BRISBANE — Some of Australia's leading social change trainers will be here May 1-4 for the Queensland environment movement's first conference dedicated to training environmental and social change activists.
The conference, hosted by the Queensland Conservation Council, will provide an opportunity for activists to hone their campaign and media skills and learn fundraising, communication and team-building techniques.
The program is packed with workshops on managing volunteers, investigative skills, burnout prevention, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
The six highly skilled trainers are Bob Burton and Chris Harris from the Minerals Policy Institute, Melbourne, Bobbi Allen and Katrina Shields from the Social Change Training and Resource Centre, northern New South Wales, Danielle Nielson, experienced in volunteer management, Queensland Craft Council, and Luke Giribbon, a senior consultant for Media Link, one of Queensland's largest public relation and media consultancies.
Strategic planning training will address the design, implementation and evaluation of campaign planning.
Investigative skills for acquiring information will be taught in a workshop covering freedom of information, web researching, corporate information, verification, defamation and communicating with target audiences.
Fundraising workshops will cater for both those starting a program and experienced fundraisers.
Futurologist Peter Ellyard is guest speaker at the conference dinner on May 2. Australia's well-known environmental campaigner, Professor Ian Lowe, will facilitate an entertaining and sharp-witted hypothetical on a current state issue at dinner on May 3.
Vegetarian catering by Sitting Duck Catering is sure to please the wide range of palates. Registration costs are $75 waged/$55 unwaged for three days, meals $45 for three days. Conference participants can choose from a range of accommodation.
The conference will be held at the Baden Powell Scout Park, Samford. Contact the Queensland Conservation Council for registration forms and more information, phone 07 3221 0188.