We kick-off our Going Green Together Autumn Webinar series on 29th October with our first event that will focus on Engagement, Capacity and Time. We’ll share the learning and approaches of previous participants, look at how to start this work on strong foundations and open the floor to you to share ideas of your own - starting to make connections with organisations on this same journey.
To tell you more about the series and the additional support on offer, Going Green Together's Project Officer, Eilidh Skinner, has written a blog sharing her thoughts after six months in her role and what she hopes can be achieved through community led environmental change.
As I pass six months in my role at VONNE, I thought it was about time I introduced myself. I’m Eilidh, the recently appointed Going Green Together Project Officer. Moving from a background in food sustainability and environmental justice, I was looking forward to working with VCSE organisations local to me in the North East. Now that I’m fully immersed, I have been deeply encouraged to meet many individuals and teams who are building strong, resilient communities — communities where caring for the environment and protecting nature are central to what they do.
Going Green Together (GGT) is a project within VONNE that offers VCSE organisations tailored support to lessen their environmental impact. Now in its second phase, our programme has been shaped by the learning and evaluating carried out during our pilot in 2022-24. Today, organisations of any background can expect tailored support in the form of:
- A step by step online sustainability pathway to guide those at the start of this journey. This helps you to plan, integrate and put into action an environmental strategy for your organisation.
- 1-1 support from a named member of the GGT team
- A network of peers for sharing support and knowledge - including regular events, workshops and training from the team at GGT and our partners
- A monthly newsletter that includes regional funding opportunities and events to enhance your work
- Access to subsidised opportunities from our training and consultancy partners at SmartCarbon and Genee
Kick starting phase two of our programme will be a four part Autumn Webinar Series, open to new participants and those interested in signing up. We’re taking time to celebrate what organisations are doing already (because we are all doing something!), whilst exploring the barriers that hold back many organisations from starting or continuing this important work.
VCSE organisations are uniquely positioned within our communities as enablers, trusted leaders and listeners. We hope the GGT’s approach will encourage organisations to establish a strong foundation on which to start building an environmental action plan. Many of the solutions and answers we need to form an effective strategy lie with our colleagues and individuals in our community. In collaborating with the people we work with and alongside, we will be able to find solutions that reflect the realities of our day to day lives and of those we support. Added to this, by teaming up with other local charities and groups in our environmental response; knowledge and experience can be shared and difficulties tackled together.
We have designed these webinars to bring together the learning and advice of organisations during phase 1 of GGT, to support those who have just begun. At each session there will be time to connect with others at the same stage or those who may have faced similar challenges – sharing ideas and concerns you may have.
Having engaged in this process, your priorities will reflect those of your team and wider community. This can lead to greater involvement and understanding of why changes are taking place. We have been so encouraged to reconnect with organisations, such as Durham County Carers Support and Women’s Workshop, who took this approach with GGT and have created spaces where environmental action is normalised and benefits are seen across their organisations and communities. I really look forward to supporting more local organisations build a community led response that ensures a fair and resilient future for everyone.
Going Green Together Autumn Webinar Series
Wednesday 29th October 11am-12
Getting started – engagement, capacity and time (Sign up)
Thursday 6th November 1pm-2pm
What are you doing already? Working out the best way forward. (Sign Up)
Wednesday 12th November – 10am-11am
Getting started with SmartCarbon (Sign Up)
Let's get into the details of how your organisation can start tracking your carbon outputs and clearly identify your areas of action. SmartCarbon will lead you through the two opportunities available for your organisation.
Thursday 13th November – 10am-11am
Delving into Investors in the Environment with Genee (Sign Up)
Has your organisation already begun their sustainability journey? Looking for structure and management plans to get you moving forward? The Investors in the Environment award is a brilliant opportunity to do this whilst achieving a nationally recognised accreditation to shout about!