About local groups

Friends of the Earth local groups consist of ordinary people who volunteer some time to try to improve the environment locally, nationally and internationally.

The way they get involved varies enormously:

• campaigning on local and national issues: e.g. transport, planning or waste
• helping deliver leaflets
• fundraising
• lobbying councillors and MPs
• running street stalls
• giving school talks

There is a role for everybody in a local group, regardless of the amount of time they have available, their experience and their knowledge of environmental issues. The only thing that all Friends of the Earth local people have in common is a commitment to our natural environment and a determination to protect it and improve it.

Find your nearest local group or see what local groups are working on.

Local groups are important

Over the years Friends of the Earth could not have achieved its many successes without the commitment and determination of our local groups. Groups highlight environmental problems and suggest sensible solutions to decision makers in the areas the national organisation can't reach as easily. Members of Parliament are lobbied in their own constituencies, local authorities are persuaded by local people in their own communities, and consumers are convinced by fellow townspeople in their own high street.

Friends of the Earth groups are also the eyes and ears of the national organisation. By having around 200 groups throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland we are in a unique position to be able to spot problems as they are just occurring and propose sensible solutions.

Because our local groups are important we try to provide a lot of support and advice for the people volunteering for them.

How we help our groups

We recognise that groups, especially new groups, need advice and support. Because of this there are regional staff throughout England , Wales and Northern Ireland available to assist groups. Regional Campaigns Co-ordinators (RCCs) provide groups with information about the campaigns happening in each region and Network Developers provide direct support to groups helping to strengthen individual groups and the local group network. Regional staff can also assist groups in getting the help they need from the national organisation, arrange training for group members and encourage nearby groups to link up with each other for mutual advice and support.

Local group members also have direct access to Friends of the Earth's campaign teams who can provide specialist knowledge and advice on each of our campaign issues.

The Activist Information Officer is the first point of contact for all group members for an overview of resources and support and to put you in touch with the relevant staff member, and can be contacted on localgroups@foe.co.uk or 020 7566 1677.

Starting a group >

Image © Anja Leetz/Friends of the Earth