Greenspeak - Why Bother? Tuesday 8th July 7.30pm

Brighton & Hove's discussion forum, all very welcome: 7.00 for 7.30pm start at The Old Market, Upper Market Street, Hove, BN3 1AS,

with socialising before and after and bar open throughout the evening.

 £donation

Speakers:

Libby Brooks Journalist, deputy editor of The Guardian's Comment Is Free, seasoned campaigner and author of 'The Story of Childhood: growing up in modern Britain'.

Leo Murray, Plane Stupid Determined, imaginative and effective direct action campaigners against aviation expansion www.planestupid.com

Amy Kennedy Brighton and Hove City Councillor, who took the campaign for a Plastic Bag Free Brighton to official council policy, and stalwart of the protest movement.

How do we make our voices heard? Will what I do make a difference and what about everyone else? What's the best way of going about it, and can we just do a little bit? Do you fancy some action? Not sure what to do? Given up? Not convinced?

Greenspeak co-organiser Tim Holmes said "Probably many of us have faced similar questions and hurdles within ourselves, veering from pessimism to optimism and back along the way. How we resolve them on our own journey is key to mobilising the kind of will that is needed on a wider scale, whether the focus is poverty, hunger or climate change. We hear a lot about apathy, but perhaps less about those who have got beyond their own apathy and know a thing or two about keeping up momentum, staying sane and still enjoying life along the way. This month we want to be entertained with stories from inspiring people. And we want to know what gets them out of bed in the morning and want to get involved, when surely it would be easier not to bother, and why they have chosen to participate in the way that they do."

Meanwhile, Martin Grimshaw, fellow co-organiser said "We want to know what's more important; vegetable patch, fence-cutters or ballot box? What drives you, drives you mad or turns you off? Has there been any turning point, an epiphany in front of the evening news that got you off the sofa or made you want to sit back down and change the channel, or perhaps turned you from an eco-worrier to an eco-warrior? Perhaps it's not about being serious but being engaged with life, looking after our own interests and peace of mind. Perhaps it's just reassuring to imagine that we can make our voices heard and make a difference.

"Greenspeak is a regular monthly forum for discussion around the big issues that concern us. It's very relaxed and sociable, informative and fun, and the bar will be open throughout - come along and have your say. We've even started a Greenspeak Facebook site where you can keep informed about the issues or join our mailing list - log in, then simply search for Greenspeak under 'groups'." ENDS By Tim Holmes, Martin Grimshaw and team

Greenspeak is organised in association with Brighton & Hove Green Party and aims to stimulate engagement around the issues. www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk / 01273 766670 (promoted by Nigel Tart on behalf of B&H Green Party, 39-41 Surrey St, Brighton).

Speakers may be contacted for further comment, for further information, contact Martin Grimshaw 01273 202339 / 07891 571739. Please note new email / web address: martin@greenspeak.org.uk - www.greenspeak.org.uk

Coming up: Tue 9th September 'Taking Liberties and Stealing Identity', Thur 16 Oct 'Climate Change and Well Being' with Caroline Lucas MEP