Julie White, No Widening M1
“As a campaigner you have to keep banging away! Campaigning is hard work – just signing a postcard or a petition is never enough – but you can’t give up.”
No Widening M1
Sheffield GP Julie White has been a campaigner on green issues for around 15 years. So when she heard of an environmentally devastating plan on her own doorstep – to widen the M1 between Leicester and Sheffield – she knew she had to do something about it. The consequences of widening the M1 were too awful to ignore: "More traffic, higher CO2 emissions, wasted money, local air pollution and noise, more of the countryside covered with concrete, wildlife habitats destroyed and a higher risk of flooding."
Julie got involved with the group No Widening M1, which ran a high-profile campaign against the widening plan. No Widening M1 had bases in Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Sheffield. “Small groups tend to feel isolated; we shared good ideas with each other across the groups. If something worked well with a campaign in Leicester then we’d repeat it again in Nottingham,” explains Julie.
You are not alone
It’s good to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Getting involved with national events like the National Climate March can revitalise your local campaign. “Events like this keep climate change on the Government’s agenda and bring the general public and campaigning organisations closer together. Getting more people involved is the key.”
Work with others
Your campaign will be more effective if you work with others, sharing knowledge and skills. No Widening M1 worked alongside Friends of the Earth and the Green Party, as well as other local groups. This included the general public: “Get local people involved in whatever way possible. Some people feel so disempowered that writing a letter to their MP or even signing a petition can be a big thing for them,” Julie reminds us.
Raise more than just funds
“Fundraisers can be hard work,” Julie warns. So it’s worth trying to get something else out of the evening, as well as raising money. “You could show a film that will raise awareness of climate change, or hold a gig but then get everyone who comes to sign your petition.” The group also learnt that fundraisers aren’t the only way to make money: you should also look out for grant-making bodies. No Widening M1 received grants from the Manuka Club and the cosmetics company Lush.
Take a leaf(let) from Julie’s book
Julie has produced a lot of leaflets in her time, so what are her top tips? “Leaflets shouldn’t have too much text on them. Keep them simple, with large letters for important points. We always try to include at least one thing that we want the reader of the leaflet to do. Humour or cartoons are good too.” And finally a practical suggestion: “Keep your leaflets small and you’ll keep costs down.”
Make your meeting work for you
Holding a public meeting can be a daunting prospect. Here are Julie’s tips to help your meeting run smoothly. “More people will come if they feel they have ownership, so involve as many people as you can. Maybe get a seperate group to do teas and coffees (try the W.I.) and ask other local campaigning groups if they want to do stalls. Invite councillors and MPs individually: this will raise the issue with them even if they don't come. Advertise widely and remember to send out a press release. Keep speakers to a minimum and make sure they know what each other will be saying to avoid repetition.”
Contact No Widening M1
Tel: 07759 851073
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"Our campaign would not have been half as successful without the help of Campaign for Better Transport"
- Julie White, Sheffield resident campaigning against M1 widening
Julie's video
Passionate campaigner Julie tells us more about her struggle in a short video
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