Tony Kearns, CWU’s Senior Deputy General Secretary has written to all CWU Branches asking for those interested in being invoved in the Climate Solidarity Project to advise CWU HQ. Branches are asked to or call or e-mail sgds@cwu.org by Friday 20th March. His letter then goes on to give the full details of the Project as follows: At this stage we are gathering information that will feed into the proposed project ‘Climate Solidarity’ this one of 17 projects that Defra has shortlisted from over 100 applications. Ten projects will receive funding (a total of £6 million is available). No other union projects have been shortlisted. Defra will decide on the final ten projects in April so we have a very short space of time to build a strong case for being one of the final projects selected. In order that we can consider making a formal bid through the PET and NEC we need to know what level of potential support or interest may exist. Creating a trade union perspective to fighting climate change The actions needed to tackle climate change can also lead to a more equal and just society. What’s the project all about? We also think many members who are not already active in CWU might see this as way of working around climate change within the union as well as bringing new people in. The project will look in detail at the ways that we contribute to climate change - such as through our use of energy and transport, and the things we buy and eat - and work together on practical ways to reduce those impacts whilst improving our lives (for example by reducing costs and stress and improving work-life balance). The specific areas we will be working on are: transport to and from work These areas are in line with priorities identified by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). How will this work in practice? Support, including training, will be available from COIN (Climate Outreach Information Network) and the unions involved in the project. Please let us know if members in your branch are interested in becoming involved. We would also like to know whether any activists in your branch would be interested in attending a discussion group around how we can get members involved in this project. Contact the SDGS department at CWU headquarters on 020 8971 7238 or sdgs@cwu.org as soon as possible if you think members from your branch would be interested in getting involved, in attending a discussion meeting or if you need any further information.
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