Empowering communities to protect the environment and live sustainably
All Listed Campaigns
Campaigns Portfolio
Rose Adams
The portfolio: Advocacy is Gecko’s area of operations where we speak and act on behalf of those who have no voice. This is a broad portfolio, encompassing native wildlife and vegetation and the ecosystems in which they function. While our focus is on Gold Coast issues, regional, national and global issues also require support where this is practical in terms of volunteer availability and current campaigns.
Vision:
An empowered and informed Gold Coast community whose members actively protect the natural environment and live sustainable lives.
Goals for 2012.
The Campaigns Team assesses all current and new issues under 4 broad themes: Population, Biodiversity (including Koala protection), Climate Change and Sustainability.
Resources and method:
Resources:
Publications on various environmental topics on the internet and in the Gecko library
Archived documents and submissions from previous campaigns
Recent campaign material on Gecko computer and stored at home on personal computers of campaigners
Environment Alliance- networking relationship with other environmental groups across the Gold Coast
Membership of Queensland Conservation Council, through which further networking occurs
Cross border alliances with groups and individuals in NSW
Volunteer support for research, submission writing and displays
Contacts with different levels of government, landcare groups, tourism and industry
Communication via yahoo groups (Campaigns and Environment Alliance)
website and newsletter
Method:
The Campaigns Committee meets fortnightly, with the appointed Board member responsible for this portfolio and Minutes are recorded. Monthly reports are prepared for the Board and form the basis of the Campaigns section of the Annual Report.
Correspondence and submissions are drafted and finalised between group members. Final approval must include at least 3 Board members before being sent out.
The Committee leaders share responsibility for ensuring that the Environment Alliance, as an auspiced Gecko activity, functions through regular meetings, that agenda are prepared and Minutes are taken and distributed.
Opportunities are identified for collaboration with other groups, support is offered for their individual campaigns where possible and that their activities are showcased atr Gecko events such as World Environment Day.
In addition to the above information sharing, Campaigners inform themselves on topical issues through their individual research, reading and contacts in order to better inform the Committees activities. Relevant articles, reports etc are shared via email.
When new issues are discussed at meetings, draft policy is considered for potential responses to media enquiries, enquiries from the public or as a basis for further action. Fully drafted policies are presented to the Board for endorsement and may be subsequently published on our website or presented to members at a General Meeting.
The committee avails itself of opportunities to participate in public consultation. Members attending will report back to the committee on proceedings and outcomes.
