Open Dialogues UK: Organising A Climate Event
This year, Conscience Collective’s Caitlin got involved with organising the UK’s first ever Open Dialogues on Climate Change, a series of virtual events that aim to bridge the gap between climate professionals, organisations, young people, and the government.
As one Open Dialogues panellist, Emily Stevenson, rightly said, “Conversation is Conservation” – the aim of these events is to encourage people to speak freely and openly in order to resolve some of the inevitable issues associated with climate change. The outcomes of the discussions not only help to share ideas and actions, but also contribute to the Open Dialogues event at COP26 where we will demand that young people are listened to when climate policies are made about our future.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of global climate and social crises. However, a wide range of skills and roles are required to organise each movement or action. Whether you can create posters or social media designs, keep track of finances, live tweet virtual events, provide care and support to other volunteers, or simply make a cup of tea for your co-worker, you should not underestimate the value of any contribution, big or small, in the movement towards climate justice. It can galvanize ever greater contributions from more people. Growing this way enables the movement to be more inclusive and expansive in the way that it thinks and develops. Hearing from people with different experiences can only enhance the impact and success of a movement that demands changes from the international community. Open Dialogues has taught me that you don’t need vast amounts of money or hundreds of volunteers to bring about positive change; it is more about feeling empowered to do what you can and belief that your voice matters.
The Open Dialogues UK team are eight young people, with no funding or resources, who have brought together panellists from prevalent climate organisations such as Paid to Pollute, Beach Guardian, Mums for Lungs, Action for Conservation, political parties such as The Green Party, and youth-led campaigns such as Teach the Future. Our conversations have had a real and positive impact, something that will only increase after the Open Dialogues COP26 event.
Hen Wood, Head Organiser for UK OD and our representative at COP26, said:
“As head organiser for the UK’s Open Dialogues on Climate Change, I have learnt how paramount it is that young people like me are not only heard, but listened to. Our futures are at stake, so why are our opinions sidelined? It is time that we bridge the gap between decision makers and young people - and I am helping to facilitate this through my project. Conversations bring knowledge - and with this comes empowerment to help our world (and futures!) flourish with climate justice. The outcomes of our Dialogues, where young people learn from experts and contribute their own voice, will be brought to COP26 - we will demand inclusive and open discussions to create a brighter future for all!”
From climate anxiety and fear to positive action and hope, our ability to contribute to movements will shape our ability to deal with the environmental challenge we face. Rather than being disempowered to create change, look for opportunities to have your voice listened to. Whether you write an article or simply make a cup of tea, any contribution, big or small, counts.
Written by Caitlin - Conscience Collective
