Election Statement - Frank Green

Election Statement from Frank Green - Midlands

For a quarter of a century since being a national supporter in Coventry I have been an active member of Friends of the Earth Local Groups in Liverpool, Ealing and now in Rugby. I was on the management committee of Merseyside Energy Advice Unit and also of a Liverpool charity providing voluntary services for children. In London my passion for boats led to my chairing a children's water-based activities charity and I am overjoyed that its distinctive building still serves as a hub for the community.

My years in Rugby have been as a parent. I am of course on school PTAs and an active member of the committee of Sustainable Rugby where I am working with the Borough Council to extend environmental sustainability into local schools and community. Our children will be growing up in a very different world to ours. I am passionate that we help them to safeguard their own future through sustainable development and respect for the environment.

As an engineer I have been on the steering group of national ethical groups such as Electronics for Peace (now Scientists for Global Responsibility) and was an early user and supporter of GreenNet and other ethical ventures such as Exchange Resources. I write Rugby FoE’s website and champion the social benefits of digital technologies for campaigning and getting people involved.

I keenly support the environmental benefits of ICT over travel or consumption of materials. My paid work as advisor for the national educational charity leading the effective use of technology in schools, colleges and community learning involves some significant budgets and review of plans and expenditure for programmes.

I believe that Friends of the Earth is the organisation that can make the most difference across a wide range of important issues. I have found Conferences and the Earthmovers very inspiring and it would be a privilege to help shape FoE’s future direction.

I am keen to offer my experience of a number of regions and organisations, my successful experience as an approachable board-level director and team worker through periods of significant change, my grounding in action on local agendas and my passion for sustainable development particularly in the Midlands where my children are growing up.

I would aim to press that in the current economic and political climate that politicians and corporations, locally to internationally, do not abandon their green promises but recognise that environmental solutions remain the best way forward. Although I have been director of a number of companies (including one that devised the forerunner to the most popular UK TV quiz show) I currently hold no directorships, few shares, nor membership of any political party.

I am passionate that local groups are heard and would hope that local group members would approach me with their concerns. I can offer my time, enthusiasm and commitment and I would deeply appreciate your support to help me become a Board member and your mandate for me to work on your behalf.