Author: Maya Segas

On Tuesday next week, 27th April 2010, the residents of the Birmingham Northfield constituency will get the chance to grill their local candidates for the upcoming general election.

The Northfield Ecocentre and Northfield Churches Together are hosting the election hustings at the Northfield Baptist Church from 7:30pm-9:30pm.

Why not Ask the Climate Question? For more information on Oxfam’s issues or to get some inspiration on what to ask at the hustings, go to our dedicated webpage: www.oxfam.org.uk/election.

Churches Together in Earlsdon and Chapelfields is hosting an election hustings on Thursday, 29th April 2010 at 7:30pm at the St Barbara’s Church Hall.

If you live in the Coventry South constituency, this is your chance to ask your candidates for the general election a whole heap of interesting questions on climate change and international development.

Why not go along and Ask the Climate Question?

For more information on Oxfam’s issues and inspiration on what to ask at an election hustings, check out our dedicated webpage: www.oxfam.org.uk/election.

38 Degrees Manifesto Writers Debate

At lunchtime next Monday, 19th April 2010, 38 Degrees will be hosting a live phone-in debate with the Manifesto Writers of the three main political parties. That’s Danny Alexander for the Lib Dems, Ed Miliband for Labour and Oliver Letwin for the Conservatives.

38 Degrees is an organisation that brings people together to campaign on different issues, including the Robin Hood Tax and climate change.

All questions will be taken from 38 Degrees members and Guardian readers. To submit your questions, go to the 38 Degrees webpage.

Stumped for what to ask? Why not Ask the Climate Question. For more inspiration, check out Oxfam’s election website or download this Oxfam election toolkit.

On Thursday, 29th April at 8:30 pm, the leaders of the three main parties will be right here in the Midlands, taking part in a live televised debate on the BBC, hosted by David Dimbleby.

The theme of the debate will be the economy and this will be the perfect opportunity for all you Oxfam supporters out there to ask them your questions! Whether you are a merry (wo)man campaigning for a Robin Hood Tax or if you want to see more financing for developing countries to adapt to the effects of climate change, don’t pass up this opportunity to submit your question by going to the BBC election site.

Stuck for ideas? Why not Ask the Climate Question? Or for more inspiration, check out our Oxfam election toolkit.

I’m sure you’ve all heard that for the first time ever, we will be witnessing live televised election debates by political party leaders. Everyone’s talking about it and here’s your chance to get in on the action!

Sky News is hosting one of the debates and is taking questions online via their website. You can also follow the discussion on their Facebook page. So take this opportunity now to pose your question to the leaders. You may even be given the chance to ask the question live.

Need some inspiration? Why not Ask the Climate Question?

To get more involved with Oxfam’s campaigns during the election period, check out our dedicated election page: www.oxfam.org.uk/election.

We have two fixed-term contracts coming up in our office so this could be your chance to work for Oxfam’s Campaigns team in the Midlands!

If you’ve got expert knowledge of the Midlands political environment and the skills to help achieve Oxfam’s campaigns objectives by effectively engaging with political audiences in the region, you should apply for the post of Regional Political Campaigner. It’s a 12-month maternity cover and the application deadline is 26th April 2010. Interviews will take place in Birmingham on 11th May 2010. More information about the post and how to apply can be found here.

If you have activism experience and are keen to support and guide Oxfam activists throughout the Midlands, then you should apply for the post of Regional Activism Campaigner. It’s an 8-month fixed term contract and the deadline for applications is 23rd April 2010. Interviews will take place in Birmingham on Thursday, 29th April 2010. More information about the post and how to apply can be found here.

photo by Andrew Brown, BBC Hereford and Worcester

Do you live in Worcester? Do you care about what your potential future MP thinks about climate change or international development? Then you should get yourself a ticket to the election hustings hosted by the Worcester News on Wednesday, 21st April.

Worcester News is giving 100 readers the chance to quiz candidates from the three main parties at a Question Time-style event at Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s Graeme Hick Pavilion, starting at 7:30pm.

The debate will be chaired by Worcester News editor Kevin Ward. Conservative candidate Robin Walker, Labour candidate Mike Foster and Liberal Democrat candidate Jackie Alderson will be taking questions from the audience.

You should get yourself there! To do that you need to apply for tickets and you will then be asked to submit a question. Why not Ask the Climate Question?

To see the full article from the Worcester News, click here.

How to get a ticket

The Worcester News says that ticket applications must be made via email to [email protected] by 15th April.

To apply for tickets you must be eligible to vote in the Worcester parliamentary constituency.

Your email application must include your name and full address and a daytime telephone number.

You must tell us the Worcester News if you are a member of a political party and how you intend to vote in the General Election.

(The above information will be used for audience selection purposes only and will not be published.)

Include in your email the question you would like to ask at the Election Debate. The most popular or pertinent questions will be put to the panel of candidates, who will not be informed of the questions in advance.

Successful ticket applicants and those selected to ask questions will be informed via an email from Kevin Ward, the Editor of the Worcester News.

Find out more about Oxfam’s issues before you go

Want to find out more about Oxfam’s issues or take action in Worcester during the run up to the election? Then check out Oxfam’s dedicated election webpage: www.oxfam.org.uk/election and get inspired!

The election has finally been called and it’s time to start asking the climate question. If you live in the Hereford area, you can do just that in person! Come on down and grill your candidates for the upcoming General Election and put the spotlight on climate action.

Whether you want to know the parties’ plans for the future of the UK’s energy supply, you are concerned about your local environment or you care passionately about the impact that climate change is already having on the world’s poorest people, this is a golden opportunity for you to put your questions directly to your candidates.

Ask the Climate Question is a coalition of organisations including Christian Aid, RSPB, WWF, Cafod, Greenpeace and Oxfam that has come together to raise climate change as an issue during the upcoming General Election.

When: Wednesday, 28th April 2010

Time: 7pm for refreshments, 7.30pm start

Where: The Royal National College for the Blind, 1 College Road, Hereford, HR1 1EE

For more questions about the Hereford hustings or to submit a question in advance, feel free to get in touch with Maya at: [email protected]

RSVP for the event on Facebook. Once you’ve done that, help spread the word in Hereford by downloading this flyer: Hereford ACQ flyer.

Having trouble thinking of a what to ask? Check out these questions for inspiration. You can even email your local candidates beforehand and ask them a climate question directly by taking this quick and easy action.

If you want to take further action in the Hereford and Herefordshire South constituency during the election period, take this action and get inspired with this Oxfam election toolkit.

Stafford, why not Ask the Climate Question?

The RSPB is hosting an election hustings on behalf of the Ask the Climate Question coalition on Thursday, 22nd April 2010.

Whether you care passionately about the impact that climate change is already having on people living in poverty or you’re concerned about your local environment, this is your chance to come and ask your climate questions to your candidates in the upcoming General Election.

Ask the Climate Question is a coalition of organisations including Christian Aid, RSPB, WWF, Greenpeace, Cafod, Tearfund and Oxfam, that has come together to raise climate change as an issue in the run up to the General Election.

When: Thursday, 22nd April 2010

Time: 7.00 pm

Where: Oddfellows Hall, Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2HP

For more information or to submit a question in advance, contact: [email protected] or on 0121 616 6850.

You can also RSVP for the event on Facebook and advertise it locally by downloading this poster: Stafford ACQ poster.

Having trouble thinking of what to ask? Check out these questions for inspiration. You can even email your local candidates beforehand and ask them a climate question directly by taking this quick and easy action.

Want to take further action in the Stafford constituency during the election period? Get inspired with this Oxfam election toolkit.

Wolverhampton South West, it’s your turn to Ask the Climate Question!

Christian Aid and the Wolverhampton World Poverty Action Group have come together to host an election hustings on behalf of the Ask the Climate Question coalition on Saturday, 24th April 2010.

Whether you care passionately about the impact that climate change is already having on people living in poverty or you’re concerned about your local environment, this is your chance to come and ask your climate questions to your candidates in the upcoming General Election.

There will also be a World Poverty Open House from 10am-3pm, where you can find out what the Wolverhampton World Poverty Action Group is doing to tackle the major issues of poverty across the world.

Ask the Climate Question is a coalition of organisations including Christian Aid, RSPB, WWF, Greenpeace, Cafod, Tearfund and Oxfam, that has come together to raise climate change as an issue in the run up to the General Election.

When: Saturday, 24th April 2010

Time: 11.30am – 1pm

Where: St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Lichgates, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TY

For more information or to submit a question in advance, contact: [email protected].

You can also RSVP for the event on Facebook and advertise it locally by downloading this poster: Wolverhampton South West ACQ poster.

Having trouble thinking of a what to ask? Check out these questions for inspiration. You can even email your local candidates beforehand and ask them a climate question directly by taking this quick and easy action.

If you’re interested in getting more involved in the Wolverhampton South West constituency during the election period, get in touch with Oxfam’s community organiser at [email protected] or find out more at the Oxfam Wolverhampton Facebook Group.

You can also get inspired and take action with this Oxfam election toolkit.

Do you live in the Derbyshire Dales? Would you like to quiz your local candidates for the upcoming General Election?

Wirksworth and District Amnesty International and the Derbyshire Dales CVS will be hosting an Election Question Time in Matlock on Friday, 23rd April 2010. This is your opportunity to ask all the candidates the questions that matter to you or your organisation.

When: Friday, 23rd April 2010

Time: 7pm to 9pm

Where: St Joseph’s Parish Hall, off Bank Road, Matlock, DE4 3NG

To book a place in advance and register any specific question you would like to ask, contact Voice for the VCS Project Officer, Claire Thornber at: [email protected].

To download the poster for this event, click here: election_flyer_derbyshire_dales

If you go along, don’t forget to Ask the Climate Question and let us know what the candidates said.

For more information on Oxfam’s campaigns and how you can get involved during the election period in your local constituency, take a look at this Oxfam election toolkit.

Ask the Climate Question is coming to Solihull! Come on down and grill your candidates for the upcoming General Election and put the spotlight on climate action.

Whether you want to know the parties’ plans for the future of the UK’s energy supply, you are concerned about your local environment or you care passionately about the impact that climate change is already having on the world’s poorest people, this is a golden opportunity for you to put your questions directly to your candidates.

Ask the Climate Question is a coalition of organisations including Christian Aid, RSPB, WWF, Cafod, Greenpeace and Oxfam that has come together to raise climate change as an issue during the upcoming General Election.

When: Wednesday, 21st April 2010

Time: 7pm for refreshments, 7.30pm start

Where: The Sixth Form College, Solihull, B91 3WR

For more questions about the Solihull hustings or to submit a question in advance, feel free to get in touch with Maya at: [email protected]

RSVP for the event on Facebook. Once you’ve done that, help spread the word in Solihull by downloading this poster: solihull-acq-poster and this flyer: solihull-acq-flyer.

Having trouble thinking of a what to ask? Check out these questions for inspiration. You can even email your local candidates beforehand and ask them a climate question directly by taking this quick and easy action.

If you want to take further action in the Solihull constituency during the election period, get inspired with this Oxfam election toolkit!

The Global Poverty Project is coming to Birmingham, bringing its groundbreaking new presentation to Birmingham for the first time. 1.4 billion people still live in extreme poverty – less than $1.25 a day. This presentation, supported by the Midlands Co-op, Platform 2 and RESULTS UK, explores not just why this poverty endures, but how ordinary people can take action.

TIME: 7-9pm

DATE: Weds. 7th April

VENUE: The Birmingham & Midlands Institute (City Centre)

ADMISSION: free

Visit http://sites.google.com/site/gppbrum/ for full event details and to pre-register, or www.globalpovertyproject.com to find out about the GPP nationally.

The 1.4 Billion Reasons presentation has been put together with the help of international expert advisors, and takes viewers on a journey through issues of poverty, noting the progress that has been made, the challenges that still remain, and the steps that can be taken on a personal level to create global change. It is a conversation with new audiences, a call to action and reinvigoration on a subject that has lost momentum. Backed by the United Nations and supported by Jeffrey Sachs and Hugh Jackman, the presentation aims to equip people in the UK with the tools to take direct action against poverty, to inspire in them a commitment to reach people in their own communities.

In February the presentation had its UK premiere at St Paul’s Cathedral and is now being rolled out across the country with the goal of reaching 40,000 people.

Whether you have always wanted to know more about global poverty, or if you already know a lot but want to equip yourself with the most up to date facts and strategies, the 1.4 Billion Reasons presentation will be a great place to get more involved.

The Global Poverty Project is an educational and campaigning organisation which began in Australia and works for the creation of a global grassroots movement dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty. The Project supports the idea that effective action to end extreme poverty is currently partially constrained by a lack of public support in northern countries and sees broad-based community education as the best means of addressing this constraint.

Do you live in Edgbaston, Harborne, Bartley Green or Quinton? Do you feel passionately about international development and climate change?

Then you must come to the Ask the Climate Question hustings, hosted by the RSPB on Thursday, 8th April 2010!

Ask the Climate Question is a coalition of organisations – including the RSPB, Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD and the WWF – who, in the run up to the General Election, is coming together to quiz prospective parliamentary candidates across the country about what they would do to tackle climate change and the impact that it is already having on the world’s poorest people.

The event will take place at 7 pm on 8th April at St. Mary’s Parish Centre in Harborne. There is no need to book, but for more information, or to submit a question in advance, please contact Louise Pedersen at the RSPB by telephoning 07912 406125, or e-mailing [email protected].

Why not confirm your attendance via Facebook and then advertise it to your friends?

To download the poster and advertise the hustings in your local area, click here: ACQ Birmingham Edgbaston.

Having trouble thinking of what to ask? Check out these questions for inspiration. You can even email your local candidates beforehand and ask them a climate question directly by taking this quick and easy action.

Want to take further action in the Birmingham Edgbaston constituency during the election period? Get inspired with this Oxfam election toolkit.

In just a few days time, Chancellor Alistair Darling will be announcing the last budget before the General Election. This is the perfect opportunity for him to do something amazing and implement the Robin Hood Tax.

So spare a few minutes and write to the Chancellor to get this happening! Go to this website, enter your postcode and take it from there. There’s a template letter for you to use but I always think it’s better to write from the heart.

Don’t forget to tell your friends!

More about the Robin Hood Tax

The End Water Poverty UK coalition is hosting a live webchat this Thursday, 18th March 2010, at 12.30pm with Mike Foster MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for International Development.

Mr Foster is not only a local Midlands MP, but he is also the Minister responsible for water and sanitation issues within DfiD. This webchat is an opportunity to ask him what DfiD is doing to support people in developing countries who are being affected by water stress due to climate change or do not have adequate access to sanitation. 

All you have to do is go to this website at 12.30 pm on Thursday, 18th March and join the live discussion: www.endwaterpoverty.org/webchat.

The United Nations Association’s Central Region is hosting a climate change talk this Saturday, 20th March 2010 at the Birmingham and Midland Institute in Birmingham city centre. Doors open at 10am for a 10.30am start.

Dr Chris Crean of Friends of the Earth and author Chris Philpott both attended the UN climate change talks in Copenhagen last December and will be talking about what the future holds for the climate change movement.

For more information, contact Mr Gian Clare by email on [email protected] or by telephone on 01926 338 430 or 01926 412 289. Click here to see the poster: climate-change-talk-20th-march-2010-poster.

You’ve probably already heard about the Robin Hood Tax, a tiny tax on bankers that would give billions to tackle poverty and climate change, here and abroad. If not, make sure you read all about it!

Now that you’re clued up, have a look at this hilarious video of the Robin Hood dance. Have a bit of a wiggle and then why not get your local Member of Parliament to do the dance too?

Okay, so maybe that seems a bit impossible but what you can ask them to do is show their support by signing the Early Day Motion 913.

It’s simple! Just go to this site, type in your postcode and find out if your MP has signed the EDM. If they haven’t, ask them to and if they have, say thank you.

The record for MPs signing an Early Day Motion was over 500 way back in 2002 so let’s see if we can beat it and get a step closer to making the Robin Hood Tax a reality!

The Diocese of Leicester is hosting a pre-election hustings event with a panel of candidates standing at the General Election in the city and county. The Faith Leaders Forum – Election 2010: Question Time is taking place at the Leicester Cathedral (LE1 5FX) on March 14, 2010; 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

To download a poster for the event, click here: Interfaith Question Time 2010.

If you are an Oxfam supporter and live in the Leicester area, make sure to go and ask some questions about international development and climate change! If you do attend, please feed back to our office by taking along this feedback form and emailing it to [email protected].

Do you live in the Birmingham Edgbaston constituency? Want to ask David Cameron his views on international development, climate change and even the Robin Hood Tax?

I’ve just found out that Cllr Deirdre Allen from Edgbaston will be hosting Conservative leader David Cameron at a public meeting tomorrow, Thursday 11th February 2010 at 5.30pm.

If you’re a resident of Bartley Green, Quinton, Edgbaston or Harborne, why not attend and show Mr Cameron that the people of the Birmingham Edgbaston constituency feel passionately about overcoming poverty and suffering? The event is free and open to anyone living in the constituency.