Green Party Spring Conference 2016 Draft Timetable

Transcription

1 Abbreviations explained - Green Party Spring Conference 2016 Draft Timetable Abbreviation DVP F H T VP W DRC EGP GPEX GPRC GWEB SOC What does it stand for Draft Voting Paper Conference fringe session Hustings for committee elections Training session Voting Paper Workshop session on Conference motion Disputes Resolution Committee European Green Party Green Party Executive Green Party Regional Council Green World Editorial Board Standing Orders Committee For workshops on the motions in the agenda, the motions are referred to by the numbering in the final agenda. Agenda Sections A B C D What s in them Reports from Party bodies (there s a full set of reports submitted to Autumn Conference) Voting Papers (A voting paper usually equates to a chapter of the Policies for a Sustainable Society) Policy motions Organisational motions, and motions that don t fit into the other categories There are 19 motions in Section C and 8 in Section D; there are two Voting Papers to be discussed at this conference. Motions C01, C05, C09, C11, C16 and D04 have been recommended for fast-tracking; if this is agreed in the debate on the SOC report they will be voted on without discussion at the end of that debate. (See the SOC report in the Final Agenda for more info on fast-tracking of motions.) Where there is more than one workshop scheduled in a single slot, the start time for each is shown, thus: Workshop session a A2 Policy committee report Workshop session b A3 DRC report This means that there are workshops on two conference motions in the same time slot and the first one starts at 1245 and needs to finish in time for the next to start at Order of motions (extract from SOC report in Final Agenda) Section A Motion A4 (Governance Review Group report) should be taken during the first plenary of the Sunday morning of Conference, and the amount of time for debate should be limited to 10 minutes. Section C Motions C3, C6, C12, C15, C17 and C19 all deal with a very similar and overlapping topic area, and as such would benefit from being taken as a single debate. In order to facilitate this, SOC proposes that they are placed in a specific Subsection of Section C. These motions will be passed over during the first C motion plenary, and are taken in that order at the start of the second C motions Plenary of conference. 1

2 Friday 26 February See page 5 onwards for full descriptions of panels fringes, training and meetings Registration desk open Catering hours: , hot food and Meeting: GPRC Strategy Working Group (members only) Workshop session on motion A1 Standing Orders Committee report (continued if necessary in the next slot) Workshop session on motion A6 Young Greens report Fringe: Introduction to the Structures of the Green Party for new and old members Fringe: Harrogate Homeless Project Workshop session on motion A1 Standing Orders Committee report (continued if necessary from previous slot) Workshop session on motion A2 Policy Committee report Workshop session on motion A3 Disputes Resolution Committee report Workshop session on motion A5 Equalities and Diversity report Fringe: Introduction to the Philosophy of the Green Party for new and old members Training - Policy Process training Meeting - Economics Policy Working Group MAIN HALL (H) Leader s Opening Speech MAIN HALL (H) PANEL - Tackling Tax Havens Needs European Cooperation Fringe - How Conference Works an introduction for new (and old) members Training The Joy of Canvassing and Door-knocking Training Local fundraising to achieve regular income: a practical approach Kings Suite Training - Banner making workshop Workshop session a: to B2 Local Planning Voting Paper Workshop session b: to C2 Tackling fuel poverty Workshop session c: to C4 Energy and Environmental Impact Workshop session a: to C7 Carbon Tax and Dividend Workshop session b: to15.35 C10 Home Education Policy Workshop session c: to C8 Extending use of animals in research Meeting - Education Working group Meeting Working Class Greens MAIN HALL (H) to Speech Leader Wales Green Party to PLENARY - Section A (Reports), followed by to Voting on Fast-tracked motions, Emergency Motions to PLENARY Section B2 (Local Planning and the Built Environment Voting Paper) Meeting Health and Social Welfare Policy Working Group Meeting Young Greens disability group MAIN HALL (H) PANEL Post Paris - climate change and the political challenges and opportunities Fringe What next for Community Energy Fringe The Government s Prevent agenda and Islamophobia Training What is Target to Win how to get an elected Councillor in three years Training - How to be a communications star Training - Equality and Diversity Committee - Chairing Training Workshop session a: to C13 Rights of Nature Workshop session b: to C18 China and Tibet Workshop session c: to C14 Efficient use of biomass 2

3 Meeting - Housing Working Group Dining Area (D) Bar open MAIN HALL (H) Welcome to Harrogate and Yorkshire reception sponsored by Ecology Building Society Dining area (D) Regional dinner tables have been organised (optional) Greens for Europe stall Greens for Europe Campaign Greens for Europe Stall Hear about our positive and progressive campaign from Caroline Lucas MP, and Philippe Lamberts MEP co-chair of the Green Group in the European Parliament Film screening Sell Off A documentary about the corporatisation of the NHS, followed by Q&A with National Health Action Party representatives King s Suite Ceilidh with Bandiera Rossa. 5/3 low income voluntary donation, all proceeds to Yorkshire GP. Tickets from Yorkshire Green Party stall or on the door. Saturday 27 February See page 5 onwards for full descriptions of panels fringes, training and meetings Registration desk open Catering hours: , hot food and Fringe - How Conference Works an introduction for new (and old) members Kings Suite Fringe #GreenerIN the Green s EU referendum campaign and vision for reform Fringe - TTIP, the NHS & Democracy who holds the power? Training Planning ahead to win County Council elections in 2017 Training How to organise strong ward-level teams Workshop session a: D6 Reform of elections for GP national posts Workshop session b: D7 Let candidates campaign in internal selections Workshop session c: D5 Designated Liberation Group room at Conference Meeting Women by Name Meeting - Young Greens LGBTIQA+ Meeting - Education Working Group MAIN HALL (H) to Speeches Amelia Womack and Shahrar Ali, GPEW Deputy Leaders to PLENARY - Section C (Policy) Meeting: Police and Crime Commissioner candidates Meeting: Citizens/Basic Income working group Kings Suite Meeting - Young Greens: Youth and the EU LUNCH BREAK Stop Trident Rally (meet registration desk to walk to Cenetaph) Meeting Global Greens and European Green Party Congress #Greens2017 find out more and get involved! Meeting - Midland Young Greens Meeting Regional Development MAIN HALL (H) PANEL Flooding prevention and mitigation - surviving and thriving in a 1-degree warmed world Workshop session on motion A4 Governance Review Group report (part 1 of 2) Fringe The refugee crisis: what will summer bring Fringe What has the EU ever done for animals Training NationBuilder: the basics Training - How to produce top notch publications Training Collecting and recording supporter data Meeting Green Seniors 3

4 Kings Suite Meeting - Disability Policy Working Group MAIN HALL (H) PANEL - Rebalancing the UK economy Fringe Fracking: building resistance in your area Training CiviCRM and CiviMail: how to target s and organise your contacts Training Getting your local press and media relations right Workshop session a: to B1 Housing Voting Paper Workshop session b: to D8 Every member should be able to stand for Leader Workshop session a: to D1 End Green Party nominations for House of Lords Workshop session b: to 5.40 D2 Update selection process for nominees to House of Lords Workshop session c: to D3 A step towards digital democracy Meeting: Wildlife and Habitats Working Group Meeting: South West Green Party Meeting: Climate Change working group Kings Suite Meeting - South East Greens (until 16.30) Catering area (D) Meet the Wales Leaders Walking Tour of Harrogate, led by local member. Meet at registration desk MAIN HALL (H) to Speech - London s Mayoral Candidate to PLENARY Section B1 (Housing Voting Paper) to PLENARY Section D (Organisation), Emergency Motions Meeting - Green Party Women Meeting - Young Greens Meeting - Regional Campaigns Round Table MAIN HALL (H) PANEL Greening our cities Fringe Lucas Plan 40 th anniversary Training Connecting local campaigns with national campaigns and messages Training Member retention and engagement using phone banks Workshop session a: to C3 Support reviewing current gender recognition legislation Workshop session b: to C6 Intersex human rights protections Workshop session c: to C12 In opposition to LGBT+ cures Hustings for vacant committee positions (first of two sessions) Meeting - Intellectual Property working group Meeting - Tax Policy working group Meeting - Wales Green Party Meeting - Green Party Trade Union group AGM King s Suite Music from local musicians: Da Vida & The Free Spirits and John Davey, followed by open mic. 5/ 3 low income donation to cover performers costs, all profits to Harrogate Green Party. Cash bar Catering area (D) Young Greens Quiz night, 3 donation, members of all ages welcome, all proceeds to Young Greens. Cash bar. Sunday 28 February See page 5 onwards for full descriptions of panels fringes, training and meetings Registration desk open Catering hours: , hot food

5 Hustings for vacant committee positions (second session of two) Fringe - A Green voice in Europe; update from our MEPs (with breakfast) Training How to have meaningful conversations with voters that build relationships and win votes Training Presentation and interview skills for film, radio and hustings Workshop session a: to C15 Equal pensions for same-sex couples Workshop session b: to C17 Sexual Health provision and HIV prevention Workshop session c: to C19 Extending the HPV vaccination Workshop session on motion A4 Governance Review Group report (second session of two) Meeting - Waste and Resources Policy Working Group Meeting - Energy Policy working group (continued in next slot) Catering area Meet the Leaders breakfast (informal) (D) MAIN HALL PLENARY - Section C (Policy) Note: Motion A4 will be taken first in this session Meeting - Health Policy working group Meeting - Energy Policy working group (continued from previous slot) LUNCH BREAK Meeting - Health Policy working group Meeting - Green Party Protest Band practice MAIN HALL PLENARY Remaining business, Emergency Motions Fringe - Conference Feedback session and looking forward to Autumn 2016 Fringe Can the Greens work with the Labour Party? (members only) Fringe Could you be a Green Party councillor? Training How to run events that ensure that your volunteers keep coming back Training MODx and the members website Training Building the EU Referendum Campaign into your local strategy to win more votes Training - Banner making workshop Meeting - Democratic Reform Policy Working Group Meeting - LGBTIQ Greens Meeting - London Green Party (until 5pm) Walking Tour of Harrogate, led by local member. Meet at registration desk. Panel sessions Friday 26 Feb, Tackling Tax Havens Needs European Cooperation Global governments, including our own, are engaged in a damaging race to the bottom on corporate tax. With European countries such as Luxembourg and Ireland operating like internal tax havens we need cooperation in the EU if we are to have the tax revenue we need to fund public services. Chair: Brian Heatley, Green House Think Tank Philippe Lamberts MEP, Co-Chair of the Group of Greens in the European Parliament Molly Scott Cato MEP Joseph Stead, Christian Aid 5

6 Friday 26 Feb, Post Paris - climate change and the political challenges and opportunities The deal reached in Paris at COP21 was more positive than many had predicted but what needs to happen next? This panel aims to look at the question from the international to the local perspective, drawing on the experience of some involved in the Paris conference. Chair: Jean Lambert MEP Saleemul Huq, Director, International Centre for Climate Change and Development (joining by Skype) Philippe Lamberts MEP, Co-Chair of the Group of Greens in the European Parliament Friends of the Earth UK (tbc) Association of Green Councillors (tbc) Saturday 27 Feb, Flooding prevention and mitigation - surviving and thriving in a 1-degree warmed world Chair: Natalie Bennett, Green Party leader Speakers: Fernanda Balata, of the New Economics Foundation Blue New Deal project (for coastal communities) Tom Barker, editor of the Wetlands Handbook and Head of Education at the Centre for Alternative Technology Dr Paul Quinn, Senior Lecturer in Catchment Hydrology, University of Newcastle Cllr Sarah Lunnon, Gloucestershire County Council. Saturday 27 Feb, Rebalancing the UK economy Prosperity should be shared by all parts of the country, but our Westminster bubble governments have made our economy more and more unbalanced. Leeds, Bristol and Liverpool are starved of transport investment, while London's housing market struggles to cope with the influx of people seeking work. Even relatively rich areas like London and the South East disguise huge inequalities within those regions. We want to hear from experts and party members what it would take to begin to rebalance our economy again. Chair: Tom Chance, Green Party Spokesperson on Housing Anna Round, Institute for Public Policy Research North Thomas Forth, writer and researcher Molly Scott Cato MEP Saturday 27 Feb, Greening Our Cities Building 21st-century communities that work for the common good - comfortable homes, resilient energy supplies, excellent public transport and rich natural environments. Chair: Francesca Perry, community editor for Guardian Cities Adrian Ramsay, Chief Executive, Centre for Alternative Technology and former Green Party Deputy Leader Cllr Sian Berry, Green Party candidate for Mayor of London David Williams, Leader of the Green Group on Oxfordshire County Council 6

7 Fringes, training and meetings Friday, Meeting - GPRC Strategy Working Group Members Only The Strategy Working Group meeting will consider its work to date on a new five year strategy. The meeting is open to all members, topics to discuss include the aims, purpose and the position of the Green Party in the Political landscape and what our ambitions are over the next five years and beyond. Friday, Fringe - Introduction to the Structures of the Green Party for new and old members Jonathan Elmer (Party Development Manager) What are the structures within the Green Party and how do they fit together? Where are decisions made and how can you play an active part? Fringe - Harrogate Homeless Project A discussion with a representative of Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP): the services they provide including No Second Night Out and Springboard Day Centre; how locally HHP is tackling the rise and changing face of homelessness, which is a national issue. Friday, Fringe - Introduction to the Philosophy of the Green Party for new and old members Jonathan Elmer (Party Development Manager) How is our philosophy different from other parties? This fringe will review the philosophy of the party demonstrating coherence and integration between economic, social and environmental policies Training - Policy Process training Are you baffled by the protocol of plenaries? Are you are aware of the role of workshops on policy motions? Do you need some pointers on how to bring a policy motion to Autumn conference? This session will explain our current policy process and report on the potential for improvements. Meeting - Economics Policy Working Group Friday, Fringe - How Conference Works an introduction for new (and old) members Conferences Committee The processes at Conference can be confusing at first. This session will attempt to explain what we do, when, and why. Not just for first timers open to all who would like clarification. Training The Joy of Canvassing and Door-knocking Andrew Cooper (Regional Campaigns Coordinator for Yorkshire & Humber) This session will help you to understand why we canvass during elections and door-knock outside election times, and how valuable this is. It will give participants the knowledge and confidence they need to be able to carry out this essential campaigning activity. It is also fun! Training Local fundraising to achieve regular income: a practical approach Chris Williams (Regional Campaigns Coordinator for the West Midlands) and Halita Obineche (Membership and Fundraising Manager) Local party fundraising is critical to the success of your party. This session shares the best approaches to boosting standing order and direct debit incomes; running , letter, and phone-based fundraising drives; setting up simple donate buttons on websites; and reaching out beyond your core supporters through social media and crowd-funders. Training - Banner making workshop Simon Duffy (Kirklees Green Party) This workshop will teach you a method to make large (no particular size restrictions) professional looking banners for a fraction of the price a commercial company would charge. You will make a small example during the course of the workshop. 10 to cover costs of materials. Meeting - Education Working Group This meeting is for anyone interested in education and education policy matters. Young Greens, members of 7

8 other PWGs, those studying in Primary / Secondary / Further / Higher Education, anyone with specific educational expertise or interest especially welcome! Meeting Working Class Greens This workshop is about working class organising in the Green Party for mutual support and to strengthen the party's ability to eliminate the influence of class privilege and inequality. We will hear about experiences of working class people in society and the importance of organising within the Green Party. Friday Meeting Health and Social Welfare Policy Working Group (especially those interested in being a working group officer) Debate a comprehensive review of Green Party policies for a sustainable society. Group will go on to research, consult, and draft policies for review on issues such as: cost effective health; social services and public health services (state funded and provided); public confidence in health services; and enthusiasm of care providers. Meeting Young Greens disability group Meeting open to anyone who is Disabled or classes themselves as Disabled. Emma Robson will chair the meeting and will be discussing what matters as a Disabled person and any issues Disabled people have. Also discussing where we can take this ground in the future. Friday Fringe - What next for community energy? Keith Taylor MEP While communities across the UK demonstrate the potential for a clean people-powered energy revolution, our Government seems determined to stop us in our tracks. So what next for community energy? This session will look at the state of play for community renewables and explore how we can stand up to the Government onslaught. We'll also look at lessons we can learn from our European neighbours. Fringe The Government s Prevent Agenda and Islamophobia The Government's 'Prevent' Agenda is supposedly aimed at addressing Extremism. It has come in for heavy criticism for having a negative impact and for fuelling Islamophobia. A speaker from Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) will speak about how Greens and Muslim groups can respond. Training What is Target to Win how to get an elected Councillor in three years Robert Lindsay (Coordinator of the Association of Green Councillors) This session will explain how easy it is to go from standing no candidates to getting an elected Green Councillor within three years. Covering target to win, choosing a target seat where your opposition is weak, and regular actions you need to gain vote share. Applicable to EVERY local party. Training - How to be a communications star Matthew Butcher (Parliamentary Press Officer for Caroline Lucas MP) and Joanna Kindeberg (Social Media Officer) In-depth session for press, social media & campaigns officers and candidates - led by Caroline Lucas' press officer and GPEW's social media officer. Tips on communicating campaigns and policies effectively across platforms, getting local papers to cover your stories, and using social media to engage with your audiences. Training - Equality and Diversity Committee - Chairing Training Training session open to both experienced and potential chairs and deputy chairs of plenaries at Conference. Learn how to make your chairing more inclusive and how to handle difficult situations. This will also be space to share best practice and SOC will also be on hand for your questions. Meeting - Housing Working Group This is a meeting for anyone interested in housing policy to talk about next steps, such as developing more specific policies for the elections this spring, or housing campaigns. We also need a new chair and ways of working. 8

9 Saturday, Fringe - How Conference Works an introduction for new (and old) members Conferences Committee The processes at Conference can be confusing at first. This session will attempt to explain what we do, when, and why. Not just for first timers open to all who would like clarification. Fringe - #GreenerIN the Green s EU referendum campaign & vision for reform Discuss our EU referendum campaign with Amelia Womack (Deputy Leader and Co-Chair of the Greens for Europe Campaign); Keith Taylor MEP (Green MEP for the South East); Georgia Elander (Young Green s EURef lead); and Ross Greer (Spokesperson on Europe for the Scottish Greens) Fringe - TTIP, the NHS & Democracy who holds the power? This talk and discussion will focus on the influence of major corporations on public policy making and what role that influence has played in the dismantling of the NHS. It will also look at changes at the international level as agreements like the Trans- Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), currently being negotiated behind closed doors, are poised to bring an even greater role for the private sector into our public life with the potential to challenge the very basis of our democracy. Training Planning ahead to win County Council elections in 2017 Jonathan Essex (Councillor) and Kylie Barton (Hampshire Coordinator) County Council elections are held in 2017 and this session will help you organise and prepare for these. Sharing experiences of different County level and federal structures from around the Country, and covering how to select target divisions, plan campaigns, pool resources and work together to win seats. Training How to organise strong ward-level teams Guy Poultney (South West Regional Campaign Organiser) and Martin Schmierer (Eastern Regional Campaigns Coordinator) This session will cover the basics of organising target ward teams and campaigns. It will explain how to share out roles and responsibilities, develop campaign plans, mobilise volunteers, run actions days, and plan leafleting runs and door-knocking. Relevant to everyone interested in ward coordination and helping elect more Green representatives. Meeting Women by Name A breakfast meeting for Women only to chat about current issues and update from concerns raised last meeting at Autumn Conference. Meeting - Young Greens LGBTIQA+ LGBTIQA+ community, under 30. An informal meeting for all Young Greens who selfdefine as LGBTIQA+ to socialise and meet their new co-chairs. We politely point out that A is for asexual/ agender/ aromantic, NOT ally. Meeting - Education Working Group This meeting is for anyone interested in education and education policy matters. Young Greens, members of other PWGs, those studying in Primary / Secondary / Further / Higher Education, anyone with specific educational expertise or interest especially welcome! Saturday, Meeting - Police and Crime Commissioner candidates Police and Crime Commissioner candidates and those are interested in Green Party policies on Policing Briefing and idea-sharing session for all those who have put their names forward to be PCC candidates. Our panel: Baroness Jenny Jones, police historian Dr Chris Williams and Robert Lindsay, Co-ordinator of the Association of Green Councillors will provide some background and information before handing over to the audience for brainstorming. Meeting - Citizens/Basic Income working group Open to members of the PWG and to those who would like to become members. A meeting of this newly-formed Policy Working Group (PWG) on Citizen s/basic Income to discuss and agree tasks over the coming months. Meeting - Young Greens: Youth and the EU Young members (under 30) and student members A panel discussion of the impact of Britain's EU membership for young people and students. 9

10 Saturday, Meeting Global Greens and European Green Party Congress #Greens2017 In 2017, the GPEW will be hosting the joint congress of the Global Greens and the European Green Party, from 30 March 2 April 2017 at the ACC Liverpool. We are expecting up to 2,000 members of Green Parties from across the world to join us there for three days of networking, learning, discussion and entertainment. This is your chance to bring your ideas, contacts, skills and talents to the table and get involved in what promises to be a truly global and very exciting event! Meeting - Midland Young Greens Meeting Regional Development Regional Campaign Coordinators and Party Development Organisers Purpose: to review alignment of work plans and training at regional level, and update each other on how conference sessions, stalls and regional meetings are going, and how we follow through from these. Saturday, Fringe The refugee crisis: What will summer bring? Looking at the refugee situation in Europe, we will be discussing what more can be done and what should the UK's contribution be? As well as Jean Lambert, we will be inviting UK Citizens, Refugee Council or ECRE, MSF as well as Greens who are active on the issue. Fringe What has the EU ever done for animals? Keith Taylor MEP From laboratory guinea pigs to laying hens to pigs rooting in mud, the wellbeing of millions of animals across 28 countries lies in the hands of the EU. This session will explore how the EU has made these animals' lives better than their forebears, what else the EU can do for animals and what we can all do to help. Training NationBuilder: the basics Julian Briggs (Data and Information Officer) NationBuilder is a software system used to capture data from door-knocking and events, produce walk sheets and leafleting routes, and assist with supporter communications. This session is aimed at introducing the software to local parties who are considering an off-the-peg canvassing system to support upcoming election campaigns. Training - How to produce top notch publications Chris Williams (West Midlands Regional Campaigns Coordinator) Advice on the design, content, and production of local party newsletters and election leaflets which are key to winning seats! This session will explain the principles of strong layout and messaging, using practical examples relevant to a range of software, and signpost to useful design guidance, templates & editorial support. Training Collecting and recording supporter data Jonathan Elmer (Party Development Manager) Advice on how to sign up new supporters on the doorstep, at events and through petitions. Discussing importance of Civi and management of canvassing data (Excel, EARS, Bespoke, NationBuilder) and tools to record doorstep conversations. Session will also consider data protection implications of these conversations. Meeting Green Seniors Aimed initially at 50+ but all welcome if space allows. A Voice for Seniors. Discussing the description and aims of Green Seniors groups; isolation and internet costs; training for new media; education; NHS after care; Housing (sheltered housing, care homes, care in the community, bed blocking, bedroom tax; National Societies (Age UK, Alzheimer s, Dementia, Poverty in Later Life); Local Problems (Contacting local Green Group, councillors, and MP); Pension advice. Meeting - Disability Policy Working Group The Disability Policy Working Group meeting is open to all Green Party members and is the initial discussion about our plans to consult members over the required changes needed to the current disability policy that the Green Party follows. New policy will be presented to the Party at the Annual Conference in September Saturday, Fringe Fracking - building resistance in your area Yorkshire and Lancashire are on the front line when it comes to defending this country against the fracking threat. This session will bring together experts to advise on how best to repel this dangerous corporate invasion of our water, land and air quality. 10

11 Training CiviCRM and CiviMail: how to target s and organise your contacts Peter McAndrew (Digital Manager) and Sara Dryden (Membership Database Officer) CiviCRM is our Contact Relationship Management system, and is used by officers in every local party and the National Office. This session is for CiviCRM newbies and veterans alike. Covering the fundamentals of CiviCRM: searching, mailings, navigating contact records, as well as advanced tasks like targeted communications to specific groups. Training Getting your local press and media relations right Robert Lindsay (Coordinator of the Association of Green Councillors) Former regional and national newspaper journalist Robert Lindsay explains how to write effective press releases and address the media. He will give advice on how to develop strong relationships with press contacts and explain where you might be going wrong. Meeting: Wildlife and Habitats Working Group All members welcome, especially those with previous knowledge or experience of wildlife policy or campaigning. You are warmly invited to attend the launch of the new Wildlife and Habitats Working Group! If you would like to get involved in developing and refining our policies on nature-related issues please come along. Meeting: South West Green Party Members Only An informal discussion on upcoming elections and local party development with Regional Campaigns Coordinator Guy Poultney, Regional Development Worker Jenny Vernon, and SWGP Committee members. All members welcome, and of particular value to local Green Party officers. Meeting: Climate Change working group To review the problem with the current policy, identify the work needed and find volunteers for the necessary work. Meeting - South East Greens South East Green Party members only (Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Milton Keynes). A meeting for all South East members to come and have a say in the region s plans including our strategy for upcoming elections & our new candidate development scheme. Please join us to discuss how we can best equip our activists and candidates, and get more greens elected in the coming years. Fringe - Meet the Wales Leaders (informal) Grab a cup of tea, sit down, and find out more about the new Wales Leader and Deputy leader, as they gear up for the Welsh Assembly elections this May. Saturday Meeting - Green Party Women A meeting for all interested in women's issues within the Party and externally, a chance to ask questions and discuss any concerns as well as receive updates from the committee from last meeting. Meeting - Young Greens Meeting - Regional Campaigns Round Table Regional Campaigns Coordinators only. Saturday, Fringe Lucas Plan 40th year anniversary 40 years ago Lucas Aerospace workers planned to avoid defence industry job cuts by producing sociallyuseful alternatives, from wind turbines to kidney dialysis machines. See the film of the 1976 plan and discuss how we can Stop Trident and create green jobs to transition our economy from austerity to hope. Cllr Jonathan Essex, Surrey Green Party Training Connecting local campaigns with national campaigns and messages Emma Leigh (South East Regional Campaigns Coordinator) and Vicki Elcoate (South East Regional Campaigns Coordinator) How to choose a few key issue-based campaigns, and connect your local actions with regional and national campaigns, & the work of our MEPs, MPs & national spokespeople. Covering techniques to mobilise support from community and partner groups, maximise media coverage, influence agendas and achieve real change. 11

12 Training Member retention and engagement using phone banks Louise Venn (Party Development Manager) and Halita Obineche (Membership and Fundraising Manager) Retaining and growing your local members is the first step to electoral success. This session will help you organise a successful local party phone bank to encourage lapsed members to renew, and engage new ones. With tips on training callers, developing scripts, capturing outcomes on CiviCRM, and follow up actions. Meeting - Intellectual Property working group The first face-to-face meeting of the current Intellectual Property Working Group. Anyone wishing to volunteer to take part in the group is welcome. We will be discussing the administration of the group and our work plan for the next 18 months. Meeting - Tax Policy working group Meeting - Wales Green Party A taste of the Welsh Election! Ever wondered... what laverbread tastes like? Just what is Bara Brith? What's going on in the Wales Green Party? How can you help us win seats in the Welsh election? Meet Wales Green Party Leader and lead candidates and taste the delicacies that Wales has to offer. Saturday, Meeting - Green Party Trade Union Group AGM The meeting and voting at is open to all Green Party members, non-members may be able to attend on invitation. The Green Party Trade Union Group Annual General Meeting will review GPTU activities over the past year, elect a new committee for and discuss plans for its future activities. Sunday Fringe - A Green Voice in Europe an update from our three MEPs Keith Taylor, Jean Lambert and Molly Scott Cato MEPs Join Keith, Jean and Molly for breakfast and a whirlwind tour and discussion of their work. From supporting the clean energy revolution, to tackling tax evasion, addressing the UK's scandalous air quality and pressing for action on green jobs, hear how our MEPs are making the Green voice heard in Europe. Training How to have meaningful conversations with voters that build relationships and win votes Cami Ouzerdine (Regional Organiser for London) and Emma Leigh (South East Regional Campaigns Coordinator) This session will equip you with the skills to have votechanging conversations, whether on the doorstep, on the phone or on the street. We ll be discussing ways to make personal connections with voters through listening and engaging, and using these connections to increase the Green vote wherever you are. Training Presentation and interview skills for film, radio and hustings Matt Ledbury (Former Journalist) and Gavin Carver (Filmmaker) This workshop will help prepare you for hustings, TV or radio interviews, and public events. There will be tips on how to cope with difficult questions, and to get your point over clearly. You ll have the opportunity to do a filmed mock interview, with supportive feedback to improve future performances. Meeting - Waste and Resources Policy Working Group Discussion of waste and resources policy working group (and all interested) to review and update green party waste and resources policy, to bring forward an enabling motion/new waste policies (depending on scale of changes discussed) to Autumn conference. Meeting - Energy Policy working group (continued in next slot) The meeting is primarily for members of the Green Party Energy Policy Working Group - but any member of the Green Party is welcome. Meet the Leaders breakfast (informal) All Welcome Your chance to have breakfast with our Leader and Deputy Leaders, and to ask them questions. Please note that breakfast will not be provided, but the catering points will be open. Sunday, Meeting - Health Policy working group (continues in next slot) (especially those interested in being a working group officer) Health and Social Welfare Policy working group. Debate a comprehensive review of Green Party 12

13 policies for a sustainable society. Group will go on to research, consult, and draft policies for review on issues such as: cost effective health; social services and public health services (state funded and provided); public confidence in health services; and enthusiasm of care providers. Meeting - Energy Policy working group (continued from previous slot) The meeting is primarily for members of the Green Party Energy Policy Working Group - but any member of the Green Party is welcome. Sunday, Meeting - Health and Social Welfare Policy working group (continued from previous slot) (especially those interested in being a working group officer) Debate a comprehensive review of Green Party policies for a sustainable society. Group will go on to research, consult, and draft policies for review on issues such as: cost effective health; social services and public health services (state funded and provided); public confidence in health services; and enthusiasm of care providers. Meeting - Green Party Protest Band practice New! - Green Party Protest Band. It s time we made some noise at demonstrations, so we are setting up the Green Party Protest Band. Come along to discuss plans and logistics, and bring something to hit to take part in our very first practice. Beginners and not-sureyets absolutely welcome. Sunday, Fringe - Conference Feedback session Conferences Committee Come and tell us what you enjoyed at this Conference, what could have worked better, and your suggestions for next time. Fringe Can the Greens work with the Labour Party? Members only Susan Tibbles, Oxfordshire Green Party Ecosocialism IS the future. The Green Party plays an important part in politics, but also engages with other Left activists to campaign on issues where there is common ground. How can we work with Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Left and other appropriate Left thinkers and activists in future? Fringe Could you be Green Party Councillor? Cllr Andrew Cooper Andrew Cooper has been a Green Party Councillor on Kirklees Council for the last 15 years. He will show what can be achieved by Councillors and why Greens in particular should aspire to be local councillors. Andrew will explain not just how being a Green Councillor is worthwhile but enjoyable too! Training How to run events that ensure that your volunteers keep coming back Cami Ouzerdine (Regional Organiser for London) and Vicki Elcoate (South East Regional Campaigns Coordinator) Find out how to run the kind of events that inspire people, achieve real change locally, and keep members coming back. With examples of successful events, planning tips, follow up advice, we'll explain how to cater to a wide variety of motivations and harness different members' skills and interests. Training MODx and the members website Sara Dryden (Membership Database Officer) MODx is the platform that most local party websites are built on. Training will cover: developing and updating your site, adding Twitter and Facebook links, incorporating sign-up areas and donate buttons; also how to update the Members website: post news, events, and resources and make them available to your members. Training Building the EU Referendum Campaign into your local strategy to win more votes Zak Bond (Campaigns Officer), Matthew Butcher (Parliamentary Press Officer for Caroline Lucas MP), Laura MacKenzie (Parliamentary Research for Caroline Lucas MP), Ross Greer (Scottish Greens) Discussing the Green Party message for the EU referendum (likely to be in June 2016), the opportunity this referendum gives us to build our vote and grow the party, and how to build all of this into your local party strategy. Training - Banner making workshop Simon Duffy (Kirklees Green Party) This workshop will teach you a method to make large (no particular size restrictions) professional looking banners for a fraction of the price a commercial company would charge. You will make a small example during the course of the workshop. 10 to cover costs of materials. 13

14 Meeting - Democratic Reform Policy Working Group Do you want every vote cast in elections to count the same? Do you want to develop policy proposals for a new constitution? This meeting will launch the Green Action for Electoral Reform group and give an informal space for people to discuss electoral reform and how we get it. Meeting - LGBTIQA Greens LGBTIQA community A friendly and informal meeting for all who selfidentify as LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, asexual / aromantic / agender) to discuss upcoming events and campaigns like IDAHoBiT and the LGBTIQ Greens conference Meeting - London Green Party A session for all London Green Party members to gather and share ideas. Tips on how to give your campaigns momentum, ensure press coverage and build your community. An opportunity to troubleshoot any problems, share successes and inspire ideas as well as to build connections across the capital. This session is open to candidates, activists and anyone who wants to learn more and pool ideas. Facilitated by Jennifer Nadel, Co-coordinator, London Green Party. 14