ACTIVISM
Activism takes all sorts of forms, from working towards grassroots change and getting your hands dirty (literally, when it comes to tree planting!) to pushing for national policy change and systemic transformation. Below is some of the activism I have been involved with, alongside incredible, inspirational people.
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR | ISLE OF MAN GREEN PARTY
I am passionate about creating grassroots change as well as pushing for good policy decisions over the next few years, which will be key to combatting the climate crisis effectively.
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Encouraging higher vote turnout, empowering individuals to take on political roles and creating long lasting and consistent policies focusing on action on climate change, a more representative democracy and a revitalised education system are key to my work with the Isle of Man Green Party.
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The role involves working with the executive committee of the IOM Green Party, with the focus of my role being effective communication and framing, and the development of a green Education policy. I am also involved in the creation of the campaign manifesto for Green Party candidates.
CITIZENS' FORUM FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
I am on the Citizens' Forum for Climate Change, a body of 36 members of the public whose decisions lead into the Isle of Man Climate Change Bill and the Climate Action Plan. These are the two pieces of work that will dictate the Isle of Man's response to climate change. The Forum is similar to a Citizens' Assembly, but without the binding outcomes (yet!) To find out more head to my blog on the subject here.
CLIMATE CHANGE COALITION ISLE OF MAN
I am a member of the Climate Change Coalition Isle of Man and have been involved in several protests and events with them, including an information stall at Tynwald Day, the Time is Now march (headed by Christian Aid) and hosting Paul Allen from the Centre of Alternative Technologies, where he gave a talk to members of Tynwald (the Isle of Man Government) as well as a public lecture, and several other engagements. See my interview with him below.
Sarah Mercer interviews Paul Allen from the Centre for Alternative Technologies about his upcoming talk with members of Tynwald. Video credit: Vivian Mercer
FOOD FOREST AND NATIVE WOODLAND PLANTING
My family and I, along with the help of the Isle of Man Woodland Trust and their incredible volunteers, are planting a seven acre food forest and native woodland in the Isle of Man. We hope to give back to Earth what it has shared with us, and help the biodiversity of the area by rewilding what was a pasture. In time, we hope to use it as a space for education and inspiration in the future, where people can see and get involved with rewilding, food forests, native woodland planting, wildflower meadow creation and so many other aspects. See the first big planting in the video below.
230 trees planted at Garey Kellyr with the Isle of Man Woodland Trust.
Video credit: Sarah Mercer
EXTINCTION REBELLION
I have been involved in Extinction Rebellion actions in Edinburgh, London and the Isle of Man, including a collaboration with Peel Cathedral in solidarity. See the video below to see the result. I was also part of the initial team that set up XR IOM.