Climate writers 🌱 February ft. art in shaping climate policy w/ Alanna Roy Bentley and Ffion Denman
A monthly gatho to email politicians to take climate action, and learn about climate solutions from experts.
We'll guide you through writing emails to politicians and host activities & expert speakers on climate-related issues, e.g. we've had Kirstin Hunter former CEO of Future Super, Emma Bacon from non-profit Sweltering Cities, climate scientist Michael Molitor who wrote the GHG protocol, and more...
For February: How does art move the political needle on climate? This session explores the power of artistic interventions to influence public opinion, open new horizons for policy, and accelerate climate ambition. Hear from sustainability-led designer Alanna Roy Bentley on the role of creative practice in shaping public discourse. Then roll up your sleeves for a zine-making workshop with art educator Ffion Denman (@hadau.mag), crafting climate and political zines you can share or post to your MP.
What to expect:
(Newbies only) 9.30am Mingle and snack + 9.50am Onboarding
10.30am Community wins and updates
10.45am Art in shaping climate policy + zine-making workshop w/ Alanna Roy Bentley and Ffion Denman
12pm Email MPs on a climate issue: We'll supply topic and resources (bring your laptop / writing device)
1pm Finish
❓ Who should come?
We welcome everyone referred by another attendee - whether you're new in your climate journey or a seasoned greenie. 75% of people who join have never written to a politician before!
❓ What do I need to bring?
Just bring your 💻 laptop and if you're feeling generous, a 🥨 snack to share.
❓ Can I bring a friend? YES! Ask them to register via this event page. :)
❓ When is it? We run every month on a Sunday.
For new joiners, come at 9.30am to mingle and snack for a 10am onboarding session.
If you've attended before, please arrive to start at 10.30am.
We will wrap up at 1pm.
For more dates, view our community calendar.
📍 Where is it? Location is a 3 min walk from Redfern Station. Register for the exact address.
Venue accessibility: There are two small steps at the entrance.
💌 Community love from previous sessions:
"The session left me feeling motivated, inspired and reassured that there are so many wonderful people like us, wanting and actually making the effort towards tackling climate change"
"Climate change feels like such a big topic, but Eezu and Marlene have made such a great and supportive space that shows us how easy it can be to take action and fight for the things that are important"
Having sent 600+ emails to date, we've had:
Policy wins on topics we've written to politicians about: e.g the passing of the Climate Change Bill, stronger rules on the Safeguard Mechanism, banning of native forestry logging in Victoria and more...
Contributions to a policy paper requesting a youth advisory council to the NSW Net Zero Commission, currently being actioned by MP Penny Sharpe's(NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Enviro) team
Meeting with MP Chris Bowen (Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy) to discuss Labor's climate policies after Annie wrote to him about opposing fossil fuel exploration.
Group meeting with MP Jenny Leong (Newtown) after Marlene wrote to her on the NSW State election. Jenny connected us with other local climate non-profits, and hosted us in NSW Parliament.
1:1 meetings with local MPs / Councillors to ensure climate action is top of mind e.g Tim James (Willoughby), Paul Fletcher (Bradfield), Charishma Kaliyanda (Liverpool), and Dai Le (Fowler)
Publications in local papers
Countless responses from local MPs / their teams who are reminded about everyday people wanting climate action
Note: Dates are subject to change, but we'll notify you in advance.
Make climate action a habit by registering for future sessions in our community calendar.
Co-founded by Eezu Tan and Marlene Baquiran to make climate action fun, accessible and effective.
100% volunteer-run and non-partisan.