[Netnews-action] networking newsletter #62 (summer 2005)

[michael]

   ===================================================
   N E T W O R K I N G    N E W S L E T T E R    # 6 2
   ===================================================
     SUMMER  2005    (printed/distributed: 23.06.05)

Welcome to the Summer's "Networking Newsletter" by email. A PDF
version,
complete with (colour) photos is available online either at
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/62/networking-newsletter62.pdf
(2Mb download)
A web version of this newsletter will be available shortly at
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/62
and the latest newsletter at any given time can always be found at
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/latest.shtml

For the very latest news
remember to visit our "stop press" web page at
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/stop_press.shtml 
and events updated daily at
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar 
and full dates of groups are at
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Contacts 

Please pass this email on and encourage people to sign up to our
various email lists by sending an email to
  signUp at networkingnewsletter.org.uk 
or visiting
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/feedback.html

Enjoy!
[Michael]


*********************************************
-- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2005)  --
-- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk  --
- Permission to reproduce any info is given -
-- subject to full inclusion of this notice -
*********************************************


CONTENTS
--------
1.  G8: STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
2.  THE FUTURE...
3.  PENSION FUND PROTESTS
4.  MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM IN ACTION
5.  SELFRIDGES GOES FUR FREE
6.  NINE LADIES
7.  DON'T BE GREEN
8.  MANCHESTER WIPES OUT THE DEBT IN THE FOUNTAINS
9.  CLIMATE CHANGE
10.  NUCLEAR POWER? NO THANKS
11.  REUSE NOT REFUSE
12.  RIDE MANCHESTER
13:  HOW CAN YOU INFLUENCE TRANSPORT POLICY?
14.  HULME GREEN SPACES DAY
15.  POLITICAL EDMs
16.  CONSUMERISM AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
17.  A LOCAL DIRECTORY FOR LOCAL PEOPLE AND LOCAL SERVICES
18.  EVENTS LISTING
19.  CONTACTS
20.  EDITORIAL
21.  WORTH WHILE WEB
22.  STANDING ORDERS
23.  COPYRIGHT NOTICE


---------------------------------------------------------------

1.  G8: STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

You probably have heard that there is a G8 summit in Gleneagles
(just north of Edinburgh) in July. Many groups are organizing
events mainly in Edinburgh, such as a MakePovertyHistory rally,
a counter conference with People & Planet, Friends of the Earth
etc, and anti-capitalist groups undertaking series of nonviolent
direct actions. (For more on "why" and "what" see
https://www1.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2005/g8/)

Locally, DoSummat are running a series of G8 workshops and hope
to take a couple of vans (http://www.dosummat.org.uk/G8page.htm
and http://summat.sakeos.net/). There's also various cycle rides
either starting from or passing through Manchester on their way
to Edinburgh. A group of 10 cyclists promoting the
MakePovertyHistory rally will be cycling on Mon 27 June from
Piccadilly Gardens (nr Oldham St) between 8am & 9.30am before
heading up Bury Old Road towards the next campaigning stop,
Blackburn, cycling about 60 miles a day & staying in Youth
Hostels en route, arriving in Edin-burgh on Fri 1 July. More
info from Matt (0161 339 9296,
mattpostlethwaite2002 at yahoo.co.uk).

The preceeding Friday 24 the Dissent (anti-capitalism) bike ride
cyclists from all over the world who are cycling from Brighton
to Edinburgh will be joining in the (semi-)regular Critical Mass
(6pm, Central Lib) and picking up new riders bound for the G8
(http://www.g8bikeride.org.uk).

If cycling's not your cup of tea then there's a Mcr transport &
accommodation hotline (07734 423 050) & Make Poverty History
needs volunteers to steward at the 2 July Edinburgh rally. This
is the campaign's most significant action to date and it is a
priority for us to get as many people involved as
possible. Volunteers will travel up to Newcastle by coach on
Friday 1 July and stay there for the night. The following
morning you will go up to Edin-burgh to be a steward and a
representative for the Make Poverty History rally. The event
will be a fun day full of events, stalls & actions and will have
a festival feel. More importantly, this is our chance as a
movement to raise the stakes for the campaign and let world
leaders know that there can be no more excuses.

On Sunday you will return home after being a part of the
country's largest & loudest call to Make Poverty History. All
travel and accommodation will be paid for. If you want to help
please email scaffarate at oxfam.org.uk.

Finally, the annual Unity Festival held on the first Sat of July
has been postponed to allow people to head to Scotland to ensure
that Blair and other world leaders take this opportunity to
stamp out debt and stop climate change.

POST G8
There will be a briefing on Tuesday 19 July, 7.30-9pm in the
Mechanics Institute. For more information contact Chris at Oxfam
on 0161 838 5620.


---------------------------------------------------------------

2.  THE FUTURE...

I'm disappointed to announce that, after many months of internal
debate, I've decided that I can not continue to publish the
"Networking Newsletter" in its current paper format on a regular
basis. Personally, whilst recognising that's it's easier to read
a sheet of paper than a web page, I do think the time (about 20
hours solid - that's one weekend in four!) to produce each issue
is too much for me alone. Furthermore, I feel it would be more
eco-friendly to use electronic rather than paper print (much
cheaper to produce too!).

I've been thinking this for a couple of years now. But thanks to
the occasional kind word (and the attempt to do a monthly
issue!) I've pressed on; but now I think it's time for me to
concentrate on my work (mesoscale modelling of aerosols and
their effects on climate change and health, if you must know). 

So, what for the future? Medium term I'd like to offer up the
production of paper issues of the newsletter to others, perhaps
a small group with people concentrating on different
themes. Meanwhile, I will produce the occasional paper
newsletter that focuses on news but with pointers to the web
site. Putting the calendar together to look decent on paper
takes a while (and is outdated as soon as it is printed!) so in
future I'll just put markers up for key events and point people
to the web site and email lists for more comprehensive
information - much in the same way as the contacts list (now up
to 500 groups!) is only produced on the web site.

Finally, by not having subscribed to the "action update" email
list I'm sure several of you are missing out. It has about 3 new
events circulating on it each week, along with notable news and
calls for action. To subscribe visit the Networking Newsletter
web site and click on the "join the action update email list"
link.

Your feedback on these proposals are most welcome.

Thanks, Michael


---------------------------------------------------------------

3.  PENSION FUND PROTESTS

Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has held three of its 10
protests against the weapons investments in UK & US arms
companies by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. The fund is
financed by Council Tax and Council employees' pension
contributions, providing pensions for all Greater Manchester
Council employees & for a range of other public bodies. CAAT
feels it is unacceptable that Council Tax should be used for
this purpose and that these investments undermine the work of
these Councils and their employees. CAAT has a website
www.endArmsProfits.org.uk that details the Fund's investments
and allows Fund members and Council Tax payers to forward a
letter of protest to the Chair of the Fund.

Profits are made from arms exports to repressive regimes, for
example Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe, to areas of
tension or conflict such as Israel & Middle Eastern countries,
India and Pakistan, Nepal and to areas with tremendous
development needs eg South Africa & Tanzania. The Fund has also
made profits as a result of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Protests have been held outside the Town Halls at Bolton, Bury
and Manchester and have received good media coverage. Leaflets
on the Fund's investments were distributed and people were asked
to sign a petition opposing them. Protests are yet to be held in
July at Oldham Civic Centre & Rochdale Council Offices, and
Salford, Stockport, Tameside & Trafford council offices in
October with Wigan in November (full details on Networking
Newsletter online calendar). All welcome for as long/little as
you can manage. 

DEFENCE SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT INTERNATIONAL (DESI)
Every 2 years, arms dealers converge on London's Docklands for
Defence Systems & Equipment International arms fair, an
important event in the inter-national military equipment sales
calendar organised in association with the government's Defence
Export Services Organisation. Governments of some of the worst
human rights abusing states, including Colombia, Israel & Saudi
Arabia were invited to DSEi 2003. Their presence at DSEi not
only gives them access to tools for further human rights abuses,
but also lends them political support & legitimises them. The
international arms trade fuels conflict around the world
encouraging even the poorest countries to spend money on weapons
systems rather than welfare. CAAT is organising protests at DSEi
2005 (13-16 Sept) which will be 30% bigger than last time with
"products and services related to Homeland security,
anti-terrorism, access control, and personal security", as well
as the usual rockets, tanks and machine guns. If you want to
join in activities opposing the Docklands arms fair, please
visit www.armsfair.com where details of the protests against
DSEi will be posted as they are organised. Come along and oppose
the arms trade!

  Mike Kavanagh, Manchester Campaign Against Arms Trade 
  (0161 224 6042, mkavanagh at astor.demon.co.uk)


---------------------------------------------------------------

4.  MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM IN ACTION

A report back from the 3rd People's Assembly held in April. The
full version of this report is on the Networking Newsletter
website.

Use solar electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen
then burn the hydrogen (giving water) as fuel - no pollution!
This fuel cell technology was demonstrated at 3rd Manchester
People's Assembly by the Campaign for a Hydrogen Economy. The
technology could supply limitless energy, giving even the
poorest countries access to free energy from a renewable power
source, removing the monopoly of the multinational oil
companies. The fuel cell is a reality and is already available
for use in vehicles and for electricity generation. A clean
energy source which favours the global south: campaigners had a
glimpse of an oil-free future.

They also explored the future of campaigning with workshops on
environment, community struggles, anti-war, asylum seekers,
freedom to work, health, gender and sexuality, psycho-geography
and transforming the experience of the city. These brought
campaigners and interested members of the public together in a
non-party-political atmosphere to discuss radical alternatives
and look at ways campaigns can work together to better
understand how complex issues are interrelated and how the
campaigns themselves can benefit from mutual aid and resource
sharing.

The Campaigners' Fair in the afternoon, involving 30 different
campaigns, started with films of local protest actions and
photos of a year of Social Forum anti-war work & campaigning,
then stall holders explained their aims and distributed
information while brief microphone spots gave further publicity
to those who wanted to speak. The event ended with reports from
the workshops, calls for action & other useful info.

Sometimes the small things matter most. For example,
refreshments were on offer throughout the day, with Fairtrade
tea and coffee from the Unicorn cooperative grocer's in Chorlton
and an excellent vegetarian/vegan lunch. No supermarkets made
any money out of the event! Food and drink were paid for by
donation, which meant that people on low or no income ate for
free, and the rooms at the Friends' Meeting House were likewise
funded by collections. How we live today tells us how our lives
will be tomorrow. Ethical, environmentally-responsible living is
the only way to guarantee our survival on this
planet. Cooperation is no longer a luxury - it is now an
essential necessity. 

  Pete Field, Manchester Social Forum
  (mcrsocialforum at hotmail.co.uk)


---------------------------------------------------------------

5.  SELFRIDGES GOES FUR FREE  

Selfridges have stopped selling all real fur following Coalition
to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT)'s long campaign! They had been
selling rabbit fur, claiming it was a "by product" of the meat
trade, but following weekly (and sometimes daily) protests
outside the stores in Manchester, London and Birmingham they
have finally come to their senses. This is yet another major
victory as Selfridges are one of the most influential names in
fashion. This success follows on from CAFT campaigns against
Harvey Nichols and Zara, to name but two! 

  Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade 
  (0845 330 7955, 07939 264 864, caft at caft.org.uk)


---------------------------------------------------------------

6.  NINE LADIES 

The media seems to be saying that the area around the Nine Ladies stone
circle on Stanton Moor in the Peak District has been saved by a High
Court verdict that the quarries there are now (or still) officially
dormant. But the recent verdict actually means that the quarries cannot
re-open until the Peak District National Park Authority have agreed a
set of working conditions for them. Stancliffe Stone still have the
permission to quarry from 1952 and the Peak park still have the power to
revoke the permission or to impose such restrictions that the re-opening
of the quarries would be financially unviable. The protest site must and
will continue to exist in order to protect our beautiful hillside (in
the second most visited national park on the planet), as it is still
quite possible that this awesome natural heritage of ours could be
destroyed. Please don't let the media convince you that this is a
victory on our behalf. Please do send your comments on the proposals to
re-open Lees Cross and Endcliffe quarries to The Peak District National
Park Planning Authority, Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell DE45 1AE
and Lord Edward Manners of Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LA
(who owns the land) or come and visit the protest community.

  Site mobile (SMS only): 0700 594 2212


---------------------------------------------------------------

7.  DON'T BE GREEN

Various concerned environmentalists, being fed up with numerous
unfounded claims of sustainable responsibility from the likes of
local councils and other major employers in the region, are
standing up and shouting "we're not that green!". Or rather,
"you're not that Green and we aim to expose your claims as
myths".

The "radical green voice of Manchester" will use electronic
communication methods to raise awareness of greenwash in the
area. Their website
  http://www.greenManchester.org.uk
looks embryonic but we understand they will develop it shortly,
particularly in critiquing Manchester City Council's plan to be
"the greenest city in Britain" (see previous Networking
Newsletters), and examining closely how the new "super"
University is (or rather isn't) sticking to its environmental
statements (and never has... remember Bluebell Woods?). There
will also be an opportunity for green minded people working
inside public bodies to (anonymously) blow the whistle on their
employer to expose greenwashing.

For more info, to get involved or to raise awareness of other
greenwash, email eco at greenManchester.org.uk 


---------------------------------------------------------------

8.  MANCHESTER WIPES OUT THE DEBT IN THE FOUNTAINS

Commemorating World Debt Day, Mancunians signed petitions and
energetically set about wiping out the debts of the poorest
countries in the Piccadilly fountains. The petitions called on
the Finance Ministers of the world's rich countries to wipe out
all the debts of the poorest countries as part of this year's
MakePovertyHistory campaign. The Wipe Out Debt stunt in the
fountains was great fun symbolising the millions of children
whose lives have already been made happier through health care
and schools funded by debt cancellation. 

Campaigner Eileen Hayes said "It's a great excuse to act like
kids and enjoy ourselves whilst making the point that after all
their promises a billion people are still living in poverty
which we could afford to end!"

World Debt Day, 16 May marks the day in 1998 when 70,000
supporters of the Jubilee 2000 campaign surrounded the G8 in
Birmingham and brought the meeting to a halt. Action is still
needed since poor countries in Africa are still giving banks
$10bn/year which should be used for poverty reduction.

  Dave, World Development Movement 
  (0161 428 9929, dave at davepearce.me.uk)


---------------------------------------------------------------

9.  CLIMATE CHANGE

The Government needs to be doing more to tackle the issue of
climate change. That was the message that came through loud and
clear when campaigners from Manchester Friends of the Earth took
to Manchester's streets in June and surveyed 547 shoppers. Asked
"Is the Government is doing enough about climate change?", an
overwhelming 93% of respondents said "no", 4% didn't know and
just 3% said "yes". 

The poll followed the launch of Friends of the Earth's national
campaign, The Big Ask which calls on the Government to bring in
new legislation to tackle climate change by setting legally
binding targets to cut emissions of carbon dioxide (the main
greenhouse gas) by three per cent per year. This would ensure
that the UK meets its national target of a 60 per cent reduction
by 2050.

Tony Lloyd, Labour MP for Manchester Central, has pledged to
support a climate change bill and has signed EDM (Early Day
Motion) 178. He says: "Climate change is one of the most
pressing challenges, not just for this generation, but for
future generations to come. It is highly important that at the
G8 Summit, world leaders take action and make a commitment to
stem climate change, so the earth is not damaged irreparably for
future generations."

Although the Government has already committed to reducing carbon
emissions by 20% by 2010, little action has been taken and
emissions of carbon dioxide actually rose between 1997 and
2005. Passing a law mandating annual emission cuts will ensure
critical measures to address climate change are made now, rather
than being left for a future government to deal with.

  Manchester Friends of the Earth 
  (0161 834 8221, info at manchesterFoE.org.uk)


---------------------------------------------------------------

10.  NUCLEAR POWER? NO THANKS

In May the University of Manchester held a breakfast debate
entitled "Time to take the Nuclear option?" The team leading the
debate argued that the risks of generation, waste treatment and
storage would be outweighed by the benefit of halting climate
change. But they didn't go unchallenged - protestors were
outside and several attended the debate.

Jacqui Burke of Greater Manchester & District CND said "to get a
nuclear power station up and running entails the burning of
fossil fuels in mining and refining the ore and creating
concrete and steel containment. All activities result in the
emission of carbon dioxide due to the combustion of fossil
fuels, either directly in the activity itself or indirectly
during the provision of goods and services consumed by the
activity."

The pro-nuclear industrial establishment knows full well that
public opinion is enthusiastic in support of renewable energy
and hostile to new nuclear build. For example, a public opinion
study was conducted in February 2005 for the Institution for
Civil Engineers (ICE). ICE actually favour building more nuclear
power stations, but despite that, the survey found that 77% of
the public support the construction of wind farms while only 25%
support the construction of new nuclear power stations.

  Greater Manchester & District CND 
  (0161 273 8283)


---------------------------------------------------------------

11.  REUSE NOT REFUSE

The Wesley Community Furniture Project, now based at 56-58 Lloyd
Street South, on the border of Moss Side & Fallowfield, is a
project well known to many in inner Manchester. Since 1993, when
it was set up at the Wesley Church, Hulme, it has been providing
cheap furniture, white goods, clothes, bedding, baby wear and
household items to young families & those in need.

The Project collects donations of reusable items from the
public, and delivers peoples' purchases with its fleet of vans,
crewed by its team of volunteers. Most of the work of the
project is carried out by the volunteers (and some New Deal
trainees) who, traditionally, mostly come from Hulme and Moss
Side, but can come from as far as Wythenshawe. The men and women
either work in the shops, on the vans, in the offices, or at
their new warehouse facility in Ancoats.

WCFP is keen to attract new staff who can volunteer from a
morning to five days a week, or trainees via the New Deal
Voluntary Sector option (contact your local New Deal adviser at
the Job Centre). Working at Wesley is particularly suitable for
those with young families who want to get some work experience
(there is some training offered) whilst doing something
worthwhile. 

Volunteer expenses are paid and the project can accommodate
those with school children to collect. There is also the perk of
staff discount on what are already very cheap items!

Call into the project or ring 226 9051(also the number if you
have items to donate) and speak to Transport Manager Alan
Goldsmith, who says, "We are here to help people in need, to
provide volunteering & training opportunities and jobs, and to
do our bit for the environment by cutting wasteful landfilling
of items that could otherwise be used. There is a great demand
on our service, but we are growing to try and meet that
demand. We always need new people to help us do this." 

Give them a call, drop in, or check out the website
http://www.thewesley.org.uk


---------------------------------------------------------------

12.  RIDE MANCHESTER

A new bicycle recycling project has started in Levenshulme. Ride
Manchester wants to improve the lives of Mancunians using the
bicycle as the tool. They collect unwanted or unused or
discarded bicycles, recycle them in their workshop and then
either sell (very cheaply) or give them to people as part of our
"earn-a-bike" scheme whereby you can earn a bike by volunteering
in the workshop.

They hope to provide free bikes to marginalised groups in the
future, if we get enough funding. For now, they provide cheap
bikes to the people of Manchester, and give them the skills to
maintain them. Due to their non-commercial nature, they can
offer the sharing of our skills, the use of our resources, and
genuine impartial advice and information.

But they also need bikes. So if you have an old bike or old bike
parts collecting dust in your cellar of shed they'll take them
off you and give them to people who want them. Nothing refused!

  Adam & Huw, Ride Manchester 
  (0161 249 0332, mail at ridemanchester.org.uk)
  http://www.ridemanchester.org.uk


---------------------------------------------------------------

13:  HOW CAN YOU INFLUENCE TRANSPORT POLICY?

Part of an occasional series focussing on different campaign
areas in the region. This issue we take a look at transport:

Are you a voluntary or community group in Greater Manchester
with concerns about transport? Do you know how to find help?
Would you like to be involved in contributing to transport
solutions?

There are a number of organisations working for the voluntary
and community sector both in particular areas and across the
whole of Greater Manchester who can help you directly or give
you ideas of how to achieve your aims.

The Greater Manchester Transport Resource Unit (TRU) is one such
organisation, providing a direct link between the voluntary and
community sector across the ten districts of Greater Manchester
and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority
(GMPTA). The TRU works to provide information, support, advice,
and skills to aid the development and effectiveness of voluntary
and community groups. Membership of the TRU network is free and
benefits include: regular updates of information about transport
issues affecting your community, invitations to GMPTA events,
regular opportunities to contribute to consultations plus the
opportunity to have your say on transport policy.

If transport is a significant issue affecting the work of your
organisation or your local community and you want to contribute
to influencing transport policy, please contact Filipina Moore,
Development Officer at the Transport Resource Unit (0161 277
1024, filipina.moore at gmcvo.org.uk)

In the Manchester local authority area the Community Network for
Manchester Transport Thematic Pool exists to increase community
involvement in transport planning and provision and to
contribute issues and projects to the Manchester City Council's
Thematic Partnership. The Transport Thematic Pool consists of
participants from voluntary and community groups who are
involved in relevant communities of interest and geographical
networks. The Pool holds regular meetings to discuss issues and
new members are always welcome. The next meeting will be on
Thursday 7 July, 12:30-2pm at the Friends Meeting House, Mount
Street. Current issues under consideration include modal shift
and the road users hierarchy, however any issues are welcome for
discussion. If you are based in Manchester and you would like
further information about the Transport Thematic Pool, please
contact Bill Harrop, CN4M Transport Co-ordinator (0161 273 1736,
transport at bridge-5.org)

In the Longsight community of Manchester, the Longsight On the
Move Transport Project has being going for over one year now. It
is a partnership between ALL Community Group Network and Friends
of the Earth, who are both interested in providing a stronger
voice for local people on transport issues.

In 2003, Friends of the Earth carried out an extensive (and
award-winning) research project in Longsight to find out exactly
what local people think of their roads, bus services and so on,
and a conclusion of that work was that a local group needed to
be brought together to take issues forward. ALL Community Group
Network said it would be interested in being part of this and so
the Transport Project was born. If you would like further
information about the project please contact Kirsty Ogle,
Transport Project Worker at All Community Network (0161 248
4248, kirsty at allnet.org.uk)

Another example of community working is Talking Transport, a
project looking at transport issues within the Manchester
community. The project is designed to develop community
consultation skills, targeting the direct problems affecting
everyday neighbourhood transport. Two community areas have been
selected for this project with consultation training beginning
in the areas of Whitemoss, North Manchester and Northern Moor,
Wythenshawe. At the completion of the consultation training
members from these respective communities will engage their
neighbourhoods, collecting data and information before
facilitating findings to the relevant local authorities and
transport operators. Once the initial project has concluded,
community groups may continue to use these existing consultation
methods and tools which have been developed to address further
issues in their communities. For more information on the Talking
Transport program and to get involved in the project please
contact Rob Lowe, GMTRU (0161 277 1022, rob.lowe at gmcvo.org.uk)

So, it can be seen that the voluntary and community sector
contains many knowledgeable and skilled individuals who can help
you with transport issues and there are many ways that we work
together to influence transport policy and make changes to
benefit whole communities. 

  Filipina Moore, TRU (0161 277 1024)


---------------------------------------------------------------

14.  HULME GREEN SPACES DAY

In mid-April, around 50 people popped by to the event on the
green space site opposite Hulme Post Office. There was loads
going on. We collected ten bin bags worth of litter from the
site and planted a dozen herbs and small plants. We ran two
Urban Explorer walks around Hulme where people learnt about the
rich and varied history within the local area.

We took a delivery of woodchip and laid it along one of the many
paths on the site. We also ran a stall and opinion board where
people could add their thoughts on Hulme Green Spaces. The most
popular suggestion was that we give the site a name because that
would provide an identity for everyone to rally round. We had
loads of suggestions but we'll most likely run a competition
where people can vote for their favourite.

Such a good turn out shows that people are keen to work to
protect what green spaces we have left. We'll be running events
all summer so if you want to get involved please email us at
hulmegreenspaces at riseup.net


---------------------------------------------------------------

15.  POLITICAL EDMs

A new(ish) regular feature: using your MP to change things for
the better. Suggestions of EDMs for future issues are
welcome. If your MP has not signed up to the below EDM (see
  http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=28317) 
then please ask them to. To find out who your MP is go to the web
site
  http://www.locata.co.uk/commons/

"UK AND THE NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY 
That this House welcomes the opening statement from the UK
delegation to the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference at
the United Nations on 5th May of 'our unequivocal undertaking to
accomplish the elimination of nuclear arsenals'; recognises that
such a worthy commitment is incompatible with plans to build a
successor to the existing Trident nuclear missile system; and
calls upon the Government to abandon any such plans."


---------------------------------------------------------------

16.  CONSUMERISM AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

In its climate change special issue, the Ethical Consumer
magazine urges individuals to realise the important contribution
they can make to alleviating the massive environmental problems
facing the world today. The four products areas covered have
been specially chosen as representing those where the right
choices can most effectively reduce our individual fossil fuel
consumption: cars, solar and wind energy, lightbulbs and
electricity suppliers.

Ethical Consumer's latest essential tips for reducing your
impact on climate change are to get an electric car (using
renewable electricity), install solar panels (not as cheap as
I'd hoped - ed), switch to green electricity and to buy low
energy light bulbs. (I guess switching off electrical
applicances and walking instead of taking the car should also be
highlighted - ed again).

The Ethical Consumer's "Ethi Score" web site (www.ethiscore.org)
gives a numerical rating designed to allow consumers to compare
companies across a range of corporate responsibility issues,
including the environment, human and animal rights (the higher
the score, the better a company's ethical record) and provides a
campaining element whereby a "I like" or "I don't like" email
can be despatched directly to the company, either rewarding
positive ethical behaviour, or criticising their corporate
activities. Evidence so far has shown that companies are
responding seriously to this activity.

Free press copies of the special climate change issue of Ethical
Consumer magazine are available to members of the press (I'm
sure they'll give you a copy for your group's newsletter to
review - it's got some good info in such as Green & Blacks being
taken over by Cadbury's - Ed) 

  Ethical Consumer (0161 226 2929)


---------------------------------------------------------------

17.  A LOCAL DIRECTORY FOR LOCAL PEOPLE AND LOCAL SERVICES

The Longsight Directory is a joint project of Health First
Longsight and ALL Community Group Network. The first edition
came out back in 2001, and an updated second edition has just
been published. The purpose of the directory is to provide
information to people in Longsight about the statutory and
voluntary services they can access in the local area. Copies of
the directory are available free to people in Longsight from the
time of publication until we run out. If you haven't got one
yet, find out where you can pick one up by contacting ALL
Community Group Network (0161 248 4248) or Health First
Longsight (0161 225 9274) or visit it online at 
  http://www.longsightdirectory.net/Changes...


---------------------------------------------------------------

18.  EVENTS LISTING

Since the events listed is updated so often and a
mailing containing latest dates was sent out to the
netNews-action list very recently, we've not repeated
the information here. The latest dates are on web site
 http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar
or email us and we'll send them to you.

REGULAR EVENTS ARE LISTED SEPARATELY
Please see the online listing at
 http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar/regular.html


---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------

19.  CONTACTS

Space is too limited to list all our contacts here, so
we humbly suggest you visit our web page
  http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Contacts
An email or paper copy is available upon request by emailing
  contacts-request at networkingnewsletter.org.uk


---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------

20.  EDITORIAL

As I said last month, increasing popularity of the Networking
Newsletter means increasing amounts of work. Unfortunately for
lovers of patchment I've had to prioritize the electronic forms
of the newsletter (see "2.  THE FUTURE..."). I've also had to
trim the time I spend stuffing envelopes and sending out
reminders so it'll be two reminders and you're out. Hopefully
most readers will use the web site more and more but I shall
continue to distribute paper copies around Central and local
libraries, Friends Meeting House, MARC the printers, Bridge 5
Mill and at networking events.

However I'd encourage you all to join the email lists (send an
email to subs at networkingnewsletter.org.uk) to ensure you stay in
touch. If you're not got a computer or not on the Internet, then
don't worry virtually all libraries now let you access the
Internet for free.

Please pass this newsletter on when you've finished reading it
to let others know of the Networking Newsletter.


SEND US YOUR NEWS!
Articles for the next newsletter should be sent by Fri
23 Sept to 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS, email
info at networkingnewsletter.org.uk. Articles should be
50-200 words, preferably with a picture or other hi-res
colour graphic & include full contact details. You may
send contributions at any time and I will do my best to
put them on the "Stop Press" page of the web site
immediately.


---------------------------------------------------------------

21.  WORTH WHILE WEB

The Networking Newsletter web site, with over 180 visits (that's over
1000 hits) each day, on average, is well worth while visiting. Not
only does it have updates on news and events but it has a very
comprehensive resources list - with details as varied as free laptops,
meeting rooms, media tips, reviews and recycling fridges - and
contacts list with over 350 groups listed.

So, if you have Internet access, why not make your home page:
 http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk


---------------------------------------------------------------

22.  STANDING ORDERS

The Networking Newsletter has moved to The Co-operative Bank so you
can now join by electronic transfer or standing order. Our sort code
is 08-92-99 and account number is 65159721. If you wish join by
standing order please let us know how much and the frequency.


---------------------------------------------------------------


23.  COPYRIGHT NOTICE

*********************************************
-- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2005)  --
-- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk  --
- Permission to reproduce any info is given -
-- subject to full inclusion of this notice -
*********************************************


-- 
Michael
Networking Newsletter
http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk