This is what I posted the day of the election results:
Ok, things are seeming pretty grim this morning, but whatever the outcome of the election, we were always going to face a big fight over the next five years. It’s a time for sorrow and anger but if we’re going to survive the next five years then we have to turn those emotions into action.
Now, more than ever we need to fight to protect the NHS, the Human Rights Act, Legal Aid and our Welfare State. Organising will keep the UK frack-free, support community renewables, stop TTIP and make a more just and peaceful world.
This post has reached thousands of people and we’ve been lucky to get a ton of new friends in the last four days. So we thought we’d share what Leeds for Change has to offer to everyone who’s angry, scared and ready to start fighting back.
1. You can find out about 95 different groups in Leeds wanting to make social change.
There’s Justice for Domestic Workers, Keep Our NHS Public, Hands off our Homes, Amnesty International, Leeds Against TTIP and so many more!
Almost all of them are run by volunteers, scraping together some time to defend what they love.
2. You can explore ideas through the blog.
Anyone can be a writer, just get in touch and we’ll get you set up. Here’s a post from one of our members just before that fateful election: The Left’s ethical dilemma – vote with your conscience or vote for the lesser evil.
3. You can find out where your winning MP stood on the Fair Ten Challenge questions.
Leeds for Change members proposed and voted on the top ten questions they most wanted to ask parliamentary candidates and make sure they keep their promises (or scream and shout when they break them).
4. You can get all the skills and resources you need to make change.
Check out the knowledge section to see a great collection of guides, blogs and website about organising and taking action. You can learn all sorts, from how to make a banner for your bike to hard core campaign strategy. If there’s something missing, please let us know! It’s an evolving library.
The skills section allows you to rate yourself (quiz style) at different skills used in social change. You can say what skills you have to offer, as well as which skills you’d like to improve. Then head over to the People section and find the people with the skills you want. If you can’t find someone, get in touch and we can give you a hand.
From time to time there’s a great training opportunity, so check the events pages to stay on top of what’s going on.
5. You can take comfort in the fact that ¾ of the country didn’t vote for 5 more years of austerity.
You can also enjoy the fact that over 700 people have registered with Leeds for Change in the past six months. That’s a lot of people wanting to make change in Leeds.
If you’re thinking of organising or taking action, please get in touch and we’ll do what we can to help.
In love, solidarity and anger,
Laura
Leeds for Change
info@leedsforchange.org.uk