TL: GP Australia Community Activist Manual SO: Greenpeace Australia DT: April 1995 Keywords: community action guide greenpeace gp protests environmentalism activism / SECTION A: INTRODUCTION PRIVATE1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREENPEACE AUSTRALIA CAMPAIGNING MANUAL.This Manual was produced by the Greenpeace Australia Public Information Unit, using information generously provided by Mr Bob Holderness-Roddam. It has been reviewed by senior campaign staff at Greenpeace Australia, and the information within is correct at the date of publication.The Campaigning Manual may be useful to individuals wishing to start a group or local school or community groups wishing to campaign on a local issue. Some of the guidelines in the Manual may be useful to individuals or groups wishing to campaign at a State or Federal level, using strategies such as letter writing campaigns.The Manual does not look at campaigning from a Greenpeace viewpoint only. There is a focus in some sections on environmental issues, while all sections offer broader advice that may be applied to almost any issue.We recommend that you read through Section B: Organising a School Group as a first step. The material in Section B combines and explains more simply some of the material in other Sections. There is a lot of information to read through, but dont be put off! Be selective - what is appropriate for your group or campaign? Tackle one job at a time. Be systematic, focused and above all organised. You can win!Sections of the material may be freely reproduced for non-commercial, individual purposes only, acknowledgment appreciated.Greenpeace Australia takes no responsibility for outcomes resulting from the undertaking of any of the activities or advice contained herein.This publication does not entitle any person or persons to act on behalf of Greenpeace Australia or use in any form the name or registered trademark of Greenpeace Australia.The Campaigning Manual is available for $20.00 including postage, from Greenpeace Australia, Public Information Unit, PO Box 800 Surry Hills NSW 2010.HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNING! 2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWe would like to acknowledge the contribution of a member of the Greenpeace Activist Network, Mr Bob Holderness-Roddam, to the production of this document. While we have been talking about the need for such a Manual for some time, it was the receipt of Bobs Community Action Guide and his note that we might be interested in it that spurred us on. The framework and much of the advice contained in the Greenpeace Campaigning Manual is based on Bobs work, and we are very grateful for his contribution.Thanks also to Ms Marilyn Martin, Dr Paul Brown and the Greenpeace Australia staff who gave their advice, in particular to Laura Fildes and her Education team at Greenpeace Melbourne.Final editing and additonal writing: Helen Carter Sub editing: Karen McSwan Layout and Design: Helen Carter and Karen McSwan3. CONTENTSSECTION A : Introduction 1. Important Information about the Campaigning Manual Page 1 2. Acknowledgements 2 3. Contents page 3 4. Campaigning Manual Overview 5 5. A Guide to Community Action 6SECTION B : Organising a School Group 1. Starting up 9 2. Meetings 11 3. Project ideas 12 4. Letter writing hints 15SECTION C : Organising a Community Group 1. Drawing up a Constitution 17 2. How to Chair a Meeting 21 3. Help for Secretaries 23 4. Help for Treasurers 25 5. Minutes of Meetings 27 6. How to Participate in Meetings 29 7. Example Meeting Planner 30 8. Facilitated Meetings 31 9. Group Problems 33 10. Fundraising 35 11. Where to get Free (or Cheap) Legal Advice 37SECTION D : Keeping in Touch with your Members 1. Newsletters 39 2. Telephone Trees 43SECTION E : Getting your Message Across 1. Obtaining and Assessing Information 45 2. Other Groups 47 3. How to Write a Report 49 4 Photographs and Video for Community Action 51 5. Write a Letter to your Member of Parliament 53 6. A Speakers' Bureau 55 7. Brochures, leaflets and fliers 56SECTION F : Working with the Media 1. Writing Letters to Newspapers 57 2. Community Service Announcements 58 3. How to Write a Media Release 59 4. News Conferences 62 SECTION G : Action 1. Dealing with your Council 63 2. Petitions 65 3. Deputations/Delegations 67 4. Organising a Demonstration 69 5. Non-Violent Direct Action 71 SECTION H : References 1. An Activist's Reading List 73 4. CAMPAIGNING MANUAL OVERVIEW "Campaigning Kit"MISSION To empower individuals and members of community groups with the knowledge and skills required to enable them to influence or change decisions which affect them through the environment and other issues.RATIONALE It is legitimate and possible to influence the decisions made by others, and it is important to voice your concerns.Many organisations - including Government, unions and business - make decisions which affect people. As members of a democratic society we are entitled to have a voice, and the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to participate in the decision-making process.YOU CAN LEARN Communication skills Decision making processes Engaging with the change process Conflict resolution Meeting procedures Obtaining and assessing information Preparing reports and submissions Getting public support Producing brochures and leaflets Working with the media Basic photography - for reports, submissions, newspapers and illustrated talks Basic video production Public speaking Working with the decision makers Dealing with opposition - negotiation strategiesHOW WE CAN HELP YOU The Greenpeace Campaigning Manual is designed to be flexible. Issues and problems soemtimes confront the community with little or no warning. The people concerned often need to acquire information and skills very quickly in order to respond.The Manual consists of a range of single concept leaflets - each leaflet deals with a specific topic. These include Obtaining and Assessing Information, How to Chair a Meeting, Writing Letters to Newspapers, How to Write a News Release, Deputations/Delegations, and Photographs and Video for Community Action. There is also a general introductory leaflet, A Guide to Community Action. This leaflet sets out the main stages of community action.FURTHER INFORMATION For more information and additional copies of the Greenpeace Campaigning Manual please contact:Greenpeace Australia Public Information Unit PO Box 800 SURRY HILLS NSW 2010ph: (02) 211 4066 1-800-815 151 fax: (02) 211 41235. A GUIDE TO COMMUNITY ACTIONEffective community action has three steps:1. GET MOTIVATED Motivation helps you focus your thinking - are you angry about an environmental problem? Then get motivated! Write down the reasons why you feel angry about the situation. Here are some suggestions:The health and safety of your family and friends is being threatened (eg by smog, polluted waterways) Your quality of life is threatened Your hip pocket nerve is being zapped The last habitat of an endangered species is threatened. Add your own to this listKeep this list as a tool to help you refocus your campaign if it gets off track. Copy it for everyone involved. Stick a copy on the wall.2. GET INFORMATION Many campaigns flounder because they start without the required information and are not appropriately prepared. Your facts must be correct, or you will lose your credibility. Consider the following questions:What is the issue? Is this the real issue, or just a symptom? (eg smog is a symptom of fossil fuel dependency and the lack of development of clean technologies) If this is just a symptom, do we tackle one or both? What needs to be done to resolve the issue? Make a list then decide what you can reasonably take on. What are the consequences if this issue is not resolved? Who makes the decisions, and/or controls the resources? (eg politicians, business) Who formally advises the decision-makers? Who influences the decision-makers? (eg unions, consumer groups, church groups) Who else is affected by this issue? Who could benefit from any change in the issue, and therefore be potential supporters? Who are your potential supporters? How can you contact potential supporters? Who are your potential opponents? Why would they oppose you? Who would influence potential opponents? How can you contact potential opponents? What mass media (newspapers, radio, television) cover the geographic area affected? How can the media help you? Is there any provision for a legal appeal? (eg. planning, building, Administrative Appeals Tribunal, etc.) Are there any sources of low budget or free legal advice? (eg. Community legal services, public interest action groups, legal aid, Environmental Defenders Office, etc.) Are there any professional bodies you can turn to? (eg. Law Society) What skills do you need access to? (eg. legal, planning, journalism/public relations, typing) What skills do your group members have? What resources do you need access to? (eg. computer, fax, photocopier, cameras, video cameras, typewriters, etc.) What resources do your members have access to? Where could you obtain the required skills and resources not available within the group? What specific information do you need about this issue? (eg. what effects do nuclear power stations have on local residents? What will happen if this school is closed?) Where can you get this information?Writing down the answers to these questions will help you clarify the issue, your positions and what action you want to take.PREPARATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS.3. TAKE ACTION There are three basic courses of action available in a democratic society. Your choice will depend upon a variety of factors. These include time available, the particular issue and the group philosophy. These may be used in sequence or all at the same time.Lobbying Legal action Non-violent direct actionLOBBYING Lobbying is probably the most used method. Here we seek to influence, negotiate with or apply pressure to the decision-makers. This may be done either directly or indirectly.Direct lobbying means that we approach the decision-makers directly. Methods include telephone calls, petitions, letters, submissions, reports and deputations/ delegations. Individuals and groups may take this action.Indirect lobbying works through others, including the media. It includes writing letters to the newspaper, issuing news releases, organising news conferences and placing advertisements.LEGAL ACTION Legal action can be very expensive. However, you may be able to get an appropriate authority, such as the Department of the Environment, Environmental Defenders Office or a local council, to take the action.Some situations allow for formal appeals to designated authorities, the Ombudsman etc. These include planning appeals Boards and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.You may be able to obtain a court injunction. This is a direction from a court which requires specific action to be either taken or stopped, depending upon the case. However, if a higher court subsequently overturns the injunction, you may be liable for the costs of the other party. This could include loss of income, of the other party whilst the injunction was in force.NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTION Also known as civil disobedience, non-violent direct action has been used in many well known cases. These include the suffragettes, civil rights, national independence movements and environmental movements.Direct action covers a vast array of options. These include boycotts, sit-ins, strikes, pickets and blockades. Direct action may also take the form of bearing witness, which means that simply by witnessing an environmental crime, you are registering your opposition.You need to consider the following points before engaging in direct action: What do you hope to achieve? Will you be breaking any laws? (eg. trespass, obstruction) Are you prepared for this?What are your rights if arrested? Will your supporters react constructively? Will authorities react? Will your opponents react? What support will you need? (food, accommodation, transport, communications, media liaison, legal advice, etc.)PLAN YOUR CAMPAIGN What needs to be done? Who will do it? What is the deadline? Who will see that what must be done will be done by the deadlines? SECTION B: ORGANISING A SCHOOL GROUP1. STARTING UPSo you are keen to start an environmental group in your school. Congratulations! Here are a few pointers you may find helpful. If your group is already established there might also be a few ideas here that could be of use to you.NAME/IDENTITY Presuming that youve got a group of interested and keen individuals together, the firs thing you need to agree on is a name.,Use your imagination. be original. Think about the image you want to present. Have a brainstorming session. Then give your members a week to come up with more suggestions and take a vote.If there are artists among you, you might want to design your own logo. Remember, keep it simple. Make sure it will look good when it is photocopied.MEETINGS Decide where and when you a re going to meet. If you can meet somewhere with a video machine, that will be handy for showing interesting environmental videos. Greenpeace has a number of videos that you may borrow.Plan your meetings. Have an agenda and stick to it, that way everything will be discussed. make sure everyone gets a chance to have their say and voice their opinion. Respect each others opinions. Try to plan a highlight every now and then, eg a video, or a guest speaker.Dont meet more often than necessary. It is better to meet less often when there will be more to attend to, than to have too many meetings.ATTRACTING MEMBERS How are you going to let other people know that your group exists? Word of mouth is a start, but you might want to reach a broader audience. If your school has a student newsletter, make us of it. You could make an announcement at tour school assembly to raise awareness and highlight the importance of your project, and how everyone can contribute.STRUCTURE Decide how you want to structure your group. For a start you will need a:Secretary - to keep minutes fo your meetings Facilitator - to make sure your meeting runs smoothly Publicity person or committee - to make your activities known to other school members and Treasurer - to handle any money you may raise. Its a good idea to have annual elections to vote in new people for these jobs.There are different ways of structuring your group. Contact the Australian Council of Social Services at Level 4/8-24 Kippax St Surry Hills NSW 2010 for more information .PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE We all talk about environmental problems, what counts is what we do in our everyday life. Every little thing that we do in our day to day life in some way affects our precious environment. What we must all feel is the strength within ourselves to make the changes need to keep our planet alive. It is vital we acknowledge and accept that the planet is in great danger of extinction.It is up to each and every one of us to change our ways and take responsibility for our actions. For example, how much rubbish to you create each week? How much could you reduce, reuse and recycle?2. MEETINGSCommunication between members of the group is the key for your projects to run as smoothly as possible. Weekly or even monthly planning meetings are a good way to keep everyone informed.MEETING PROCEDURE Key people are appointed. These are the Facilitator (who also keeps time), the Secretary and the Treasurer (if you have one) (see below for explanations of these) The agenda may then be set. This means that all the items to be discussed are written on a board or butchers paper, where everyone can see them and start thinking about these items. If possible, circulate your agenda before the meeting starts so everyone has time to read it. Set a time limit and order for each item, depending upon agreed importance and urgency. Try not to go over the total amount of time allocated for each item and the meeting in general. Discussion should then proceed according to the agendaEXPLANATION OF TITLES Agenda: is the order to topics which should be discussed at the meeting. An open agenda is one that is decided at the meeting. A proposed agenda may be drawn up before the meeting for people to add to and comment on. The agenda can then be finalised at the meeting.Facilitator: The person who makes sure that everyone sticks to the allocated time for each agenda item and keeps a list of those who want to speak about an item. The facilitator summarises what each speaker has said and checks that everyone understands. Secretary: The Secretary takes the minutes of the meeting and copies them to all the people at the meeting, as soon as possible after the meeting. The minutes should note who was at the meeting, who was unable to attend, and an accurate and brief summary of discussions and decisions made.Treasurer: Treasurers are needed when you are raising funds for your group or dealing with money in any way. This person needs to report to the group at regular meetings, and should keep accurate records of income and expenses. 3. PROJECT IDEASHaving a plan of projects for the year will give you purpose and meaning for your group and its meetings.The best way to plan for projects is to think about and then write down the aims and objectives of the group. The aims of the group is the general purpose, and objectives are what you are aiming at. For example, your objective might be to clean up you local river. Your aims might include making people more aware of the problem and making the river a cleaner, nicer place to use.Strategies to help you reach your objective might include getting the local Councils help, distributing leaflets around the neighbourhood, holding a meeting, getting into the local newspaper etc.You can then plan the tasks, who is to do what and the time line for getting the tasks done.Make sure that you dont plan too many projects at one. One a month would be a good start. If you try to do too much you may end up not achieving anything, or not doing it as well as you could.Greenpeace is well known for its high profile campaigning on land and at sea. We ask you not to try and copy any of these campaign tactics as they are only undertaken by Greenpeace after much preparation and training. Please do not attempt any activity that would be dangerous to yourself or others. You should ensure that all your project activities are within the law.Remember to be positive and friendly when contacting and negotiating with people. Change is scary for some and it always helps to keep a cheerful attitude.There is a lot more detail on the points mentioned above in the following Sections. You can contact Greenpeace at any of the offices listed in Section H if you have any questions or would like information on a topic.EXAMPLE PROJECTS RECYCLING A great first project would be to set up a recycling programme in your school. You could label each bin, place them near the canteen, staff room and around the school and put up posters and signs to show people how to use the bins. You should contact your local Council about purchasing bins and arranging collection.Another part of this project could be to investigate what actually happens to the recyclable matter. It is very important that we reduce the amount of rubbish we make - even if we are recycling it. Yet another part of your project could be to get the school canteen to reduce the amount of packaging they use (see example 3).COMPOSTING Once you recycling bins are in place you could think about building a compost area. Talk to your school gardener for ideas about how to use your compost, and someone at the local Council for ideas about bins.CANTEEN PACKAGING PROJECT Record the types of packaging used in your canteen and find out the environmental impact of each. Think of some alternatives to the unfriendly packaging and suggest you ideas tot he canteen coordinator. You could also ask them to provide food that needs little or no packaging.LETTER WRITING WEEK/MONTH Select one issue to target at a time, and inform the whole school of the problem. get as many people as possible involved - teachers, friends and family as well! The aim is to write as many letters as possible during that time. Refer to the hints for writing letters following, and make sure you ask for a response.TREE PLANTING PROJECT Again, consult the gardener and the principal about where to plant your trees. You could put a plaque under the first tree, with the groups name and the date you planted it. Check that the type of tree you want to plant is a native species to your area.ADOPT A LOCAL BEACH OR CREEK Your group could make regular outings to the local beach or creek to help keep it clean Make a note of the type and amount of rubbish you collect, to use when you write letters to the Council or politicians about the problem. Also make a note of any birds or animals you find that you think might have been affected by rubbish or pollution.ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD Make an Environmental Board to place in the library, school entrance or in the assembly hall. The Board could advertise your group and its activities, display environmental information, handy hints, projects, Student Environmentalist of the Month, letters by students, announcements, drawings etc.GET A REGULAR SPOT IN THE NEWSLETTER Get a regular spot in your school newsletter to talk about what your group has been doing and ways for all students, teachers and parents to help the environment.PAPER AUDIT Do a paper audit of your school - youll be surprised by the huge amount the school uses. Does you school use recycled and unbleached paper? Not just writing paper, but toilet paper as well? Ask your friends and teacher to buy recycled notebooks and paper. The group might like to suggest ways that the school could reduce its paper use. Even the pens you use can have an effect on the environment. Think about using refillable fountain pens instead of disposable ones.PAPER MAKING Why not reuse/reduce/recycle some of the paper by having a paper-making workshop. Its a great, fun way of recycling and you can use the paper as birthday or Christmas gifts, or to sell to raise funds for future projects. The art department may already have a paper making kit.TOXIC CLEANOUT Suggest to your school cleaners or the principal that the school uses environmental friendly cleaning methods. Cut out the use of toxic products such as chlorine bleach and detergents with phosphates.CAR POOLS Arrange car pooling for those students who are driven to school. Parents could take it in turns to pick up other students in the immediate area. Always try to have more than one person in a car when youre going to school or when you parents are going to work. This saves an enormous amount of fuel and means less cars are on the road.ENERGY EFFICIENCY An aim of the group could be to reduce the schools energy usage (and its next bill!). You could put signs near lights and heaters, asking people to turn of any lights or other appliances that are not necessary.TALK TO OTHER GROUPS Make contact with other environmental groups. You can swap ideas and work on projects together. Maybe you could have an environment forum and lunch.PUBLICITY Publicity projects. Why not invite your local newspaper to your school to write an about and take photos of your activities. This is a great way to show other schools what you can do, and it promotes awareness in the local area. You can challenge other schools to follow your example.4. LETTER WRITING HINTSFIRST STEPSThink about what you want to say and then edit it down to one page. Politicians, newspapers and other people you write to receive many letters every day. Be concise. Use short sentences and short paragraphs, and stick to your point. If you are including a report, include a one page summary of the report with your letter. Where possible, ask a specific question. This helps to get a reply. Do not assume that the person who you are writing to knows all the facts. Explain the facts as clearly as possible. Make sure you are writing to the right person. For example, a letter concerning pesticides will be relevant to the Environment Minister, Health Minister and the Minister for Primary Industries, depending on the context. Make sure your facts are correct and not exaggerated. Avoid using jargon. State if you are representing your group or a larger number of people at school. For example, you could begin your letter On behalf of ......... Address your letter properly. For example, you can get the names and addresses of Ministers from either the State or Federal Parliaments. Check your spelling. Contact Greenpeace for information about current letter writing campaigns, or join the Greenpeace Activist Network by writing to the Public Information Unit, PO Box 800, Surry Hills NSW 2010. Finally, your letter will make a difference!FOR MORE INFORMATIONWrite to Greenpeace at the above address, enclosing an A4 sized stamped self addressed envelope, specifying what you are interested in. The Keep Australia Beautiful Association has a booklet called Making Schools More Environmentally Sensitive. You can contact them at Suite 3, 5-11 Boundary St, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011. There is also a list of other organisations to contact for information in Section E.SECTION C: ORGANISING A COMMUNITY GROUP1. DRAWING UP A CONSTITUTIONOne of the first steps in forming a group is to draw up a Constitution. This is basically a set of rules for the conduct of the organisation. Your Constitution is a legal document. If a member feels they have been unfairly treated - eg. expulsion - they may challenge the decision in a court if proper processes are not set out in the Constitution. The Australian Council Of Social Services (Level 4/8-24 Kippax St Surry Hills NSW 2010 ) has very useful infromation on setting up a group.Be flexible: Too much detail in the Constitution can lead to problems, so allow some flexibility. For example, state meeting frequency, but try not to prescribe dates too tightly. Likewise, set minimum or maximum numbers, rather than exact numbers, for membership of the executive committee.WHAT'S IN A CONSTITUTION?TYPE OF ORGANISATION Contact the Australian Securities Commission for advice about what kind of organisation you should form, eg a Company Limited by Guarantee, a Partnership etc.ORGANISATION NAME You need to select a name for the group. This should be used when opening bank accounts, in correspondence and when working with the media. The name should be short and encompass the groups purpose.For example, the name Greenpeace was chosen by the founders because it embodied their desire for a green and peaceful planet.MISSION The group should clearly state its mission or reason for existing.MEMBERSHIP Who may join your organisation? Usually it is sufficient to state that membership is open to all people who share the aims of the group. You should also make clear the obligations of membership for both you and the members. Consider whether you want only one class of membership, or perhaps a range, including junior, associate, family and life. Are there any standards of behaviour required of members? If so, what sanctions will you apply? These need to be spelled out very fully. You should include grievances and expulsion processes. Make sure all potential members understand the requirements and responsibilities.ELECTIONS Most groups hold annual elections to fill the executive positions. You should safeguard the group against entrenched leadership by limiting the terms of office to, say, two years for key positions. No-one is indispensable and it is the groups responsibility to introduce new blood and develop new leaders.Will all members have voting rights, or only some? Will people have to serve a minimum period of membership before voting, say six months or a year? This will help to safeguard against last minute stacking of the group to the advantage of a clique.How will elections be held? At meetings? By postal ballot? When will nominations open and close? Will nominations be accepted from the floor at the AGM? What electoral methods will be used - first past the post, preferential, proportional? Who will supervise elections?OFFICERS/ELECTIONS The Constitution should detail the executive officers in the organisation. The main ones are:President (or Chair) Vice-President Secretary TreasurerIn large groups, there is usually also an executive committee of about five or six members. There may also be other positions, such as immediate past president. These people form the executive committee and are responsible for conducting the organisations business within guidelines stated in the Constitution. The executive is responsible to the members, who should have the final say.MEETINGS There are four main types of meetings held by most groups:Executive Ordinary Annual Extraordinary generalExecutive meetings are held by those on the executive committee to conduct the day-by-day affairs of the group. Not all organisations have executive meetings, as they feel the executive members may become a power clique. It can certainly lead to autocratic and/or entrenched leadership. Minutes of executive meetings should be circulated to all members. You should also state that non-executive members are welcome to attend all executive meetings as observers, without a special invitation. Ordinary meetings are usually held on a monthly basis. The Constitution may or may not stipulate the actual timing, eg. the first Monday in the month.Annual general meetings are held at the end of the groups financial year. The usual business is to receive reports from outgoing officers - especially the president and Treasurer - and to elect officers for the forthcoming year. This may also be an appropriate time to debate proposed changes to the Constitution.Extraordinary general meetings are called to discuss specified business, such as changes to the Constitution, or a crisis.NOTICE OF MEETINGS The means and length of notice to members for each type of meeting should be clearly stated. AGMs and extraordinary meetings often require a notice in the public notices section of a relevant newspaper, as well as mail notices to all members.QUORUMS A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present for a valid meeting. This is to safeguard against an unrepresentative portion of members making decisions. Be realistic - it is very easy to set a relatively high quorum when the group is in the first flush of enthusiasm. But consider what happens in a couple of years if regular attendance drops off to half a dozen members? State what happens if a meeting is unable to achieve a quorum. Will you abandon it, or will you simply state that action on decisions made cannot be taken until ratified at a subsequent meeting?FINANCIAL RECORDS The Constitution should state who shall sign bank and other financial documents. It is common to have 3 signatories, the Trerasurer plus one other signing each cheque. This is usually the Treasurer, the President and one other, possibly the Secretary. The Constitution should also require the Treasurer to prepare regular financial reports, preferably to be circulated at regular meetings. An annual report, stating all income and expenditure, must also be required. The organisations books must be audited at the end of each financial year.AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION State clearly how the Constitution is to be amended. We suggest you require such decisions to be made either by an AGM or an extraordinary general meeting. All proposed amendments should be mailed out to members with the meeting notices.WINDING UP Some groups succedd in achieving their goals, and some fail after a period of time. A decision to wind up should be taken at an extraordinary general meeting. You should include a statement in the Constitution that any funds and property owned by the group, will be transferred to a group or groups with similar aims if the group winds up.2. HOW TO CHAIR A MEETINGThe Chairperson (or Chair) of a meeting is responsible for ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to be heard, and that business is dealt with as efficiently as possible. A lot depends upon good preparation.PREPARATION Consult the Secretary to arrange the agenda and ensure this has been sent out with the meeting notice in plenty of time. The agenda should include the date, time and place of the meeting. The minutes from the previous meeting should be sent out as soon as possible after the meeting, if not, then with the agenda for the next meeting.The agenda should be set by the Chair in consultation with the President or executive committee and Secretary.Check that those who were scheduled to complete a task in time for the meeting have done so. This includes those who are to present reports, such as the Treasurer.AT THE MEETING Start the meeting on time! Latecomers will soon get the message and arrive on time for subsequent meetings.Is there a quorum? A quorum is the minimum number of members present required before the meeting can make binding decisions. The quorum is usually stated as either a specific number or a percentage of the financial membership. This should be stated in the rules of the organisation (its Constitution). If there is not a quorum, you have the following options: pack up and go home; wait for a short while, in the hope that you will gain enough members to form a quorum; Carry on with the meeting, but not acting upon decisions until they are confirmed when you get a quorum at this or a subsequent meeting.THE AGENDA The agenda is simply a list of the business to be conducted at the meeting. This is a skeleton agenda:Open the meeting promptly Apologies from people unable to attend Minutes from the previous meeting - to be confirmed Matters arising from the previous minutes Correspondence -inwards -outwards Reports -financial -sub-committees -officers -other Motions on notice Motions without notice General business Next meeting - date, time and place Close the meetingMOTIONS The prime business of most meetings is to receive information and make decisions. This is achieved through motions. A motion is a proposal that a particular course of action be adopted.A motion usually needs a mover and a seconder. The mover should stand up and address the Chair, saying I move that .... The person Chair will then ask if there is a seconder for the motion. If so, the motion is then opened for debate.When the debate is finished the Chair will ask the meeting to vote on the motion. This will usually be on the voices. Those in favour say Aye and those against say Nay. If it is hard to decide which has the majority, the Chair or someone from the floor will call for a show of hands. If the motion is carried it becomes a resolution of the meeting and noted as such in the minutes.KEEP IT MOVING! An important thing to avoid when Chairing a meeting is letting it become bogged down. A succession of speakers may be repeating the same point sover and over again, or rambling. If there is no dissent, summarise the points and ask someone to move That the motion be put. If a discussion happened without a motion, summarise the discussion and ask someone to propose a motion. 3. HELP FOR SECRETARIESSo you have just been appointed or elected as Secretary of your group. What do you do? The Secretary is possibly the most important position in a voluntary group. The basic functions are: receive and send correspondence prepare meeting agendas prepare meeting notices record and circulate the minutes of meetings maintain the membership recordsRECEIVE AND SEND CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence inwards should be given a unique number and recorded as it is received. We suggest a number indicating the order in which it was received and the year. For example, the seventh item received in 1995 would be numbered IN/7/1995. The details should include date of receipt, sender and brief description of contents. This should then be filed.Inwards correspondence should be dealt with at the next meeting. If possible you should copy important items for circulation to members before the meeting. Any item which requires an answer should be read out to the meeting for discussion. Less important material, such as circulars and newsletters, should be tabled for those attending to read.The meeting will usually resolve that the Secretary reply to correspondence. Really important matters may be dealt with by the executive committee, otherwise the details will be left to the Secretary. Outgoing mail should be filed in a similar way to the inwards mail. The prefix OUT will replace the IN prefix.MEETING NOTICES The Constitution may specify how soon before a meeting the notices are sent out.Annual general meetings and extraordinary meetings sometimes require a notice in the local press, in addition to the notice mailed to members.PREPARE AGENDAS The agenda for each meeting should be prepared and sent to members with the notice of meeting. The president may wish to be consulted when the agenda is being prepared. Standard agenda items are:apologies from people unable to attend minutes of the previous meeting - to be confirmed or amended items arising from the previous minutes correspondence inwards correspondence outwards reports - Treasurer, sub-committees, officers, others motions on notice motions without notice general business date and time for next meetingRECORD AND CIRCULATE MINUTESThe minutes are the record of decision made at meetings. The minimum details to be recorded in the minutes are:meeting date and place time meeting opened the date, time and place of the next meeting time the meeting closed person in the Chair names of those present (quorum) confirmation of, or changes to, previous minutes all decisions made as a result of matters arising from previous minutes, correspondence, reports, motions with or without notice and general businessMEMBERSHIP RECORDS These are important to make sure that subscriptions are paid when due and that only financial members vote in elections for office-bearers, if this is what your Constitution states. You will also need to keep up-to-date addresses for meeting notices, etc.The Secretary will usually work with the Treasurer to keep an accurate record of members. This should include full names, address and phone numbers. In this age of high technology you may also decide to record fax numbers and e-mail addresses. A useful refinement for activist groups is to record specific skills of individual members and their access to items such as computers, fax machines and photocopiers. A computerised database will help you keep track of all this information.4. HELP FOR TREASURERSBeing Treasurer for a community group is a sometimes thankless task. You probably got the job because nobody else wanted it, and you are fed up with those jokes about running off to Brazil with the organisations funds! Here are some simple ideas to help the Treasurer do the job.BANK ACCOUNTS Make sure your group has a savings account with a bank. Some banks let non-profit organisations operate savings accounts which have cheque books. This avoids the need for two separate accounts. Shop around for a bank with the best services for your group. Your bank will probably ask for a copy of your Constitution.Usually three officers of an organisation are authorised to sign cheques, with the Treasurer and one other to sign a particular document.RECORD ALL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Rule number one is to keep a record of all money you receive and all money you spend. This is because your records should be audited by an independent third party at the end of each financial year.The best way to record income and expenditure is to use a multi-column book available at most stationery shops. Another section of the same book should be used for recording all money paid out. Keep separate columns as in the examples below:Receipts Date 19.. Details Receipt number Member subscrip. Donations Fundraising (fairs, etc) Grants Other income Total income Sum banked Sep 3 J.Davis sub 324 $15.00 $15.00 Sep 10 Annual fair $650.00 EXPENDITURE TO BE AUTHORISED Expenditure should be authorised at a general meeting of the organisation (you may decide to set a limit for unauthorised expenditure) and recorded as follows.RECORD IN MINUTES All authorised payments should be noted in the minutes. The minutes are the official record of decisions made by the organisation, and should be audited at the end of the financial year, along with your Treasurers records. The minutes are a legal document.RECEIPTS You should give a receipt for all money received. This money should always be placed in the bank account. Never pay for something from cash waiting to be banked. All accounts should be paid by cheque, except small items paid from petty cash.PETTY CASH The petty cash should be paid to the Treasurer through a cheque drawn on the bank account. Individual petty cash items do not need to be authorised - but the payment of the petty cash advance to the Treasurer should be. Petty cash income and expenditure should be recorded in a separate book (a school exercise book is sufficient).The petty cash book must also be retained for auditing.MONTHLY STATEMENTS You should prepare a brief written statement of finances for members attending monthly meetings. A copy should be placed in the minutes book. Remember to check unpresented cheques when reconciling the monthly bank statement.ANNUAL STATEMENT You will need to prepare a detailed report at the end of each financial year. This should summarise income and expenditure by categories and detail the current financial situation, including any money owed by the organisation and money owed to the organisation.AUDIT Not all organisations are obliged to be audited. Check your status with the Australian Securities Commission. However, it is advisable to keep your books in an auditable state. All records detailing the organisations financial records should be audited by an independent auditor at the end of each financial year. A sympathetic (but independent), appropriately qualified accountant may be happy to do this for little or no cost. The auditor will need to see the following records:account books petty cash accounts receipt books cheque book stubs bank statements minutes bookBUDGETS Effective Treasurers draw up an annual budget and insist upon the organisation keeping within it. This is best done with the support of members of the executive committee. The budget should try to foresee likely expenditure and income in the forthcoming year.FUNDRAISING Set up a fundraising committee. Examples of fundraising include:annual subscriptions donations fairs/special events raffles sale of publications Government or corporate grants grants from foundations/trusts 5. MINUTES OF MEETINGSAll meetings should have an accurate record of the decisions made. These should be kept in a special book. These are known as the minutes. Minutes may be used as evidence in court, or by an auditor to check that expenditure has been authorised.Copies of minutes should be circulated as soon as possible after the meeting, so that those who were present can check their accuracy and refer to them for the next meeting.MINUTES Should follow the flow and content of the Agenda (see Section C #2), and include the following infromation:The name of the organisation or committee; the date and place of the meeting; the name of the person Chairing the meeting; the time the meeting actually opened; the names of those present, if relatively few. Otherwise a note of the number present. Note if this number represents a quorum; apologies from people who indicate they are unable to attend; decisions made - ie. all motions, who moved and seconded, and whether carried (won) or lost. If motions are decided on a show of hands, include the numbers for and against; date and place of the next meeting; time the meeting finished.HOW MUCH TO INCLUDE It is sometimes hard to decide just how much detail to include in a set of minutes. Do you include all the discussion, or just the decisions? Strictly speaking, the requirement is for a record of decisions.This means that the actual discussions do not need to be included. However, some meetings are only attended by delegates representing other groups.If it is not possible for all groups represented to have a delegate at the meetings (for example, because they are too far away) the minutes should be quite detailed, summarising all discussion. This enables those who do not attend to keep fully informed.Minutes should be confirmed at the next meeting,that they are a true and accurate record of the meeting they refer to. The Chair should sign and date them, to record the confirmation.If the meeting agrees there is an inaccuracy, this should be noted in the current minutes, and a note added to the previous minutes.6. HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETINGSAre you one of those people who comes along to meetings and gets irritated with the way the Chair conducts business? Here are some ways you can help a meeting run more smoothly from the floor.BE PREPARED Read the minutes of the previous meeting before you go to the meeting. Are there any inaccuracies which need correcting? Are there any items to be raised at the next meeting?If there is a matter you wish to be discussed at the next meeting, contact the Secretary and ask for it to be placed on the agenda.Read the agenda before the meeting. Is there anything you need to find out in order to contribute to debate?Have you completed any jobs you volunteered to do at the last meeting?ARRIVE ON TIME Arrive in plenty of time before the meeting starts. This will allow you to have pre-meeting discussions with people.If you are unable to attend, send an apology. This way the meeting knows you wont be coming if they are waiting for a quorum.HELP TO KEEP THE MEETING ON TRACK If the Chair does not open the meeting on time, discreetly suggest to him/her that those present have made the effort to be punctual and would appreciate not having to wait for stragglers.Once the meeting opens, propose a motion that it close by a nominated time. If discussion becomes bogged down, remind the meeting of the nominated finishing time. If the meeting is discussing really urgent business at the nominated closing time, someone can move that the meeting be extended by, say, fifteen minutes.WAFFLY DISCUSSION Meetings sometimes become bogged down with discussion. One major cause is that everyone is in favour of the motion and they all want to say so. Once three or four people have spoken in favour, without any dissent, move that the motion be now put. If the meeting agrees, the main motion is put to the vote. Some members waffle on without really adding to the debate. If the organisations rules set a time limit for speakers, raise this as a point of order, otherwise move that the speaker no longer be heard.PAY ATTENTION Meetings have two main functions. These are to receive information and to make decisions. Information is received through a variety of sources - reports from officers and sub-committees, correspondence, guest speakers and from members during discussions. Use the meeting planner overleaf to make notes. Avoid side conversations when someone else has the floor - you may miss something important or prevent others from hearing what is being said.RECORD YOUR COMMITMENTS If you agree to do something before the next meeting, make a note of this on the form. This avoids any misunderstandings about who should be doing what, and when it should be done by, and check your notes against the minutes.IS THE MEETING CLOSED? Some meetings never actually close, they just die away. Some people leave the meeting, thinking that all business has finished. This is when unscrupulous people can push through motions on an unsuspecting meeting. The moral is, make sure the Chair has closed the meeting or adjourned it to a nominated date and place before you leave. 7. EXAMPLE MEETING PLANNER(TIP: Keep the agenda handy)ORGANISATION:_____________________________ DATE: _________PREVIOUS MINUTES: CORRESPONDENCE:REPORTS:MOTIONS ON NOTICE:MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE: GENERAL BUSINESS:NOTES:ACTION POINTS: Who What When8. FACILITATED MEETINGSFacilitated meetings are preferred by many groups as being more democratic. Instead of putting every matter to a vote, the group discusses matters and tries to reach a consensus. The main features of a facilitated meeting are as follows:FORM A CIRCLE Participants at facilitated meetings form a circle or semi-circle. This enables people to see each others faces and body language, to help open communication. It also helps to make all participants equal in status.THE AGENDA In a formal meeting participants usually keep to an agenda set by the Chair and/or the Secretary. At facilitated meetings the group starts by nominating items for the agenda, which may be written up on butchers paper or a whiteboard. A draft agenda circulated before the meeting, will help move it along. The group establishes the priority for each item and sets a suggested time limit.It is still important to come to the meeting prepared. Ensure you have completed any jobs you volunteered for at previous meetings. Write a list of any items you want discussed at the meeting, so you dont waste time trying to think of them once it has started.THE FACILITATOR Group members take it in turn to act as facilitator. The role may be rotated from meeting to meeting, or even at regular intervals during a meeting - particularly long ones. This serves to prevent individuals dominating the group and gives everyone experience in the role.It helps the facilitator if she/he keep a list of those who want to speak. Anyone who wants to speak raises their hand until they are seen by the facilitator.The facilitator may from time to time need to call the meeting t order, or refocus the discussion. The facilitator may also summarise a speakers main points, to check for understanding.DECISIONS ARE MADE BY CONSENSUS This does not mean that everyone should fully support every decision, but the vast majority should be able to live with the decisions. Voting should be kept for those times when a decision has to be made in a hurry.MEETING NOTES Many facilitated groups do not keep formal minutes of their meetings, whilst others keep very detailed records of discussions to ensure every participants views are recorded. This is really a matter for the group to decide. However, it is vital that key decisions, such as expenditure or policy, are recorded.9. GROUP PROBLEMSHere are some of the problems which may face a group, and suggestions for resolving them:CLIQUES AND FACTIONS In an ideal world all the members of a group would see eye-to-eye and co-operate well. Unfortunately groups can be comprised of factions or cliques, which may result in unproductive conflict. Conflict can arise for a number of reasons, including disagreement over the groups goals and/or methods of achieving these goals. For example, one faction may favour direct action, whilst another faction may prefer more orthodox methods of lobbying (eg meetngs, letters, petitions).Conflict may be personality based. Try to resolve the conflict rather than let it disrupt the group. Consider asking an outside facilitator to help. Another option is for the factions to leave the group and form their own organisation. This may even be beneficial, as there will be another group working on the issue and their combined membership may well exceed the membership of the original single group.Sometimes conflict can be constructive, for example by introducing new ideas and debating an issue.DICTATORIAL LEADERSHIP The best way to deal with this is to develop more democratic decision-making processes within the organisation Instead of the very formal parliamentary style of meeting procedures, try a facilitated meeting style.ENTRENCHED LEADERSHIP It's not a good idea to rely on a small number of people to provide all the leadership in an organisation. There is the risk that a strong individual/s who has carried the group drops out for some reason and leaves the organisation floundering. You may need to insert a limit upon terms of office in the organisations Constitution. Encourage development of leadership skills in the group.APATHETIC MEMBERSHIP This may be a symptom of dictatorial or entrenched leadership. Possible ways to solve this problem are to try to recruit energetic new members and to select an important, winnable issue to fight. Try to give members specific jobs to motivate them.PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS DROP OUT Many organisations fail to convert people interested in joining into becoming financial supporters. This may be because no-one takes much interest in them and they dont feel included. We suggest someone should be responsible for:meeting and greeting potential members introducing them to the meeting finding out their particular reasons for coming along and introducing them to a person with similar interests giving them an information sheet with background information on the group including the Constitution, relevant phone numbers and meeting dates and times contacting them a week before the next meeting encouraging them to attend.You might also consider name tags for all members, to help new people remember names.UNCLEAR OBJECTIVES This is particularly likely to be a problem in groups which have existed for a few years and forgotten their original reasons for formation. Involve as many members as possible in setting clear objectives. Set goals for the short, medium and long term. These should include membership numbers and income.Make sure everyone involved has a copy of the groups mission statement, Constitution and aims and objectives.CO-OPTION BY AUTHORITIES Co-option is an excellent way for local councils and other authorities to defuse an issue. They simply offer the group one or two positions on their committee. This effectively keeps most groups quiet, because they believe their views are being considered. Unfortunately the usual result is that your representatives on the official committee unwillingly become too friendly with the other committee members. They may become alienated from the group they are supposedly representing. If your group is asked to nominate members to an official committee, consider this request very carefully. If you decide to go ahead, get as many members as possible to represent you (at least two) and make sure they are strong enough to represent your groups views effectively.INFILTRATION BY RIVAL GROUPS This is most likely to happen to weak groups with ineffective leadership, apathetic members and no clear goals. Perhaps they deserve to be taken over by a rival group! An example occurred during the battle for the Franklin River in the early 1970s. A radical group organised a coup to take over the Australian Conservation Foundation. This is documented in Roger Greens book, Battle for the Franklin, published by Fontana, Melbourne, 1981. 10. FUNDRAISINGBefore you launch into a round of fairs, raffles and submission writing, consider the following:WHY? Why do you need the money? How will it help you to achieve your stated aims? You will need to explain clearly to people your reasons for seeking funds (possibly in an Aims and Objectives document). This will also help you to decide the most appropriate way to raise funds.HOW MUCH? The amount of money you want to raise depends upon what you want to use it for. Develop a budget. This will help to motivate your members, if they know how the money they help to raise will be used.THE LAW Check out the law before you start fundraising. Do you need permits for raffles, button days, art unions, etc?PUBLIC SAFETY Recognise that some activities such as walk-a-thons have a measure of risk. Consider insurance to cover legal costs and ask the police for their advice about safety.FUNDRAISING POLICY Consider two matters as part of your fundraising policy:Limit your dependence upon Government grants and foundations. Both may be cut or reduced with little warning, and may also jeopardise your independence. The ethics. Are there people you will not accept funds from, eg oil or chemical companies?HOW? There are three main sources of funds:Public donations Foundation grants Government grantsBefore accepting a grant, consider what effect it may have on your independence. As mentioned previously, grants from Government and foundations may be cut or reduced with little prior notice. This means that organisations without a developed alternative fundraising strategy are at a risk.SELL YOUR ORGANISATION Make sure that your your prospective donors are interested in your cause, or a similar issue. The organisations which are most successful at fundraising are those that people recognise as playing an important role, eg. Amnesty International, Red Cross and Greenpeace. Each of these has a core of supporters who contribute to them on a regular basis.Your group must become respected by the people you are asking for money from as performing a valid role. Demonstrate the value of your work, and how it is relevant to them. Be specific. X dollars is required to achieve Y.If you are planning to approach a local company or a perceived wealthy individual for a large donation, do some research first. What other groups do they support? How much do they usually give?Build a relationship with your supporters so they feel involved. Long term supporters need to be nurtured, which is rewarding and productive for both the group and the supporter. SOME SUGGESTIONS Different people respond in different ways, so try asking in a variety of ways over a period of time - write to them, telephone them and ask them face-to-face.Ask for small amounts on a regular basis. This is what churches do when they take up a collection. Have a donation tin at your meetings and pass it around.If people cant afford to give money, ask them to donate time by volunteering. Likewise, ask businesses to donate facilities such as use of their photocopiers or phones.Suppliers may be prepared to help you by selling items at cost. Ask them to donate gifts for raffles or other prizes.If your organisation is a long-term, on-going concern, you might consider asking people to remember you in their wills. (They cant take it with them, and if they have no relatives to leave it to, it may end up in Government coffers!)SUBMISSIONS TO FOUNDATIONS OR GOVERNMENT Australian foundations are listed in the Australian Directory of Philanthropy, published by Thorpe in association with the Australian Association of Philanthropy. Ask your library to obtain a copy.Make sure you obtain a copy of any guidelines and details of grants made over the past few years. Proposals are screened upon receipt. They are weeded out if they do not meet the guidelines.If possible, build up a relationship with an influential person before you make your submission. Phone the secretariat and ask to speak to someone about your proposed application. Get an introduction or referral.Keep in touch with your contact. Send them newsletters and write to tell them about significant events. When writing, tell them:The purpose of your organisation The history of the organisation One or two major accomplishments The need you are addressing What you are doing to address the need Your organisational budget The budget for the specific project for which you are seeking a grant. Contact details for more information about your submission 11. WHERE TO GET FREE OR CHEAP LEGAL ADVICECLC = Community Legal Centre CLS = Community Legal Service CIC = Community Information CentreAUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Welfare Rights & Legal Centre (ACT) Havelock House, Gould Street, Turner ACT 2601 phone: 06-247 2177 fax: 06-257 4801 NEW SOUTH WALES Environmental Defenders Office Suite 82, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 phone: 02-261 3599 fax: 02-267 7548Community Legal Services Blue Mountains CLC ph: 047-82 4155 Campbelltown CLC ph: 046-28 2042 Hawkesbury CLC ph: 045-88 5618 Hunter CLC ph: 049-26 3220 Illawarra CLC ph: 042-76 1939 Inner City Legal Centre ph: 02-332 1966 Kingsford CLC ph: 02-398 6366 Macquarie CLC ph: 02-689 1777 Marrickville CLC ph: 02-559 2899 Redfern CLC ph: 02-698 7277 South West Sydney CLC ph: 02-601 7777 Public Interest Advocacy Centre Level 1, 46-48 York Street, Sydney 2000 phone: 02-299 7833 fax: 02-299 7855 Legal Aid Commission of NSW Head Office ph: 02-219 5000 Offices at: Bankstown, Blacktown, Bondi Junction, Burwood, Campbelltown, Fairfield Chase, Hurstville, Leichhardt, Liverpool, Manly, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Penrith, Ryde, Gosford, Lismore, Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong NORTHERN TERRITORY Darwin Community Legal Service 17 Peel Street, Darwin NT 0801 phone: 089-41 3394 fax: 089-41 3773 QUEENSLAND Environmental Defenders Office 2nd floor, 133 George Street, Brisbane 4000 phone: 07-210 0275 fax: 07-210 0253 Initial contact should be by telephone on Wednesday between 5.30pm and 7.30pmLaw Society (Qld) Inc. 179 Ann Street, Brisbane Qld 4000 phone: 07-233 5888 Has a list of solicitors who will give fixed-fee consultations ($20 for 20 minutes)Legal Aid Queensland Brisbane ph: 07-238 3444 Inala ph: 07-372 4944 Ipswich ph: 07-281 0033 Woodridge ph: 07-808 0900Legal Aid Telelink Service: phone: 238 3317 (Brisbane) 1-800-805 817 (outside metro area)Community Legal Services Bayside CLC ph: 07-393 3444 Cairns CLC ph: 070-317 688 Caxton Legal Service ph: 07-254 1811 Gold Coast CLC ph: 075-305 700 Inala Legal Service ph: 07-372 7677 Logan CLC ph: 07-208 8199 Nundah CLC ph: 07-260 6820 Petrie CLS ph: 07-204 4310 Roma Legal Service ph: 076-224 547 Sth Brisbane CLS ph: 07-846 3189 Suncoast CLS ph: 074-437 827 Toowoomba CLS ph: 076-383 950 Townsville CLC ph: 077-215 511SOUTH AUSTRALIA Environmental Law Community Advisory Service 19 Green Street, Brompton SA 5007 phone: 08-346 9394 fax: 08-346 9477Community Legal Services Bowden Brompton CLS ph: 08-346 9394 Kilburn Enfield Prospect CLS ph: 08-260 6474 Marion CLS ph: 08-376 1300 Noarlunga CLS ph: 08-384 5222 Norwood CLS ph: 08-362 1199 Para Districts CLS ph: 08-281 6911 Parks Legal Service ph: 08-243 5521 TASMANIA Community Legal Services Derwent CLC ph: 002-63 5554 Devonport CLC ph: 004-24 8720 Hobart CLS ph: 002-34 5988 Northern CLS ph: 003-34 1577The Law Society of Tasmania phone: 002-34 4133 Offers legal advice over the phone during normal office hours. The Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania 123 Collins Street, Hobart phone: 002-30 0900 fax: 002-31 3553 The Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania offers free legal advice on any legal problem, minor assistance and referrals. VICTORIA Community Legal Services Bendigo CLC ph: 054-43 1331 Broadmeadows CLC ph: 03-309 9547 Central Highlands CLC ph: 053-31 5999 Coburg-Brunswick CLC ph: 03-350 4555 Deer Park CIC ph: 03-363 1811 Doveton Legal Service ph: 03-793 1993 Essendon CLS ph: 03-376 7929 Fitzroy Legal Service ph: 03-419 3744 Flemington & Kensington Legal Service ph: 03-376 4355 Footscray CLC ph: 03-689 8444 Frankston North CLS ph: 03-786 6980 Geelong CLS ph: 052-21 4744 Monash Oakleigh CLS ph: 03-565 4336 North Melbourne CLS ph: 03-328 1885 Northcote Legal Service ph: 03-489 6321 Nunawading & Eastern Suburbs CLC ph: 03-877 5777 South Port CLS ph: 03-690 9144 Sth West Community Care ph: 055-62 6600 Sthn Communities CLS ph: 03-573 2500 Springvale Legal Service ph: 03-546 5255 St Albans Legal Service ph: 03-364 1385 St Kilda Legal Service ph: 03-534 0777 Villamanta Legal Service ph: 1-800-014 111 Werribee Legal Service ph: 03-741 0160 West Heidelberg CLS ph: 03-459 8833 Western Suburbs CLS ph: 03-391 2244 Environmental Defenders Office 446 Victoria Street, North Melbourne 3053 phone: 03-328 4811 fax: 03-326 5687 Action and Resource Centre 264 High Street, Northcote Vic 3070 phone: 03-481 5599 fax: 03-482 2269WESTERN AUSTRALIA Legal Aid Western Australia Perth ph: 09-261 6222 1-800-809 616 Fremantle ph: 09-335 7108 Midland ph: 09-274 3327 Bunbury ph: 097-21 2277 Broome ph: 091-92 1888 091-92 1413 Sth Hedland ph: 091-72 3733Community Legal Services Bunbury Legal Service ph: 097-91 3206 Geralton Resource Centre ph: 099-64 3533 Gosnells District Info Ctr ph: 09-398 1455Kwinana/Rockingham CLC ph: 09-419 2050 Lockridge Community Group ph: 09-279 1133 Pilbarra CLS ph: 091-40 1613 Sussex St CLS ph: 09-470 2676SECTION D: KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR MEMBERS1. NEWSLETTERSPURPOSE First, consider whether a newsletter is needed. Ask yourself if a noticeboard, telephone trees or regular meetings will serve better than a newsletter. Ask yourself what you expect your newsletter to achieve.SIZE How big is your newsletter going to be? Many newsletter editors start off with considerable enthusiasm and produce many pages per issue. They soon realise that this can become a chore and their enthusiasm disappears. Consider the following:What is your budget? Where will you get your contributions? How much time can you spend per issue?We suggest you consider starting with a short newsletter - say one or two double-sided A4 sheets - which can be expanded later if needed.FREQUENCY How often will you produce issues? Again, beware being too ambitious to start with. It is better to increase the number of issues once the newsletter has become established, rather than have to reduce the number of issues (increasing indicates the newsletter is successful, reducing points to failure).FINANCE How will you cover the cost of paper, printing and distribution? The main methods are subscription, inclusion as a component of membership fees, advertising or sponsorship.DISTRIBUTION How will you distribute copies of your newsletter to members/subscribers? Distribute at meetings or, if the group covers a small geographic area, (eg a ratepayers group), then it may be delivered to letterboxes by volunteers. Other options include mail, fax and e-mail from a computer. These last two depend upon recipients having access to appropriate equipment.CONTENT Content depends upon what you want your newsletter to achieve. Consider the following:Reports on recent activities Recent policy decisions Diary of forthcoming events Requests for action on specific issues. Tell your members exactly what you want them to do and how to do it. Include addresses and phone/fax numbers if you want them to lobby someone. Membership renewal reminders Fundraising events Letters to the EditorLEGAL CONSIDERATIONS Defamation is the publication of material that is likely to injure the reputation of a person or to cause ordinary people to think less of that individual.Contempt of court may occur if you publish material commenting upon a matter currently before a court, or if you show disregard for the authority of a court or judge.Copyright protects other peoples work from being used without authorisation (and payment!). You should not use material from other sources, including photographs, cartoons, videos, radio and TV, without the written permission of the copyright owner. DESIGN AND LAYOUT Your newsletter must be easy to read. Design and layout is very important. This means that your job is to select a layout that encourages your members to pick up the newsletter and read it. Be aware of reading gravity, where the natural tendency for readers is to read from top to bottom and from left to right. Take advantage of this by placing graphics at the top of the page.Your front page should be headed by the nameplate, which displays the newsletter title and publication date.Use headlines and subheadings to lead readers to information that they are looking for. Many readers will scan your newsletter for interesting items, rather than read it all.TYPEFACES Use easy to read typefaces, not fancy ones. There are two main kinds of typeface. These are serif and sans serif. Serifs are those funny little extra pieces on the end of individual characters. Research shows that serif typefaces are the easiest to read. A popular one is Times Roman (this publication uses this font).You should choose an appropriate size of type. This is measured in points, eg:10pt 12pt 16pt 20pt 36pt 48ptJUSTIFICATION Most text is neatly aligned on the left hand margin. This is known as being left justified and is essential for easy reading. Most of this Manual has been left justified.Material may also be justified on both sides of the column, although this may lead to larger than usual gaps between words in a line. If this happens to a number of lines above each other, the result may be distracting rivers of white running down the page. This paragraph has been right and left (or fully) justified as an example.LINE LENGTH Readers tend to lose their place if the lines of print are too long. If lines are too short, this disrupts the reading rhythm, making it jerky. The ideal line length is about 40 characters. Aim for a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 50 characters. You may be able to achieve a desirable line length by setting your text in columns, like this text.COLOUR Colour should be used sparingly. Use it on the front page for your groups logo or for the nameplate. Avoid coloured ink for text, as it reduces readership - it strains the eyes after a short time. Also avoid reverse type, where the text appears as white on black, for the same reason.PAPER CHOICE ALWAYS USE RECYCLED/NON-CHLORINE BLEACHED PAPERWhilst coloured paper may attract readers, it actually reduces the number of people who read the material. This is particularly true of bright coloured paper. Some readers claim that it gives them headaches. Some papers have shiny surfaces which reflect light into readers eyes. This should be avoided.WHITE SPACE Do not cram your pages with text. Have reasonable margins and space between columns and lines.THE GOLDEN RULE: KEEP IT SIMPLE!2. TELEPHONE TREESYou need to call an urgent meeting, or give your members some vital information. You have fifty members spread throughout the State. How do you reach them all as quickly and as cheaply as possible?You could get the Secretary to sit down and phone them all. That would take an awful lot of one persons time. A more efficient method is to use a telephone tree. You divide your members into small groups of about five. Someone rings one person in each group. These people then relay the message to the other members of their group.This method saves time and money, if branches are organised along STD areas. Here is a sample tree:Name: _____________ Phone: ___________ Name: _____________ Phone: ___________ Name:____________ Phone: ___________ SECTION E: GETTING YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS1. OBTAINING AND ASSESSING INFORMATIONAccurate, up-to-date information is fundamental to any decision. You can jump up and down and bang on drums as much as you like, but you need accurate information to gain public support for your case and to influence the decision-makers. The first step is to decide what information you need. This will determine your sources. These could include the Environmental Defenders Office, the media, Non-governemnt organisations such as Greenpeace and:YOUR BRANCH LIBRARY Most local libraries have access to other libraries and can obtain a huge range of useful information. This includes:Acts of Parliament Directories Hansard - the record of State and Federal Parliaments Government department reports Maps Periodicals Inter-library loan - libraries can obtain photocopies of articles or borrow books from other libraries - including university libraries Information from computer databases. These include overseas on-line sources (including e-mail systems such as the Internet) and CD-ROM information in the libraryPARLIAMENT HOUSE Copies of Reports to Parliament by Government Departments and Parliamentary committees are held by Parliament in each state and federally.Members of Parliament may have useful information, or they may be able to obtain it for you or ask a question in either House of Parliament.GOVERNMENT DEPTS Government departments have their own libraries in which you may be able to read materials. Departments also publish a range of reports and public information.YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL Local councils produce a vast range of information. This is included in minutes and reports, etc. You may be able to obtain information through your council offices or a local councillor. It may be important for you to keep an eye on the Public Notices section of the newspapers, particularly on Saturdays. These notices include information regarding building proposals and changes to planning schemes. etc.PUBLIC COMPANIES Public companies have to publish an annual report. These can give information about future plans. The Australian Securities Commission regulates public companies and may be able to help you obtain information about directors and ownership.AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes an enormous range of material. This includes census information - including local areas - local Government finance, employment, housing, agriculture, etc.Much of this material is available through the State Library system. The ABS also has its own libraries. These are open to the public.THE LAND TITLES OFFICE The Land Titles Office can help you to trace ownership of specific blocks of land, or to find out what land a particular person owns.UNIVERSITY DEPTS Most university staff are engaged in research. This is often made available to the public. Most academics are happy to provide information if asked.HOW ACCURATE IS YOUR INFORMATION? Finally, a word of warning! Some people have a vested interest in supplying only the information they want you to have. Before using information supplied by other people, ask yourself:Who supplied this information and why? What is the supplier's background? Are they pushing a particular barrow? What are their biases and prejudices? Have you been given all the information, or has some been deliberately withheld? When was it produced? Is it out of date? (Acts of Parliament may be amended or repealed)It might be worth having the information assessed by someone or a relevant organisation that you trust, if you are not sure of its accuracy.FREEDOM OF INFORMATION Most states and the Federal Government now have Freedom of Information laws which require Government agencies to give people certain information requested by individuals and the media, etc. If an agency refuses to release information you may appeal.2. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANISATIONS Animal Welfare PRIVATE Animal Liberation Suite 509/410 Elizabeth Street SURRY HILLS NSW 2010 ph: (02) 212 6253 Aust. Assoc. for Humane Research PO Box 779 DARLINGHURST NSW 2010 ph: (02) 360 1144 Fund for Animals PO Box 126 TERREY HILLS NSW 2084 ph: (02) 450 2122 Int'l Fund for Animal Welfare 29 Georgina Street NEWTOWN NSW 2042 ph: (02) 517 1912 or 1-800-804 817 Project Jonah 340 Gore Street FITZROY Vic 3065 ph: (03) 416 1455 World Wide Fund for Nature GPO Box 528 SYDNEY NSW 2001 ph: (02) 247 6300 Wildlife Conservation Aust'n Nature Conservation Agency GPO Box 636 CANBERRA ACT 2601 ph: (06) 250 0200 Aust. Whale Conservation Society PO Box 12046 Elizabeth Street BRISBANE Qld 4002 ph: (018) 98 4359Kangaroo Protection Co-operation PO Box 3719 SYDNEY NSW 2001 Koala Preservation Society of NSW PO Box 236 PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 ph: (065) 84 1522 NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) PO Box 260 FORESTVILLE NSW 2087 ph: (02) 975 1633 or 1-800-641 188 Threatened Species Network Shop 2, Gloucester Walk THE ROCKS NSW 2000 ph: (02) 241 1438 Biodiversity Australian Conservation Foundation 340 Gore Street FITZROY Vic 3065 ph: (03) 416 1166 Environment Centre of NT GPO Box 2120 DARWIN NT 0801 ph: (089) 81 1984 Nature Conservation Council of NSW 39 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 ph: (02) 247 4206 Coastal Issues Australian Conservation Foundation 340 Gore Street FITZROY Vic 3065 ph: (03) 416 1166 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Auth PO Box 1379 TOWNSVILLE Qld 4810 ph: (077) 81 8811 Nature Conservation Council of NSW 39 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 ph: (02) 247 4206 Energy Friends of the Earth PO Box A474 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 2000 ph: (02) 283 2004 Alternative Technology Association 247 Flinders Lane MELBOURNE Vic 3000 ph: (03) 650 7883 Cairns and Far North Env't Centre PO Box 323 NORTH CAIRNS Qld 4870 ph: (070) 32 1746 Energy Information Centre 139 Flinders Street MELBOURNE Vic 3000 ph: (03) 650 1195 Environment Victoria 1st floor, 247 Flinders Lane MELBOURNE Vic 3000 ph: (03) 654 4833 Australian Conservation Foundation 340 Gore Street FITZROY Vic 3065 ph: (03) 416 1166 Forests Australian Bush Heritage Fund GPO Box 101 HOBART Tas 7001 ph: (002) 31 5475 Australian Conservation Foundation 340 Gore Street FITZROY Vic 3065 ph: (03) 416 1166 Queensland Conservation Council PO Box 12046 Elizabeth Street BRISBANE Qld 4002 ph: (07) 221 0188 Sydney Rainforest Action Group PO Box A474 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 2000 ph: (02) 261 2104 The Wilderness Society 1A James Lane SYDNEY NSW 2000 ph: (02) 267 7929 Total Environment Centre Shop 1, Gloucester Walk THE ROCKS NSW 2000 ph: (02) 247 4714 Pollution/Recycling Arid Lands Environment Centre PO Box 2796 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871 ph: (089) 52 2497 Clean Up Australia PO Box 45 PYRMONT NSW 2009 ph: (02) 552 6177 or 1-800-024 890 Environment Victoria 1st floor, 247 Flinders Lane MELBOURNE Vic 3000 ph: (03) 654 4833 Friends of the Earth PO Box A474 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 2000 ph: (02) 283 2004 Litter Research and Recycling Assoc. PO Box 596 DRUMMOYNE NSW 2047 ph: (02) 719 8911 Total Environment Centre Shop 1, Gloucester Walk THE ROCKS NSW 2000 ph: (02) 247 4714 State Conservation Organisations Most of these groups act as umbrella organisations for many other groups in their state, and can be contacted for information on a wide range of issues. ACT: Canberra & SE Region Environment Centre GPO Box 1875 CANBERRA ACT 2601 ph: (06) 248 0885 NSW: Nature Conservation Council of NSW 39 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 ph: (02) 247 4206 NT: Environment Centre of the Northern Territory GPO Box 2120 DARWIN NT 0801 ph: (089) 81 1984 Qld: Queensland Conservation Council PO Box 12046 Elizabeth Street BRISBANE Qld 4002 ph: (07) 221 0188 SA: Nature Conservation Society of South Australia 120 Wakefield Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 ph: (08) 223 6301 Tas: Tasmanian Environment Centre 102 Bathurst Street HOBART Tas 7000 ph: (002) 34 5566 Vic: Environment Victoria 1st floor 247 Flinders Lane MELBOURNE Vic 3000 ph: (03) 654 4833 WA: Conservation Council of Western Australia 79 Stirling Street PERTH WA 6000 ph: (09) 220 0652This list is for information purposes only. Greenpeace assumes no responsibility for the actions or views of these organisations. All names and addresses are correct at time of printing - 11/943. HOW TO WRITE A REPORTBEFORE YOU BEGIN Why are you writing a report? Who is the report for? What will readers need to know? Is the report for information only, or are conclusions and recommendations needed in order to make a particular decision? Who else will you send this report to? (Local councillors and staff, funding bodies, local libraries etc.)WHERE WILL YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION? Your own records Government departments Freedom of Information legislation - Commonwealth or State Australian Bureau of Statistics (available for local council areas and smaller census collector areas) Your local library Conduct a survey Observation Media Other organisations eg Greenpeace, Environmental Defenders OfficeLAYOUT Title page: Report Title Report date Who the report is addressed to Who produced the report Table of contents, if the report is more than two or three pages Introduction - why the report is being written Body of the report - the information, in short paragraphs or point form Conclusion, if appropriate Recommendations, if appropriate Acknowledgments - those who helped References - documents used for information. List author, title, publication place, publisher and date Appendices - any material, such as tables, too detailed for the main body of the report (many people wont read the appendices)WRITING THE REPORT KISS - Keep It Short and SimplePut yourself in the readers place. Would you read a long-winded, complicated, poorly written report? Include only the important information - dont pad out where its not needed Keep to one topic per paragraph Use short sentences Use simple words, eg:Not But At this point in time - now Therefore we would ask- we ask Approximately - about Simplify important points with a map, diagram, chart, graph, simple table or photograph (modern photocopiers reproduce photographs quite well). Pictures will attract attention and reinforce important information.PRESENTATION Don't spoil a good report with sloppy presentation Get someone to check your spelling and grammar Make sure youre getting good print quality from your typewriter or printer - if not, change the ribbon/ ink cartridge/ toner as required, or get the printer serviced. Its worth the money! Reports last longer and look more professional if they are bound in some way (but try to avoid plastic!)4. PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO FOR COMMUNITY ACTIONPhotographs are an excellent way to illustrate a point which could be difficult to describe briefly and accurately. They may be sent out with news releases or used to illustrate reports, submissions and newsletters. Slides, videos and overheads can be used to illustrate talks to groups.PHOTOGRAPHS WITH NEWS RELEASES Newspapers have quite specific requirements. The main daily newspapers prefer to use their own photographers. You will need to give them a couple of days warning of appropriate stories. The weekly newspapers are more likely to use photographs supplied by you. Check with the newspaper beforehand.The technical requirements for newspaper photographs have changed with the introduction of colour printing by many newspapers. We suggest you contact the editor or photographic department to find out what types of photographs they can use.Consider the following points when submitting photographs with news releases:for black and white prints use glossy paper, not matt polaroids are less likely to be acceptable must be good technical quality, not fuzzy (in focus, no camera shake) if possible, include a person for human interest and scale, eg a local resident holding a jar of polluted water from a local river get close-ups - it is useless if your subject is in the distance and too small to see clearly size - about 15cm x 10cm (commonly referred to as 10 x 8s, the imperial measurement) do not write on the back of prints. Type your caption onto a label or piece of paper and stick this to the back of the print make sure that you, or your organisation, own the copyright to the photograph. For example, do not obtain a copy of a file photograph from one newspaper and submit it to another Some organisations such as Greenpeace have Audio/Visual libraries you may borrow fromPhotographs in reports and submissions You may use colour prints in reports and submissions. These will reproduce quite well on modern black and white photocopiers. You can also do colour copies, but these are very expensive.If you are having the report or submission produced professionally, the printer will probably prefer to use colour transparencies.ILLUSTRATED TALKS Slides, overheads and videos are a good way to illustrate a talk to groups. Their main disadvantage is that you need a darkened room plus projection equipment and screens, etc. It is possible to transfer slides onto video - check your phone book for production companies.The alternative, if you are using only a few slides, is to have them enlarged onto overhead transparency film. Overhead transparency projectors do not need a darkened room (although this will help!).VIDEOS Modern video technology lets almost anyone with access to a video camera shoot material that is properly exposed and in focus. If you do not own a video camera, you may be able to borrow or hire one. Alternatively, you could ask someone with a camera to shoot the material for you.TV NEWS FOOTAGE A good video report or submission could be a really valuable item to show at a news conference or when visiting politicians or bureaucrats as part of a deputation/ delegation.The video should not be too long - aim for about ten minutes. Make sure it is of reasonable technical quality:properly exposed (neither too dark nor too light) material in focus camera is not waving around all over the place (zooms and pans should be used very sparingly - whenever possible, use a solid tripod) do not overlook the quality of your sound - you may need to have a separate microphone to plug into the camera in order to obtain an acceptable standard.OTHER USES FOR VIDEOS You can shoot your own videos for informing or training your members, or you may purchase or borrow videos from other sources such as libraries, video stores or TV stations..It is now possible to obtain VCRs which will play both the Australian PAL and American NTSC broadcast standard tapes, so you no longer have to pay for these tapes to be converted (this refers to the way the signal is electronically recorded on the tape - not the difference between Beta and VHS tapes). 5. WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENTLetters to Members of Parliament are an effective way of letting them know your views on issues. They also demonstrate the amount of interest in an issue.Members of Parliament get lots of letters. If you follow these simple rules, your letterwill be more effective:You can obtain the correct name and address of your Member of Parliament through the State Library. Parliament House in each state also has a list of all State MPs, and Parliament House in Canberra and Commonwealth Government Bookshops have lists of all Federal MPsKeep to one issue only per letterPrepare a rough copy, with your points in orderKISS - keep it short and simple. Aim for a maximum of 200 wordsUse simple words and short sentencesDefine the problem and offer a constructive solution - this is more effective than just having a good whingeCall for specific action from your member of parliament, and ask them to let you know what they intend to do about your issueIf you have time, put your rough copy aside for a couple of days. When you come back to it, you will almost certainly see improvements you can makeMake your final copy. This should be legibly written or typed. Make sure your address, phone number (if you have one) and the date are at the top of the letterLeave wide margins and space between the lines. This will help the reader to digest the letterSign the letter and print or type your name under the signatureEXAMPLE LETTER TO A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENTNB:THIS IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY6 September 1994The Hon. Paul Keating MP Prime Minister Parliament House Canberra 2600By Facsimile: 06 273 4100 Dear Prime Minister, Firstly, may I congratulate you on the strong stance taken by your government with respect to the protection of Shoalwater Bay. Greenpeace is delighted that this exquisite marine wilderness will be protected for what we hope is posterity. I am writing to request a meeting to personally discuss with you a number of matters of urgent significance to the national environmental agenda. In particular Greenpeace is seeking to maximise the opportunities arising from the greening of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. There is much contained within the Olympics development and green guidelines as we proposed them that should be applied to the development of Sydney and all our urban centres. I feel it is imperative that the momentum created by the green Olympics is not squandered, but rather, championed in both national and international arenas. You may be interested to know that both the City of Seattle and the African National Congress are looking at ways of applying the Olympic guidelines in future urban developments. Other matters I would wish to discuss include: - Developments and opportunities arising from Australia s on-going commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. - Taking continuing action on avoiding pollution around Australia s coastline - The Basel Convention and Australia's attitude generally to international environment treaties If your schedule permits, I am available to meet with you on either the 5th, 6th, or 7th October. If this is not convenient, I would happy to arrange another date at our mutual convenience. I will be in touch with your office to ascertain an appropriate time. As you are aware Greenpeace is by far Australia' s largest and most independent environment organisation. I would very much welcome the opportunity to discuss some of these ideas with you. Our supporters are very keen to see Australias future built on the foundation of environmental responsibility, hence our strong interest in the Sydney Olympics. Your vision for a Republic and our vision for the environment could mesh successfully into a framework of sustainability that other countries will look up to. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you. Yours sincerely, Lynette Thorstensen Chief Executive 6. A SPEAKERS' BUREAUOne quite effective way to get your message across is to form a speakers bureau.Participating members take your message to groups in the community. These can include business groups, service clubs, and other organisations which may be sympathetic to your aims.PREPARATION Your speakers do not need to be highly skilled performers, but they do need to be relaxed, able to speak clearly and with authority, and represent your group in a professional manner.You should form a team of speakers and make a note of when and where they are available to speak to groups. Write to likely groups and suggest that one of your bureau members could be a suitable speaker at their next function.When a group contacts you for a speaker, make sure you get the date, time, place and the name and address or phone number for a contact person. Then select an appropriate member of your bureau. Confirm the arrangement in writing with both parties.Some speakers may relate well to different audiences, eg business or childrens groups. Try to match natural skills with the audience. You might consider training in public speaking, which is widely available.THE TALK Each speaker should be given a set of notes and - if appropriate - visual aids. Notes should be referred to - not read verbatim. It is not satisfactory to have anyone read a prepared script to an audience, unless they are really experienced. The presentation almost always appears stilted.The notes should cover the following: An outline of the problem/issue How the problem affects the audience Who else the problem affects What your group is doing about the problem What your audience can do about the problem - call for specific action Speak for a maximum of 20 minutesInvite questions at the end of the talk.VISUAL AIDS Good visual aids help to illustrate key points to a talk. Visual aids include:Overhead projector transparencies Photographic slides Videotapes Charts, posters, etc. Leaflets explaining your case briefly - distribute these at the end of the talk, at question time. If you hand them out before the talk, your audience will read these, rather than listen to youIf you plan to use projectors, etc. check with the organisers, as they will need to arrange for the room to be darkened, power points etc.AFTER THE TALK After the talk has been presented, write to the group and thank them for inviting you. Ask them to contact you again if they want further information and repeat your call for them to take specific action. 7. BROCHURES, LEAFLETS AND FLIERSALL THE POINTS MENTIONED IN SECTION D: 1 NEWSLETTERS ARE ALSO RELEVANT TO THIS SECTION.BULLETS ( You may see some of these marks at the start of sections. These are known as bullets. They help to make a series of points easier to read. They have the advantage that they do not imply a priority of order in the same way that numbered paragraphs may do.There are many different types of bullets, eg.: [no bullets in electronic edition] COLOUR Colour attracts readers attention, but it also reduces the number of people who read or understand an item. For maximum readership, stick with black print on white paper. Avoid reverse type, where white print is on black paper. If you must use coloured paper, use a pale or pastel shade - not a bright colour.One way to use colour without reducing readability, is to use a coloured logo or heading at the top left of a page. This attracts attention to the correct starting place in order to assist reading gravity. Colour will add to printing costs because the extra colour will need the material to go through the printing press again.PAPER TYPES ALWAYS USE RECYCLED NON-CHLORINE BLEACHED PAPER.You will have noticed that there is a wide range of paper types available. Newspapers are printed on a really thin paper. Quality magazines are printed on a much heavier paper with a glossy coating.A papers weight is described as being so many gsm. This stands for grams per square metre. A sheet of A4 photocopy paper is usually 80 gsm.Paper type is often determined by the printing process used. Avoid a light weight paper. 80 gsm is satisfactory for most leaflets. Avoid papers with shiny surfaces, as these reflect light into the readers eyes. It is preferable to use recycled paper.HEADINGS About half the people who pick up a leaflet will only read the main heading. You have to get your message into this heading. Readers do not like long headlines and those with many lines. You have a difficult task! Remember to use lower case letters, rather than BLOCK CAPITALS. SECTION F: WORKING WITH THE MEDIA1. WRITING LETTERS TO NEWSPAPERSLetters to the Editor are an effective way to present facts and opinions in community debates. They also demonstrate the amount of interest in an issue. Here are some points to consider when writing a letter to the editor:Do Some homework. Read letters to the editor for a week or so to get the feel of what is published.Keep to one issue onlyPrepare a rough copy, with your points in orderKISS - keep it short and simple. Aim for a maximum of 200 wordsUse simple words and short sentences. Remember, many people are not fluent readers!Define the problem and offer a constructive solution. This is more effective than just having a good whingeCall for specific action from a specific individual or organisation If you have time, put your rough copy aside for a couple of days. When you come back to it, you will almost certainly see improvements you can makeMake your final copy. This should be legibly written or typed. Make sure your address, phone number (if you have one) and the date are at the top of the letterLeave wide margins and plenty of space between the lines. This will help the editor to make any alterationsSign the letter and print or type your name under the signature2. COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS A community service announcement is a simple, short statement of non- controversial facts distributed to the media. Typically it advises of forthcoming meetings, other activities (fairs, open days, etc.) or new services being offered. You should confine the notice to type of event, date, time, place and where to get further information. Start the notice about a third of the way down the page and always give a name for authorisation. This protects the media against spurious notices. The following is an example:___________________________________________________________________Community Service Announcement Greensville Environment CentreMarch 1, 1995Are you sick and tired of seeing your local environment being polluted and abused? Would you like to do something about it ... but dont know where to start? Well now you can take action!The Greensville Environment Group is holding a meeting for supporters and friends interested in getting involved in local issues. The meeting will look at what you can do ... who to speak to ... and how to get other people motivated.The meeting will be held at Greensville Town Hall at 7.30 pm this Thursday.For more information ... phone Greta Green on 211 4066.ENDS Authorised by Alan Activist3. HOW TO WRITE A MEDIA RELEASEA media release is a news story prepared by you and sent to the media. Your media release may be: thrown in the waste bin; filed away for future reference; used in full; edited and used in shorter form; or a journalist may contact you for further details, to prepare a longer story.STORY STRUCTURE Journalists receive many releases each day and generally dont have time to read past the headline and the first paragraph, so this is where you must attract their attention and encourage them to read on.You should use plain English. Use simple words and short sentences. Keep your release to a single, clearly set out A4 page.Answer the following questions in the body of your release:Who? (eg Greenpeace) What? (eg Direct action) When? (eg 7am, Tues 25 Dec 1999) Where? (eg Bondi sewers) Why? (eg to highlight industrial waste going into sewers) How? (eg scuba divers..)These are the bare bones of your story. You should provide as much of this basic information as possible in the first and second paragraphs. Use subsequent paragraphs to give background information and to add detail to the story. This is because sub-editors have to cut stories to fit a particular space on a page, or a particular time limit on radio or television. The easy way to do this is to cut the bottom off a story. So you must put the essential information at the beginning. The question of what to put in and what to leave out is a matter for your own judgement, but this brief example may help. If you were reacting to a chemical spill you should say: what was spilled how dangerous it is/effect on environment about how much was spilled which company owned the truck, or where in the river it was first noticed (etc.) where it happened when it happenedQuotes Make comments on the issue, using direct quotes. This allows you to express your own opinion, whereas the rest of your release should be fact. Identify your group and the spokesperson eg. Greensville Environment Group spokesperson Greta Green said: These spills are poisoning our rivers and the Government must force the company to upgrade its safety procedures.Such a statement of demand (what you want done about the problem) should always be included in a media release. It will often go in the first paragraph, and provide journalists with a new angle on a story thats already running: Residents today called for the State Government to review safety at the Deth-Pois Chemical Company after this mornings leak of toxic chemicals into Green River.Always write in the third person. This means you should say Mr Jones said (or did) ... not I said (or did) ...SOURCES It is important for journalists to know where your information is coming from, particularly if you are a relatively new activist group.In the chemical spill example, you might say: a local resident, Mr Smith of Peter Street saw the spill as it happened the Environment Protection Authority lists the chemical as the most toxic substance known according to Worksafe Australia the company has been responsible for six spills in the past year.LAYOUT Type, double-spaced, on a single sheet of A4 paper Use at least 3cm margins, left & right Start your release with a location and date eg. SYDNEY, March 1, 1995 - this helps both you and the journalist to file your releases Use a brief heading to indicate the subject Place an END statement at the foot of your story (so the journalist knows theres not supposed to be a second page) Give a contact name and phone number after the END statement. This will let journalists contact you for further detailsDELIVERY AND TIMING Timing will often decide if your release is used or not. If you put it out late in the afternoon, it will often be ignored. If your release is a reaction to a apecific event, you need to get it out quickly while the story is still newsworthy. Its worth a phone call to check your local paper, radio or television station deadlines.Try to arrange for your news releases to be sent out so they arrive at the same time. This avoids charges of favouritism towards specific media. You may consider mailing releases to other regions the day before you hand deliver or fax them locally.PHOTOGRAPHS A photograph may be able to illustrate your story effectively. Consider sending a good quality black and white print (about 15cm x 10cm) with the news release (see Photographs and Video for Community Action for further details).DEFAMATION Defamation is a legal term used to describe a public attack on a person or entity. For example, if you said in a media release that a Councillor took a bribe from Deth-Pois Chemical Company and voted in favour of their new building application, you could be sued because you have defamed that councillors reputation. Even if you imply, rather that state directly, that the Councillor is corrupt, you can be sued.You must first have proof, such as the Councillors bank statements which show the deposit of a $10,000 cheque from Deth-Pois Chemicals two days before the council decision. Unfortunately, in Australia the truth alone is not a defence - you must also prove that what you publish or broadcast is in the public interest. This is not always a simple thing to prove! Be careful who you attack and what you say, but remember as long as your facts are accurate and you have made reasonable statements about the issue based on those fact, you wont have a legal problem. EXAMPLE ONLYAUSTRALIANEWS RELEASE.......NEWS RELEASE..........NEWS RELEASEQUEEN VICTORIA PROTESTS SYDNEY'S FOUL AIR SYDNEY, March 15, 1995 - Greenpeace today placed a giant gas mask over the face of Queen Victorias statue in George Street, in protest of the construction of the M2 tollway. A banner with the words We are not amused by the M2 was flown during peak hour at the busy QVB intersection.The protest was to draw attention to the construction of the M2 tollway, contracts for which specifically preclude the development of public transport for Sydney's north-west for the next 45 years."The M2 tollway is one of the worst examples of urban planning ever seen in this city. The Fahey Liberal Government is selling out our transport future to private sector interests", said Robbie Kelman, Greenpeace transport campaigner."The M2 will stop the development of public transport through Sydney's north-west for the next 45 years. This is a disgraceful legacy from this Liberal Government, that will deny future generations a public transport option and exacerbate Sydney's already dangerous and unacceptable air pollution problems."Greenpeace said that George Street in Sydney is exposed to levels of Benzene that are dangerous to human health. "George Street has levels of Benzene in the atmosphere of up to 25ppm - the World Health Organisation (WHO) states there is no safe limit for this chemical because of its carcinogenic properties.""We have started removing lead from petrol and replaced it with Benzene which is equally dangerous. It is irresponsible that this Liberal Government has committed to increasing these pollutants by actually stopping the development of public transport. All their talk of supporting public transport is thrown out the door by this private road.""There is broad support for the scrapping of the M2 and we will take this issue through and beyond the NSW State election. Sydney should not have to suffer benzene levels in its air that can cause leukemia." Greenpeace welcomed the NSW Labor Party's promise to review the M2 contracts and called on the public to demand that the Liberal Government undertake the same initiative. "We have sent a letter to Mr Fahey demanding that the Liberal Party also undertake to review the contracts for the M2, and we are awaiting his reply."For more information contact Greenpeace Australia on Phone 211 4066 or Fax 211 4123 4. NEWS CONFERENCESPURPOSE A news conference is arranged to let your group make an important announcement to the media, or to enable the media to meet an important person. In either case, the media are able to ask questions for further information. It should not be used when a simple news release can do the same job. A press conference should be interesting and informative and highlight a specific action, problem, exciting breakthrough, etc.ORGANISATION Select a suitable time and place for the media. Normally you should avoid early mornings, lunchtimes, late afternoons, evenings and weekends. If you do decide upon a lunchtime news conference, let the media know you will provide a light lunch. Book the venue. Ensure there is not too much background noise. Also check there is sufficient light for television cameras. Try to give the media a couple of days warning of the news conference. Send a briefing sheet with details, including the names of speakers. Phone the Chief of Staff the day before, to check if journalists will be attending. Set up an appropriate backdrop, table, etc. to look as professional as possible. Make sure that speakers arrive well beforehand, to set up. Speakers should dress according to the image they wish to present. Always look clean and tidy. Avoid white clothing and too much jewellery - these reflect distracting light into television cameras. Also avoid striped clothing, as this sometimes results in funny strobing effects which will distract attention from your message. No need to supply liquor (unless celebrating your victory!) - but tea or coffee might be appreciated. Provide extra copies of your background sheet, press release etc. This helps to ensure that basic facts are correct and names are spelt correctly! Delegate a media liaison person to answer questions and meet and greet the media. THE INTERVIEW Usually the speaker will deliver his/her talk and then the media will be invited to ask questions. Remember: Journalists have a job to do. It is to inform and entertain their listeners, readers or viewers. They are not there to give you a free go. It is a good idea to ask a colleague to run through a mock interview beforehand, to iron out possible traps. Make your point as succinctly as possible, and stick to the point. Only a part of what you say will be used on radio or television news. At most you will get about two minutes in a thirty minute news broadcast. You will probably get only 30 seconds!! Remain calm and friendly in tone - be assertive without being defensive or overly aggressive, which can be interpreted as a guilty conscience with something to hide. One of the interviewers main weapons is silence. They ask a question. You answer, they sit back and say nothing. They hope you will ramble on and put your foot in it. Avoid the temptation. The interviewer knows what he/she is doing and will not let the pause become too pregnant! Look at a video or listen to a tape of your performance and appraise it. See what you can do better next time. You could ask your local community radio station for media training. In a television interview, you also need to be careful about how you look and act. Dont fidget or look about nervously. Look at the interviewer, not directly at the camera. Sit or stand upright and try to relax (try taking a few deep breaths before you start). Wear clothing that will enhance the image you are trying to present. Above all - keep it simple and know your topic! SECTION G: ACTION1. DEALING WITH YOUR COUNCILPREPARE YOUR CASE Before you approach your council, answer these questions - theyll help make sure you are fully prepared:What is the problem? Who is affected? What level of control/responsibility does the council have for this problem? (Should you be talking to someone else?) Obtain information from: Council minutes(check for previous commitments) Environment groups Media reports State Government reports, eg. Environment, Auditor-General, Ombudsmans Office Councillors Local Government Act Australian Bureau of Statistics - eg. annual report on local Government finances Your local library What happens elsewhere - in this state, interstate and overseas? What will it cost to rectify the situation? What will the costs (economic and environmental, be if nothing is done? Set your goals - state precisely what you want done and when. Obtain photographs and videotapes, if relevant. Prepare a background document for your supporters to use when writing to the council and the media, etc. Consider your timing - does it coincide with budgets, elections, conferences etc.? SHOW THE COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT Distribute your background document to supporters. Get supporters to write letters to the newspapers. Do not use form letters - individually written letters are more effective. Send news releases and photographs to the media. Organise a petition. These are seldom much use on their own, but are a part of the overall strategy (see Petitions). Hold a public meeting. Advertise it with a specific motion for debate. eg. A public meeting at ... on ... time ... to discuss the motion that the Greensville Council be asked to clean up Green River.PRESENT YOUR CASE TO COUNCIL Invite councillors and the media to come and see the problem at first hand. Lobby individual councillors and senior staff. Write to them. Telephone them. Best of all, go and see them. Ask them for their firm commitment to support your case. Prepare a brief report, two or three pages maximum. Send to all councillors and the media about a week before the next council meeting. Send a deputation to either a committee or full council meeting. Make sure your supporters are in the visitors gallery.IF COUNCIL WON'T CO-OPERATE... Make a formal appeal for building or land use matters. Go to the Ombudsman Ask the Local Government Office for help Get other groups help and ask them for information. Call a public meeting, propose a motion of no confidence in the council. Request a poll of electors for removal of the council under the Local Government Act (specific details will vary between states) Contest forthcoming council elections 2. PETITIONSPetitions on their own are not usually enough to get the required action, but they are a useful way to demonstrate support. You can petition Governments, Parliament, local councils, business - even your neighbour!There are three possible risks with petitions:Insufficient numbers. This can be embarrassing if you have made a lot of noise about raising a petition and only obtain a small percentage of signatures Someone might organise a counter petition which attracts as many - or more - signatures People may sign a petition and then do nothing else because they feel they have done their bitGETTING SIGNATURES Most petition organisers seem to leave blank forms in shops and places where people will see them. This is rather hit and miss and could reduce the validity of the petition (if juveniles complete it, etc.). It is far better to have a concerted effort, for example your organisation could plan a doorknock campaign. This ensures that everyone in the neighbourhood is asked to sign, not just the ones who happen to see the petition in a shop. Set a specific date by which all petitions should be returned.PETITIONS TO PARLIAMENT Petitions to Parliament have little value unless they are really well supported. What happens is that the Member who presents the petition simply stands up and states that she/he presents a petition on behalf of a specific group requesting that certain action is taken. This is then received by the relevant House. There will probably be no debate on the topic and your petition will end up gathering dust in the dungeons of Parliament House.Petitions to Parliament and to Councils should follow a specific wording, depending upon the body concerned.For example, a petition to the Legislative Assembly of NSW should have the following wording:To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales in Parliament assembled.The Petition of ..... (description of the petitioners, eg. citizens of Australia or Residents of the State of ... or electors of the Division of ...)Respectfully sheweth .... (give the circumstances of the case, or the alleged facts)Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Honourable House .... (outline the action that the House should, or should not, take)And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.(Names, addresses and signatures follow)A petition to the Federal House of Representatives should be set out as follows:PETITIONto the honourable the speaker and members of the house of representatives assembled in parliament:The petition of certain ... (identify in general terms who the petitioners are eg. citizens of Australia)draws to the attention of the House ... (give the circumstances of the case)Your petitioners therefore pray that the House (or request the House to ... or ask the House to ...) ... (outline the action that the House should, or should not take)(Names, addresses and signatures follow)A petition to the Senate should be set out as follows:To the Honourable the President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled:The Petition of the undersigned shows: (state grievance or subject of complaint)Your Petitioners ask (or request) that the Senate should: (state the action desired)(Names, addresses and signatures follow)Every sheet should carry the message to the selected body. The petition must be clearly written, typed, printed or otherwise reproduced, and must not have any erasures, additions or alterations . The petition organiser should sign the first space on the top sheet. All signatures must be originals (not photocopies of faxes or pasted on). Petitions must be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation. Do not use a blank sheet. Use the following layout for the body of the petition:Name Address Signature etc .... MEDIA COVERAGE Assuming that you get enough signatures, you should try to get as much publicity as possible for your petition. If the recipients know that everyone is aware that they have been given a petition, it will be more difficult for them to ignore it! You should arrange for the media to be present when you deliver your petition. (Send them a news release, or phone them a few days before).If the petition is going to Parliament, you probably wont have media coverage, so arrange for coverage when the organisers give it to the Member who will present it in Parliament. 3. DELEGATIONSThe terms deputation and delegation seem to be interchangeable, so dont worry about which word you use.A deputation refers to one or more people visiting a decision-maker, in order to try and influence a decision being made by that decision-maker. Examples of decision-makers include Government ministers, local councils, businesses, senior public servants, major Non-Government Organisations (such as Greenpeace, Amnesty etc), legal bodies (such as the Aboriginal Legal Service etc) - any individual or group that makes decisions which affect other people. PREPARATION Do your homework. Know exactly what you want. You also need to assume the likely response and the arguments for and against your case. If your campaign requires money, be prepared to suggested where the money can be raised. Some groups role-play the meeting beforehand. This helps you to prepare to deal with questions.ARRANGING THE APPOINTMENT Contact the decision-makers office by phone and ask for an appointment to see him or her for, say, 20 minutes. Suggest two or three possible dates. You may, of course, have to consider other dates if the person you wish to see is not available when you desire. Write and confirm the meeting when you have the date, time and venue. Send a copy of your submission with the letter of confirmation, si it may be read before the meeting.SUBMISSION You will need to take along a few copies of your submission, another one for the decision-maker (just in case!) and other copies for the advisors and for each member of the deputation. Keep the submission as short as possible and provide a separate summary sheet.WHO SHOULD GO? We suggest that a deputation should have two or three members. You need at least two members so that they can give each other moral support and verify what commitments were given by the decision-maker. If you have more than three members in a deputation the decision-maker may feel outnumbered and become defensive. It is a matter of encroaching upon their territory.The deputation should be led by the group President or Chair. At least one member needs to really know the facts and figures behind the submission, so that they can speak without constantly referring to the written copy, and answer any follow-on questions.THE MEETING Arrive a little early, but be prepared to wait a while - Government ministers are sometimes delayed by Parliamentary business. Deputation members will be introduced to the decision-maker and minders. You will then be asked to explain your case. Consider using visual aids, such as charts and photographs, to support your case. A short videotape may help to explain your point of view - check beforehand that suitable equipment is available to play it, or bring your own. Make sure you know how to use the equipment - you dont want to waste half your appointment time trying to find the ON switch!Do not just read through your submission. Give a brief summary of your case. Try not to talk for more than ten minutes. The decision-maker and staff will then comment and ask questions. This is where your homework will pay off.Watch the decision-makers body language, as this may help you form a better overall understanding the persons virews and feelings on your issue. When the meeting is closing, ask the decision-maker for a specific commitment to support your case.AFTER THE MEETING After the meeting, write to the decision-maker, thanking them for sparing the time to meet you, and repeat your request for specific action.You may need to follow up a number of times to get the result you want, or an explanation of the progress of the issue.4. ORGANISING A DEMONSTRATIONThe first step is to plan your demonstration. You need to decide:WHY? A demonstration is a good way to publicise an issue and obtain public support. Demonstrations may also help to directly influence a decision by displaying community opinion or embarrassing the decision-makers.WHERE? This may be determined by the nature of the issue. For example, demonstrations relating to Government decisions would probably be held at the relevant parliament buildings or council offices. A demonstration relating to Deth-Pois could be held outside their factory or at the site of the pollution.If you decide to hire a hall be very careful and sure of your numbers. What will the demonstration look like of only 20 people arrive in a hall designed to seat a thousand? It happens!WHEN? Demonstrations are not much use if people do not come, or if there is no media coverage. You must choose a time when participants are free to come and the media are available. Avoid early morning and late afternoon. If you want to have a good public attendance, consider a lunchtime meeting.HOW? Publicity is vital for your demonstration to succeed. People make demonstrations. (If only a few people come to your demonstration, the decision-makers will think that people do not really care about the issue concerned). Here are some suggestions to help publicise your demonstration:send a community service announcement to all radio and television stations. This simply states when, where and why you are having the demonstration. Include your name and phone number for verificationsend a media release to all newspapers, radio and television stations. This should include the same basic details as the community service announcement, but you should also add background details. Include your media spokespersons name and phone number (and an after hours number) at the end of the releaseFollow-up radio and arrange talkback if possibleask shops and other businesses to display a poster in their windowscontact local groups and ask them to tell their members about the demonstrationWHO WILL BE YOUR MEDIA CONTACT? Your media contact is a very important person. They must know the facts and be able to explain them concisely to the media. This person should be friendly and prepared to receive phone calls at odd hours. Make it a general rule that other people involved in your demonstration should refer media queries to the official contact.WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO TAKE? Demonstrations are visual. They are good for newspaper photographs and television cameras. Make sure you have the following material to make posters, placards or banners:Thick card (discarded polling booths are excellent) Garden stakes to fasten card to (watch out for splinters) Thick felt tip pens for writing on card Staple gun or broad head nails and hammer for fastening card to stakes Journalists will appreciate a concise briefing sheet with the basic details. These should include dates, figures and names, etc., to ensure they are printed and quoted correctly.Demonstrations can be noisy. Consider borrowing a loudspeaker or amplifier. What action will you ask participants to take? Ask participants to take specific action. It may be as simple as phoning or writing to a ministers office. Emphasise that they are all responsible for action. It is no good leaving it to someone else.A WARNING! You may lift the lid off a can of worms when you organise a public demonstration. You will have very little control over who turns up. You may have opponents to your cause come along, or you may have over zealous supporters who behave in a way that attracts undesirable publicity.Greenpeace generally insists on participants in action attending a briefing and training session before the action. This ensures everyone knows what they are supposed to do, and what everyone else is doing - so they dont get in each others way!Remember, part of the exercise is probably to gain public support. This may not happen if your demonstration develops into a riot.It's also a good idea to delegate a police/authorities liaison person, preferably someone with excellent inter-personal and negotiating skills!5. NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTIONDr Martin Luther King Jr. said that non violent action ... seeks to dramatise the issue so that it can no longer be ignored.The Greenpeace philosophy explains this further:Ecology teaches us that humankind is not the centre of life on the planet. Ecology has taught us that the whole earth is part of our body and that we must learn to respect it as we respect ourselves. As we feel for ourselves, we must feel for all forms of life - the whales, the seals, the forests, the seas. The tremendous beauty of ecological thought is that it shows us a pathway back to an understanding and appreciation that is imperative to that very way of life.As with the whales and the seals, life must be saved by non-violent confrontations and by what the Quakers call bearing witness. A person bearing witness must accept responsibility for being aware of an injustice. That person may then choose to do something or stand by, but he may not turn away in ignorance. The Greenpeace ethic is not only to personally bear witness to atrocities against life; it is to take direct action to prevent them. While action must be direct, it must also be non-violent. We must obstruct a wrong without offering personal violence to its perpetrators. Our greatest strength must be life itself, and the commitment to direct our own lives to protect others.Direct action is an option, particularly if lobbying and/or negotiation with decision makers has failed. The conservation movement, particularly Greenpeace, has used direct action in a variety of locations around the world.Broadly speaking, direct action can be symbolic (to bear witness) or intervention designed to prevent your opposition from performing some act. For example, in 1991 Greenpeace enveloped the Japanese embassy in Canberra in driftnetting, to highlight Japanese driftnetting. People dressed up as dolphins and chained themselves to the front door at the embassy. This would not in itself prevent driftnetting; it was a symbolic action designed to obtain media attention and provide public education. By contrast, Greenpeace has used rubber dinghies (and even a helicopter, recently) to get between Japanese whalers and whales to disrupt whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. This was clearly intervention designed to directly prevent whaling, as well as being symbolic.Direct action covers a wide range of possible protest measures. These include:blockades boycotts, or consumer action such as returning excess packaging to the manufacturer or supermarket display of banners, etc. erecting memorials marches mock 'Awards', eg. "Worst Polluter of 1995" non co-operation parades rallies sit-ins street theatre strikesPLAN YOUR ACTION Successful direct action requires careful planning. Consider the following:Is the proposed action relevant to the issue? Brainstorm for creative ideas - slogans, humour, colour, props etc. Are your members happy to participate? Ensure proper NVDA training for participants (Greenpeace may be able to point you in the right direction) Avoid violence at all costs. It will lose you public support, and you mbe hurt or hurt someone else Check the law, let the police know why you are doing it and that you will not use violence. Appoint one person to liaise with the police Appoint one person only to act as media liaison person. They should be present at the action to answer media questions Appoint an honorary legal adviser if possible. Ask them to attend the action as an observer - not as a participant Appoint marshals to help organise your supporters. Consider wearing a uniform of some sort (eg brightly coloured t-shirts) How will you communicate with supporters and headquarters? Loud hailers, radio, mobile phones? Consider food and drinks, medical help and shelter for the participants Go to the action site and check it thoroughly for route, entrances, possible trouble spots etc Prepare and train your participants. Role-play likely scenarios, including police intervention and violent reactions by opponents Arrange banners and slogans Arrange transport Participants should meet at a central point beforehand, then come to the action site as a groupEXAMPLES Just to give you some ideas, here are some examples of direct actions, mainly by small groups:A group of residents in a US city were not getting adequate garbage collection services. They dumped several loads of garbage on the lawn of the responsible official. Normal service resumed the next day. ******** A group of parents was concerned about a school crossing. They made green and red traffic lights out of old pizza trays, which they coloured in. Mothers acted as traffic lights at morning, noon and evening rush hours. ******** A group of angry parents strung nappies across the steps of the Victorian Parliament in protest against a decision to cut funding from day-care centres. ******** Paddlers for Peace erected a plaque on the foreshore at Newcastle, NSW to celebrate no nuclear ships arriving for two years. ******** Friends of the Earth collected non-returnable Schweppes bottles and deposited a colossal pile at the front door of the Schweppes head office. ******** A group of activists staged a brief ceremony at the US Department of the Interior in Washington. They presented 5000 marbles to Interior Secretary James Watt. His decision to open the entire US coastline to industries drilling for oil and gas suggested he had lost his [marbles]. ******* In September 1990, outside the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, activists from Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network chained themselves to an 8-metre chainsaw in protest at the World Banks funding of projects that contribute to the destruction of tropical forests.SECTION H: REFERENCES1. AN ACTIVIST'S READING LISTThe following books are particularly useful. You should be able to find some available locally - including libraries. Others would have to be ordered from overseas if you want them. The Co-Op Bookshop phone (02) 325 9666 and Green Books (02) 261 1919 in Sydney have a good range of environmental books. Two good overseas bookshops are: 1. Heffers Booksellers, 20 Trinity Street, Cambridge, England, CB2 3NG and 2. Bookworld Services, Inc., 1933 Whitfield Loop, Sarasota, FL 34243, USAOrganizing for Social Change By Kim Bobo, Jackie Kendall & Steve Max. Published by Seven Locks Press, Washington, USA, 1991. ISBN 0-932020-93-3. Write direct to Special Sales Department, Seven Locks Press, PO Box 27, Cabin John, MD 20818, USA This is a really practical, down to earth book. The authors have all been involved with the MidWest Academy in Chicago. This specialises in training workshops for activists. A lot of good stuff on direct action and loads of planning worksheets.Fixing the Government: everybody's guide to lobbying in Australia By Katherine Beauchamp. Published by Penguin Australia, 1986. ISBN 0-14 008018-X.The Community Action Book Edited by Marie Flood and Annee Lawrence. Published by the Council of Social Service of NSW, 1987. ISBN 0-909776-91-1. Should be in your library.Successful Submission Writing ... project development and management of change By Jean Roberts. Published by Information Australia - Margaret Gee, 1985. ISBN 0-949338-08-7.Do It Yourself Social Research By Yoland Wadsworth. Published by the Victorian Council of Social Service and Melbourne Family Care Organisation, 1984. ISBN 0-949748-13-7. Excellent book for people who need to know more about the community they are working in (thats all of us!).The Kid's Guide to Social Action By Barbara A Lewis. Published by Free Spirit Publishing, 400 First Ave North, Suite 616, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1724. ISBN 0-915793-29-6. Dont be put off by the title of this book. Includes lots of useful planning forms.Pressure: the A to Z of campaigning in Britain By Des Wilson. Forward by Ralph Nader. Published by Heinemann, London, 1984. ISBN 0-435-83942-X paperback.Organising Things - a guide to successful political action By Sue Ward. Published by Pluto Press, 1984. ISBN 0-86104-799-0. A British book but available through Pluto Press in Australia, PO Box 199, Leichhardt, NSW, 2040.Roots to Power - A Manual for Grassroots Organizing By Lee Staples. Published by Praeger, New York, 1984. ISBN 0-275-91800-9. Another excellent book from the USA.How to Use the Media in Australia By Iola Mathews. Published by Fontana, 1991. ISBN 014-014-467-6. A very practical book, essential for anyone who needs to get their message into the media.NO is Not an Answer: Lobbying for Success By Peter Cullen. Published by Allen and Unwin, Australia, 1991. ISBN 0-04-442294-6. Peter Cullen is a professional lobbyist. He shares his considerable experience through a series of case studies in this book. The main lesson is that persistence and homework can get results.Greenpeace Australia Greenpeace has available a range of information leaflets for sale, and books that may be photocopied at Greenpeace offices. The Greenpeace Story is a good book for inspiration!Documents, Dossiers and the Inside Dope By Kate Harrison. Published by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the Australian Consumers Association, 1984. ISBN 0-9596536-7-8. A manual on how to use the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act.Activists Rights Handbook: Our Rights By Tim Anderson, Steve Bolt, Brett Collins, Kylie Kilgour. Published by the Activists Defence Network (PO Box K365, Haymarket NSW 2000), 1993. ISBN 0-646-16227-6. A book by activists for activists.Please note: These books are only a start and there a many more books available.GREENPEACE AUSTRALIA CAMPAIGNING MANUAL APRIL 1995 =end=