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Reflections from ’30 Under 30′

In early March, as part of a group of 30 Young Greens from across the country, I headed to Birmingham, to take part in a weekend of training workshops, in an attempt to learn more about, and become engaged with, Green politics. For me, and many others selected for this year’s Young Greens 30 Under 30 programme, this represented my first true exposure to both the Young Greens, and the Green Party in general: whilst I have been a member for around a year now, taking the first steps took some time. It’s safe to say that, spending three days following a full-to-bursting schedule of talks, workshops and Q&A sessions with a group of bright, passionate, and inspirational young activists left me coming away feeling energised and determined to continue my participation with the Green Party.

The weekend kicked off with a session of icebreakers — something which, it seems, the Young Greens EC is renowned for —, before throwing us in at the deep-end, with an afternoon of talks about Green politics, its roots, key events and figures, and its reality today. Having the opportunity to then participate in Q&A sessions with a whole host of key names in the Green Party, on topics covering a range of policy areas, was an incredible way to begin exploring our interests. On reflection, conducting some of these over video conference now seems to have been something of a practice run for our current situation!

The Green Party, and Green politics more generally, was born from social movements and campaigns, in the UK, Europe, and beyond: the day workshop — a crash course in campaigning — allowed us to explore how we could have an influence on a local level, between election cycles, to create, empower, and ensure a successful social campaign. This all culminated in a final day, during which Natalie Bennett, recently appointed to the House of Lords and ex-leader of the Green Party, came to speak to us about her experiences, campaigning, and elections. This fed into our final day, focussing on local elections, and the Target to Win strategy, in preparation for what were the upcoming local elections in May 2020 — although all relevant information for next spring, with the benefit of additional time to prepare!

Of course, it wasn’t all work — the evenings were a brilliant opportunity to socialise, get to know each other, and reflect on what we had done that day and how we could take it back home with us. Simply being surrounded by such incredible people was an opportunity in itself and not one I took for granted. The programme was planned to continue with five more training days in the weeks and months to come. Due to Covid-19, these have been moved online and opened up for all Young Greens. Additionally, there are a whole host of political education talks in the pipeline, open to all Green Party members and allies/friends. It’s wonderful to see that, whilst our initial plans may have been disrupted due to current circumstances, there are always learning opportunities to be found, and the Young Greens, for their part, are seizing them with enthusiasm.

I’m excited to be a part of this movement, to bring what I’ve learnt home and to see how we can make Three Rivers a Greener place to live.

Kelsey Trevett

Photo of Young Green Party members

Future of the Red Cross Hall

By ns | 22nd October 2023

In their recent Focus newsletter local Liberal Democrats claim the building is “dilapidated”. Many people thought the site was no longer being used.  However, the Red Cross mobility aids service is still open 5 mornings a week and in the afternoon and evening on Thursdays Chris asked Three Rivers District Council for a view.  At […]

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Local Plan Update

By ns | 22nd October 2023

On 17th October Three Rivers District Council agreed to consult residents on a revised Local Plan. Three Rivers Green Party supports the overall approach and the “Low Growth and Green Belt Restraint” strategy. Chris Mitchell and Narinder Sian abstained in the final vote, because the Liberal Democrats refused to remove the British Red Cross Centre […]

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New Green Councillor

By ns | 28th May 2023

The successful candidate Narinder Sian said  “A huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. So proud of the whole team @3RivGreenParty, all our volunteers and the wonderful residents who put their trust in us. Looking forward to getting on with the job with Cllr Chris Mitchell” […]

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Canvassing Croxley Green

By ns | 29th April 2023

Another great day of canvassing in Croxley Green. Huge amount of support on the doorstep – fingers crossed for Polling Day on 4th May. Narinder Sian is our candidate in Croxley Green, Dickinsons ward and we wish him luck and success on polling day in his attempt to accompany Chris Mitchell onto the District Council […]

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Killingdown Farm Development

By ns | 24th February 2023

The Killingdown farm development, which frankly is not popular in Croxley Green, has caused a lot of heartache and issues for the residents living near the site. Green Cllr Chris Mitchell has been working very hard helping residents with issues and liaising with officers in Three Rivers, who are doing their best to keep planning […]

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Caring for Croxley Common Moor

By ns | 16th February 2023

Taking a tea break after a shower of rain Parish councillors, Andrew Gallagher and Narinder Sian, joined the Friends of Croxley Common Moor helping to clear overgrown scrub. The Moor is a precious grassland habitat and without proper management brambles, bushes, and trees can overwhelm it. The Friends welcome volunteers to help with a range […]

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A Moving Memorial

By ns | 16th February 2023

Greens joined councillors from all over the county to pay tribute Chris and Narinder attended the Holocaust memorial day organised by the Chair of Three Rivers District Council. The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, shared a deeply moving personal story. Thank you to the organisers and speakers. […]

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Gifts for Care Homes

By ns | 16th February 2023

Helping to deliver donated gifts to local care homes For the last 8 years, local resident, Emily Benner has coordinated Christmas gift donations to people in care homes with no loved ones. She has since become a parish councillor and has partnered with local charity Small Acts of Kindness. Chris and Narinder were delighted to support […]

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2023 Campaign Launch

By ns | 11th February 2023

The 2023 Campaign launch event held at All Saints’ Church in Croxley Green. Great atmosphere and very positive vibe. Looking forward to the campaign ahead. […]

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Hanging on the line at Three Rivers?  

By ns | 1st February 2023

An average eight-minute wait on the district council customer service line before residents get any response could soon be history, after Green councillor Chris Mitchell got unanimous council approval last month for a five-point strategy to improve the service. “Three Rivers is getting a poor reputation for communications from what people tell me,” says Mitchell. […]

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