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Although we do not have scheduled local elections in Herefordshire next year, our neighbouring counties will be very busy and have been developing their campaigns for many months already. If you are able to help them with leafleting, canvassing or in any other way, please get in touch. You could join a Big Day Out or help at other times. The provisional list of Big Days Out for 2017 are as follows:

• 21st January: Oswestry – Stephen Froggatt, stephenfroggatt@aol.com
• February (TBC)
• 4th March: Worcester – Marjory Bisset,  marjory.bisset@phonecoop.coop
• 15th April: Hednesford – Maire Smith,  maire.smith75@gmail.com
• 29th April: Leamington – Will Roberts, greenteam@leamington.greenparty.org.uk

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If you care about the environment, social justice and equality, the NHS, a sustainable economy promoting renewable energies and engaging with your local community … it’d be great if you can join us. We really active across all areas in the West Midlands and we’re a friendly bunch too.

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After a challenging, but nonetheless successful, 2016 for the Green Party in the West Midlands, we’re looking ahead and preparing for greater success in 2017.

So come and join us at the West Mids Regional Conference!

The event is at the Priory Rooms in Birmingham City Centre, starting at 10am and finishing at 5.15pm. We have a great agenda lined up, including some fantastic expert training sessions. There’ll be a chance to hear how our priority campaigns are working hard to make gains in May, and hear all about our exciting West Midlands Mayoral campaign from Mayoral Candidate James Burn. We’ve also got a special guest speaker, with Deputy Green Party Leader Amelia Womack joining us.

In addition there will be lots of opportunities to network and share ideas with fellow party members and campaigners throughout the day.

Don’t miss out on what is the training and networking event of the year in the West Midlands.

Entry to this event is at the bargain price of £8 on the door, or £6 if you pay in advance via paypal. Those on low or no incomes can book the bursary fund rate, which is free.

We will of course gladly accept donations above the cost of the ticket, to help cover costs and contribute to the bursary fund. Whichever you decide to do, please still register in advance so we have an idea of numbers.

Please register using the booking link. Any problems please get in touch: julien.pritchard@greenparty.org.uk

Hope you can join us on 7th January!

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DR ELLIE CHOWNS, a member of Ledbury Green Party, was elected last Saturday at a meeting in Birmingham as a West Midlands representative on the Green Party’s Regional Council.

Ellie, 40, lives in Canon Frome, near Ledbury, and works as a lecturer at the University of Birmingham. Her new role involves sharing experiences with other regions, and helping to develop the Green Party’s national strategy.

“I got involved in politics for the first time last year – my election shows that the Green Party is very open to new people and fresh ideas,” said Ellie.

“This is a really exciting time to be involved in positive, progressive politics.  The Green Party is going from strength to strength, and there are lots of important things to work on, like the upcoming European Referendum.

“I’m really looking forward to using my new role to help build a greener, fairer society.”

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Conference has two purposes really: to make policy, and to enable activists to network, discuss issues, and get training.  There’s always lots going on!

On the policy-making side, motions (and amendments) can be proposed by any member, so it’s a very democratic process.  (Of course, motions have got a much better chance of being passed if they’ve been thoroughly researched and consulted on).  Just to give you a flavour of the debate, here are the first few motions on the agenda:

• Opposition to the Conservatives’ Trade Union Act
• Amending our Terrorism Policy
• Cost and timescale for nuclear power
• Recognising Trans identities
• Statutory right of access to workplaces for Trade Unions
• Updating our policy on unpaid carers
• Animal welfare in food processing
• House of Lords Reform

Conference also makes decisions about the internal running of the party, as well as being where elections are held for a wide range of committees.

In terms of sessions for activists, there were fringe meetings on a wide range of topics (e.g. Universal Basic Income, divestment from fossil fuels, Green Party messaging strategy); training sessions (e.g. communications, running meetings people want to come to, selecting and supporting candidates) and a couple of big panel discussions (‘Progressive Alliances – the case for cross-party working’ and ‘Brexit – what now?’).  I even ran a tour of the Zero Carbon House (zch.org.uk)!

Altogether it was a great weekend – really energising and inspiring.  If you’ve never been to a Green Party Conference, I really do encourage you to.  In fact, the Spring 2017 conference in Liverpool (30 March – 2 April 2017) is going to be quite extraordinary, as we’re combining it with a Global Greens congress (held once every 5 years), a European Green Party Congress, and a Young Greens conference. You can find out a bit more here. Put the dates in your diary now – see you there!

Ellie Chowns, North Herefordshire Green Party

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