)
• Workshop - How to have persuasive conversations
• Climate Action Campaign - The next phase of the campaign
• Friends of the Earth new strategy
• Frontline Futures at home - highlighting local campaigns, speakers for this session are Keri Muldoon (Broughton Flood Group) and Jane Hammett (Save Oglet Shore and Greenbelt)
• Workshop - Building Partnerships in your community

Who is Groundswell for?

Groundswell is a friendly, inclusive event for everyone in Friends of the Earth activist network and wider climate movement. If you are taking action for climate justice, we want you to be there. If you are committed to building a more diverse, more powerful climate justice movement, we need you. And if you need help to get started, we’ll be there to help.

Why attend?

• Learn about exciting new Friends of the Earth climate justice campaigns
• Hear from frontline communities campaigning in the UK and around the world
• Learn new skills to build powerful partnerships and campaigns in your area
• Meet and plan with other activists and groups near you in the North West
• Resources and support to build campaigns and partnerships in your area

Ticket information

Free tickets: A limited number of free tickets are available at each event for those who need them. Please just email groundswell@foe.co.uk to request the code.

Early-bird tickets: A limited number of half price £5.00 early-bird tickets will be available to members of Friends of the Earth Local and Climate Action Groups between 6 – 20 March. These are first come first served.

General admission tickets: General admission tickets will be £10.00 and will be available between 6 March and 11th June 2022. These are first come, first served but any unsold tickets will be available on the door. We will also operate a waitlist to reallocate any tickets that are available for resale.

“Buy one, gift one” solidarity ticket: This is a “twice price” ticket which will help us to provide free tickets, travel subsidies and other accessibility provisions, making these events accessible to more people.

Young people: Under 16s need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian, or responsible adult (with parental consent). 16 and 17 year olds can attend unaccompanied (with parental consent required in advance). Unfortunately, we are not able to offer childcare provision. To provide parental consent please email groundswell@foe.co.uk with the subject line “Parental Consent”, but we will also contact everyone relevant to request this after purchasing.

Refunds: Cancellations made more than 7 days before the start of the event will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 7 days before the start of the event and refunds requested during or after the event will only be granted in accordance with your statutory rights. If for any reason we cancel the event, you will receive a full refund. To request a refund please contact us via Eventbrite or email groundswell@foe.co.uk with the subject line “Refund Request”.

Accessibility

The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. If you require any further accessibility support, we will try our best to help. Please complete the access requirement questions on the booking form or - to be certain that provision can be made - please email groundswell@foe.co.uk with the subject line “Access Requirement” and await confirmation before booking your ticket.

For full information about the venues accessibility visit https://meetinghousemanchester.co.uk/accessibility-statement/

Local, venue and travel information

Our Venue: Manchester Quaker Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS

Getting there: Manchester Meeting House is centrally located only a couple of minutes walk away from Manchester Town Hall and Manchester Central, and directly opposite the Central Library.

It is walking distance from both Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly train station. The nearest tram station is St Peters Square which is 30 seconds walk from the venue.

For more information on how to get there, including parking information for anyone travelling by car visit https://meetinghousemanchester.co.uk/find-us/

Covid measures

• Staff, volunteers and guests will be encouraged to conduct and show a negative LFT from within 24hrs
• Unless exempt, staff and guests will need to wear masks indoors unless eating/drinking.
• Staff and guests will be encouraged to observe social distancing as much as possible.
• Hand sanitiser will be available and it’s use encouraged
• Ventilation will be maximised (ie doors/windows open, filtration on etc.)

If we are forced to cancel the event, everyone will receive a refund and we will reschedule with a free online event later in the year, which will be for attendees across England and Wales.

Contact us

Please email info@foe.co.uk if you have any other queries.