Our main objectives are:



- to support the national campaigns of Friends of the Earth by campaigning at a local level



- to increase local awareness of environmental issues



- to encourage local authorities and businesses to adopt policies which take into account their impact on both the local and global environment



- to encourage everone to play their part in protecting the environment and have fun in the process.



Activities



Our activities include:



Monthly meetings



- These are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Friends Meeting House, West Street, Maidenhead at 7.45pm (next door to the Portland Arms pub). The meetings are a chance for members to hear the latest progress on campaigns, and to get involved in forthcoming events, not forgetting the social opportunities as well!



Support for National FoE Campaigns



- This usually takes the form of a Day of Action, when local groups all over the country participate simultaneously in a specific campaign activity, hopefully achieving widespread local and national media coverage. Recent Days of Action have campaigned for the tightening of laws to protect Sites of Special Scientific Interest SSSIs.



- Talks



- As well as our regular meetings, we organise occasional public talks on topical environmental issues. We also provide speakers to schools and other community groups.



Stalls



- These give a useful source of funds from the sale of FoE merchandise and a chance to provide information on a range of environmental issues.



Opportunities for Training



- Through our links with national FoE headquarters there are regular opportunities for training in effective campaigning.



Fundraising



- Activities include street collections and participation in local fundraising schemes. Money raised is used for our own activities, and is donated towards other environmental campaigns, often those of national Friends of the Earth. Much of our funding comes from the refreshments stall we run at the Farmers' Market.