Comments
Inspired by kids' green passion
2009-10-14 18:24:13
Back from a very nice day spent talking about campaigns with 100 schoolchildren aged 11-14 who have decided they're going to change the world - or at least the bits of the world they live in.
Ten teams of ten are the finalists in the npower Climate Cops SOS competition to find the best green teen campaign in Britain, whittled down from hundreds who entered.
I was asked to speak to them all as a group, and then advise them individually on their campaigns.
I have said here before how Britain's young get an unfair press, with so much focus on anti-social behaviour, when the majority of kids are bright, enthusiastic, nice, sociable people. And that was the reality of the groups I met today.
The campaign ideas ranged from classic recycling and anti-litter schemes to food mile or paper use reduction plans, getting a whole community to cut its power use for a day, cleaning up a stretch of river, reducing the number of teachers and parents driving to school, writing books for primary schools to persuade even younger kids to go even more green even earlier, turning a disused railway line into a cyclepath, getting the community to grow more of their own food.
The judging of the winner will come next year and so obviously depends on how far they get in making their campaign plans a success. I was very taken by the railway to cycleway idea - ambitious - and the storybook plan for primary schools. I reckon a publisher should get into that one.
But they all have a lot of work to put in between now and judgement day.
I gave them a few basic ideas on campaigning. My old favourite OST - know your Objective, define the Strategy, only then worry about Tactics.
I drew on some of my favourite US Presidential quotes - Roosevelt's 'believe you can and you're half way there' and Truman's 'it's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.'
The lovely Connie Huq from Blue Peter was on hand to compere and then did a couple of interviews with me, one in which I was meant to be deliberately bad at communicating my message, the other in which I was meant to be good. Thankfully the children realised which was which and will hopefully apply some of the lessons learned in their own interviews back home as they try to build media support for their campaigns.
Though all of them were clearly interested in the environment as an issue, and passionate about it too, few if any were aware of the upcoming Copenhagen climate change summit.
I said that from my experience of world summits, there will be a deal, it won't be perfect but it will make a difference for the better. But then their generation will have to be responsible for the implementation and the continuing pressure for change.
Finally I did a load of interviews, first by professional journalists, then by some of the kids. One of them asked me if my own children were passionate about the environment. Up to a point, I said. I tend to be the one who rampages round the house turning off lights and unwatched tellies and unused laptops. Yet I also fly more and drive more than they do, even if I fly and drive less than I did, and consume less by way of new products or clothes, not being a technophile or a fashionista.
But what today did was make me promise to do more to curb my own carbon emissions, and continue to help with advice on their campaigns.
By the way the event was at Shakespeare's Globe. Fabulous venue. And the school with the railway to cycleway plan come from not far from Shakespeare country. Omen maybe.
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First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
audrey wilson
2009-10-15 22:19:17Hi,
I've just read your blog on 'inspired by kid's green passion'....I would really like to know why our children are no longer taught traditional crafts within the school curriculum. What used to be called. Woodwork. Needlework. Metalwork etc now all comes under the heading of DTI...because it's no longer PC to discriminate among the sexes..Can I just say that in my experience...boys will be boys and girls will be girls and the girls are about as interested in metalwork as the boys are in knitting...totally zero... causing chaos within the classroom.....I'm a knitwear designer...next year will be 40 years in the fashion industry as a designer/ lecturer in fashion..currently designing and writing baby patterns for for the UK Handknitting association..who in turn are trying to promote hand knitting back into schools (unsuccessfully due to health and safety legislation..... boys & knitting needles...lethal weapon)...possibly the most eco friendly and eco productive occupation (no machinery, electricity etc involved)I occasionally teach textiles in schools to 14 year old boys who have absolutley no desire to learn how to sew (why should they)..Can we not teach our children the skills they need to survive.........Boys need to bash things...girls need to make things.
Would like to hear your thoughts
gary Enefer
2009-10-15 14:43:35Hi Alastair
Yes,it is always always always great to come into contact with our young - especially on a productive day like you just enjoyed. I have been taking out son to university open days and these are often managed by student volunteers. They are great, enthusiastic and knowledgable young people and makes me feel the world is in safe hands.
By the way,can I say don't like it when people are using the' post a comment' on one of your blogs to comment on a previous blog. I am sure i am not the only one who thinks of something later but that moment has passed an you are on a new subject now so let's start over each time. The mental health question from Andrew Marr was on a previous blog and has nothing to do with this blog about your wonderful day,and thank you for investing your time,at the Globe.
best wishes
gary (and Son!)
Brian Hughes
2009-10-15 09:41:26Isn't there a danger that the "freedom" brigade, who are so fond of misinterpreting Eric Arthur Blair's fiction, claim that this is just part of an Orwellian plot to get children to do the state's evil work?!
Anita
2009-10-15 09:33:39Alastair-I do believe that there is an inherent contradiction in your attack on Andrew Marr for asking whether there was truth in rumours that the PM was suffering from a mental health problems AND your support last night at N0 10 for a mental health charity. On the one hand you feel mental health should be disccussed on a level with physical health, but then you decry a journalist asking a perfectly valid question about mental health. Where is the logic? Surely the real crime was that the journalist had to use the word "painkiller" rather than"anti-depressant". As you have often stated, mental health should be talked about openly and confronted head on. So let journalists do their job.
Claire
2009-10-14 20:31:27I 99.9% of the time agree with you Alastair, but just a point, and one to Patsy too about teachers in cars. As one, I always lived out of the area of any school I have taught at, and frequently started my days by 7.30 am and finished frequently after 5. This would mean I would have to used public transport, in the dark, for a journey which would take over an hour, whereas in my car I am safre and the journey is shorter. Plus I could carry my crate - yes -crate of marking home in a much more comfortable way!
What about lots of teachers who have children? Quite often they have to use the services of a child minder so they can arrive at school in time to receive everyone else children! Using public transport would make this impossible.
I am a big supporter of cutting down cars around schools, especially primary schools as the pupils tend to live nearer, but give the teachers a little bit of a break here!!
Bert P
2009-10-14 19:45:04'believe you can and you're half way there' --- like it. So did Obama! Yes he did!!
Patsy Hills
2009-10-14 19:43:41My vote goes to the plan to get parents and teachers out of cars. I live in North London, not far from you, and the traffic jams of bloody Volvos and 4 by 4s around Hampstead at schooltimes morning and early evening are awful. Why can't their little darlings walk or get a bus? I know it is harder in rural areas but there is no excuse in big cities like London. We are going to have to give up our addiction to the motor car some time soon.
Larry Court
2009-10-14 19:40:34Took my English class to the Globe a few weeks ago. They had a great time, and learned a lot. The renovation has been a terrific success
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