JOIN A CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NOTTINGHAM’S ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
• Do you live in Nottingham, within the city boundary?
• Are you over 16 years of age?
• Are you interested in making our city a good place to live in the future?
• Would you enjoy talking with other local people about the future in a safe, positive environment?
If you answer “Yes” to these questions we want to hear from you!
A Citizens’ Assembly is an exciting event where you will learn about and discuss the future of your city. It’s a new way of tackling difficult issues and coming up with positive solutions that build a better world. We will be tackling the following question:
“What would we like the environment of Nottingham to be in the future and how can we move towards it?”
The process requires absolutely no previous knowledge, skills or experience, just a willingness to listen to and consider other people’s views and suggestions. You will take part in interesting activities which will allow the group to find an inclusive and fair way forward for Nottingham.
● When?Sunday May 10th and Saturday May 16th 9.30am-5pm.
● Where? In the City Centre, at Nottingham Contemporary.
● Who? 60 people from different backgrounds, ages and communities. No previous knowledge or skills needed - just an open mind and some good old common sense.
● What? It will be a sociable event. There will be discussion, displays and interesting visits.
● Why? We are all facing environmental challenges in the future and we need plans which will help us all to cope better. What the Assembly decides will be written into a Manifesto and put to decision makers.
● How?All members of the Assembly will receive £150 as a reward for attendance, free public transport and refreshments will be provided.
No experience is necessary; everyone will be supported to ensure their voice is heard.
For more details please see our Frequently Asked Questions below, or for any other queries email us at admin@thenottinghamclimateassembly.com
If you are interested in taking part, please complete our online form here.
FAQs
Do I need to know anything about climate change, how the city is run or have any other special knowledge to take part?
No, absolutely not! You just need to be willing to listen to other people's views and contribute in small groups with the support of trained organisers. They will make sure everyone gets their say and that the whole experience is interesting and enjoyable with everyone having a chance to be heard or make their contribution.
I have no previous experience of discussing climate change, will I be able to understand the discussion?
The information provided during the event will be as jargon-free as possible. There will be opportunities to ask speakers to explain what they mean if what they are saying is not clear.
Do I need to come for both days of the assembly?
Yes, it is essential that you can attend both days, otherwise it won’t be possible to end up with useful proposals at the end of the assembly.
What sort of things will I be doing during the two days?
If you are selected to take part, you will have the opportunity to meet with individuals from all walks of life who live in and around your area. You will hear from engaging speakers, and you will discuss the issues in small groups, with organisers to make sure everyone has their voice heard. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of the topics – all the information you need will be provided during the day and the organisers will ensure that everyone can contribute to the outcomes.
There will be a range of easily understood activities designed to stimulate discussion and provide information that will help people understand the various topics that the groups will be considering. Examples of the sort of things you may be doing include:
● A visit to City as Lab – a stunning interactive 3D model of Nottingham city that allows you to look at relevant aspects such as local climate impacts, transport links, social groupings and the impact of different changes over time.
● Lunch at the Nottingham Contemporary surrounded by an interactive exhibit designed to show you some of the exciting innovations already helping to move the city towards a happier healthier future. Here you will explore in groups how we work together to go even further.
After I register my interest, what happens next?
Once registration has closed, 60 people will be selected from those who registered their interest to take part. The selection process ensures that people from all across the city take part. If you are selected, we will contact you by phone or email to let you know. You will then be asked to confirm that you can attend, and we will discuss any requirements you may have to make that possible and explain what happens next.
If you are not selected to be a participant in the Assembly there will still be an opportunity to contribute. We will keep you informed.
I’d like to be involved but would need child-care, does this rule me out?
No, we are happy to support child-care arrangements. If you are selected, we will talk to you individually.
I have a disability that may affect my ability to take part in the Assembly - will there be any help provided?
Yes. If you are selected, please just let us know about your specific requirements when we contact you.
English is not my first language, will I receive any help?
Yes. If you are selected, please just let us know about your specific requirements when we contact you.
Is there any reward for taking part in the Assembly?
Yes. You will be paid £150 for attending the two days. You will also receive lunch and refreshments during the Assembly.
Will there be any help given with getting to and from the Assembly?
Yes. You will be given day passes for public transport for both days. If you have any special requirements, please let us know after you have been selected.
Who is organising the Citizens’ Assembly?
Nottingham Climate Assembly: a not-for-profit organisation, run entirely by local volunteers, is organising the Assembly on behalf of Nottingham Green Partnership. Nottingham Climate Assembly has previously run a Youth Climate Assembly in Nottingham, and many mini-assemblies in various communities across the city.
What is the Nottingham Green Partnership?
Nottingham Green Partnership is a collaboration of key city partners who are working towards CN28. First formed in 1992, the partnership consists of around 40 organisations and businesses working across Nottingham to develop, share, and encourage everyone to work together to deliver carbon reduction strategies.
What is CN28?
CN28 stands for Carbon Neutral 2028. A Climate and Ecological Emergency was declared by Nottingham City Council in January 2020. This means that tackling the climate crisis became one of the top priorities for the city. Since then, Nottingham set an ambition to be the first carbon neutral city in the UK by 2028. To help us get there, an action plan was created that has more than 250 actions. Completing these will help us to reduce the city’s carbon emissions, remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere, protect the city from the impacts of climate change, and also improve nature in Nottingham.
What will happen after the event?
The outcomes of the Assembly will be published in a Manifesto, which will be the subject of a media campaign, publicising what Nottingham people want to happen. The Manifesto will also be given to the members of Nottingham Green Partnership, including the City Council, the local MPs and the East Midlands Mayor for their attention.
Who can apply?
Anyone who is resident in Nottingham and 16 years old or over can apply. Please note that a maximum of one person per household will be selected to participate.
Where can I get more information?
If you would like to talk to someone before registering or require materials in another language, please contact admin@thenottinghamclimateassembly.com or call: 07300899060.