Browse our resources

We've put together some resources to help you take climate, environmental and community action. Choose an option from the menu below or view all of our resources.

Start or build a group

Resources to help you start or build an inclusive and active group

International Women’s Day: friendship in the climate space
2024’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. As the organisers aptly say: “when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world”. This year, we’re spotlighting women’s friendship and its crucial role in achieving a gender-just climate space.
How to campaign with young people
Young people are key to building a brighter future. Find out how to collaborate with youth activists and how to welcome them into your group.
Share responsibility for running your group
Successful groups are those where responsibilities are shared and members take on different tasks based on their skills or interest.
What is a local action group and should I start one?
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about local action groups.
Support for you and your group
An overview of the training and support available to local action groups and activists in our network.
Set ground rules
Make sure that meetings are efficient and respectful by encouraging your group to agree on some simple ground rules.
Create a safer space
Find out how to make your group and its activities safer spaces.
Recruit volunteers to your group
Is your local action group missing volunteers with specific skills, such as a social media whiz or a photographer? Reach out and attract new people to your group by downloading, editing and sharing our volunteer template forms.
Resilience and eco anxiety
Building resilience as individuals and within our groups is key to making our activism sustainable. Find out more about how we can look after ourselves and each other as we fight for a just and healthy planet.
Order resources
Need t-shirts, leaflets or props? See what's in stock and place an order for free.
How to take good photos and videos
Photos are a great way to encourage people to take notice of your campaign, and the work of your group. This guide gives you handy tips on how to take effective photos with your smartphone. 
Anti-racism and the environment movement
Fighting injustice and oppression is key to solving shared global problems. Find out why we must embed anti-racist practices into our climate campaigns.
Your guide to climate justice
Climate justice has become the rallying cry for much of the environmental movement. But what is it and how do we make sure it's central to our campaigning? Access resources, explainers and reading lists from the team behind Climate Action groups.
What's climate justice?
Climate justice has become a popular term at protests and strikes. But what does it mean, how is it a "green" issue and why are we focusing on it now? Read our explainer and make sure you're embedding climate justice into campaigning and activism in your local area.
How to welcome new members to your group
How do you make sure newcomers to your group come back? Read our ideas on creating a welcoming environment – they may well come in handy in your workplace too.
Building local alliances
In this guide we'll explain how to find potential allies to work with on your campaigns, and tips and tools for how to go about building those relationships. Our campaigning will be stronger and more impactful the more we collaborate. Big wins come when diverse groups of people come together to build power.
How to hold great meetings
Running smooth, productive meetings with an inclusive culture is vital to healthy groups. Have a look at our tips for how to do this.
10 ways to improve your time management
Campaigning for a better, fairer world takes time. For many climate activists, there’s so much to do, but life often gets in the way. Check out these tips to manage your time more effectively.
How to get media coverage
Media outlets like local radio stations, television and newspapers can be an incredibly powerful tool to help spread the word about your campaign goals and successes, and even influence decision makers. Find out how to use the media to promote campaigns, handle requests from journalists and become an effective spokesperson.
4 ways to support your community in times of crisis
During times of crisis, it's natural to want to do your part to help. Check out 4 ways you can help your community, which our groups learnt from the coronavirus pandemic but can be used in any time of emergency.
Register your new group
We're so excited that you want to be part of the local action network. Once you've completed your form, a regional member of staff will be in touch about next steps. 
Apply for a grant
Apply for a grant from the local action group and/or partnerships fund to support the development of your group or its campaigning activities.
Kick-start local climate action
Can't find a group near you? Why not set up your own? We'll be there to help you every step of the way.
Recruit new people to your group
Securing action on local causes that matter most to you means building a strong and visible profile in your community. Find out why bigger is better when it comes to growing the grassroots movement, and what your group can do to recruit new members.
Top tips for organisers
Coordinating a group and organising its activities may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are our top tips for local action group organisers to seamlessly coordinate a thriving group.
Lobbying. What's it all about?
Find out how to encourage and work with your local leaders on issues that matter to you and your community.
Climate action messaging
Use our messaging guidelines to help you reach out to people to talk about climate change and your local action group.  
Hold your first campaigning event
Whether online or in person, making a difference in the places where we live is the most powerful way we can respond to the climate and ecological emergency. Read our guidance on how to host your first campaigning event.

Campaign topic guides

Template letter to council leaders on Anti-Boycott Bill
Download and edit this template letter to council leaders on the Anti Boycott Bill.
Legal right to a healthy environment
Our environment is in crisis, and the situation is getting worse. To turn things around, we need the next government in Westminster to pass a law recognising the right to a healthy environment as a human right.
Kale Yeah! Kitchens Putting sustainability on the menu
Kale Yeah! Kitchens is a sustainability scheme designed for university and workplace canteens, which will help reduce consumption of meat and increase plant-based meals on your menus. Find out how to launch your own scheme.
Our campaign to stop deforestation and human rights abuses
Deforestation and human rights abuses like land grabbing are all too common in corporate supply chains. Find out more about how you and your group can hold companies to account for damage they cause.
Why we should campaign on international causes
Members from our network share why showing solidarity with international causes is vital to our fight for people and planet.
Why solidarity matters
We often hear the word solidarity, but what is it, and why does it matter when it comes to environmental justice campaigning? Read below to find out more.
Gender justice and dismantling patriarchy
A look at Friends of the Earth International's position on gender justice and dismantling patriarchy.
Human rights defenders
A look at Friends of the Earth International's work on human rights defenders.
Food sovereignty
A look at the work our groups and Friends of the Earth International do on food sovereignty.
Economic justice and resisting neoliberalism
Find out what Friends of the Earth International and our network are doing to campaign for economic justice and resist neoliberalism.
Forests and biodiversity
Find out what Friends of the Earth International and our network are doing to campaign for forests and biodiversity.
How to talk about flooding
This guide will provide you with some key messaging and resources to talk about flooding across the UK.
Policing and power: know your rights for protests and demos
Learn how to keep yourself safe when protesting or attending a demonstration. This handy guide covers planning actions, police power and your rights.
How to campaign for more tree cover in your area
You can help protect the climate and restore nature by increasing tree cover in your area. This guide explains how to get your council to grow more trees in your neck of the woods.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Do you find Environmental Impact Assessments confusing? If so, this guide will help you understand how they work and how to engage in the process.
How to double tree cover in your area: briefing for councillors
Trees help to protect the climate, improve air quality, support more wildlife, reduce flood risk and improve people’s wellbeing. This briefing, compiled by Friends of the Earth's Trees campaigning team, details how councils can access land and money to double local tree cover.

In-person campaigning

Summer Action Gatherings
Our Summer Action Gathering is a friendly, inclusive event for Friends of the Earth local action group members and the wider environmental justice activist network. Join us for a day of sharing, connecting, plotting and planning.
Power structure analysis exercise
Use this exercise to nail down the key people with power to make the change you’re campaigning for.
Campaign overview worksheet
Use this worksheet at the end of your planning process to help you organise your campaign ideas.
How to use Gibbs' reflective practice cycle in your campaigns
When it comes to campaigning, learning from experience is important. But without reflection, improvement is difficult. Learn how you can use Gibbs’ reflective practice cycle to turn your experiences into insights and better your future campaigns.
Tactics chart
Explore the different tactics you can use in your campaign and the reasons for choosing them.
Target influence analysis
Use this target influence analysis to explore how you can influence your campaign target and their wider networks.
Campaign criteria checklist
Use this campaign criteria checklist to help your group decide which campaigns to run.
Activity checklist for campaign planning
Use this checklist for each of the activities in your campaign plan to ensure you're getting the most out of each one.
How to campaign
Are you planning a new campaign? STOP! Your campaigning will be far more impactful if you create a strong and clear campaign strategy. Follow this short video series, download the activity sheets and learn how to create a campaign plan with your group.
How to have persuasive conversations
Having persuasive conversations with people in our communities is vital for shifting thinking and moving people to take specific action. This guide will help you to have more effective, engaging conversations.
Run a stall
Running a stall is one of the core activities of any local action group, so get our top tips.
Share responsibility for running your group
Successful groups are those where responsibilities are shared and members take on different tasks based on their skills or interest.
Kale Yeah! Kitchens Putting sustainability on the menu
Kale Yeah! Kitchens is a sustainability scheme designed for university and workplace canteens, which will help reduce consumption of meat and increase plant-based meals on your menus. Find out how to launch your own scheme.
Ask the expert Book a session with an expert
Working on an environment campaign and need some help? Book a session with one of our subject experts and experienced campaigners who can help answer your questions or give you advice on how to develop your campaigns.
Policing and power: know your rights for protests and demos
Learn how to keep yourself safe when protesting or attending a demonstration. This handy guide covers planning actions, police power and your rights.
How to campaign on the council elections
In May 2024 we have an opportunity to ensure councils across England, no matter their political party, take climate breakdown seriously, play their part to address the cost of living crisis and commit to making our towns and cities greener and fairer for everyone.
How to get media coverage
Media outlets like local radio stations, television and newspapers can be an incredibly powerful tool to help spread the word about your campaign goals and successes, and even influence decision makers. Find out how to use the media to promote campaigns, handle requests from journalists and become an effective spokesperson.
Spark a conversation
Do you need to set up a social media account for your community group? Follow our guidelines on using these platforms and help boost your group’s profile and grow your follower base.

Work on a Climate Action Plan

All the plans, templates and guidance to secure a Climate Action Plan for your area

Climate Action Plan for the next Mayor of South Yorkshire
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 9 priorities for the next Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for South Yorkshire.
How to campaign on the 2024 mayoral elections
In May 2024 over 45% of voters in England will be able to vote for their next elected combined authority mayor or the Mayor of London. Find out how to campaign for ambitious climate action in these regions.
Climate Action Plan for the new Mayor of York and North Yorkshire
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the new Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for York and North Yorkshire.
Climate Action Plan for the next Mayor of West Yorkshire
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the next Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for West Yorkshire.
Climate Action Plan for the next Mayor of the West Midlands
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the next Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for the West Midlands.
Climate Action Plan for the new Mayor of the North East
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the new Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for the North East.
Climate Action Plan for the next Mayor of London
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the next Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for London.
Climate Action Plan for the next Mayor of Liverpool City Region
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the next Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for Liverpool City Region.
Climate Action Plan for the next Mayor of Greater Manchester
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the next Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for Greater Manchester.
Climate Action Plan for the new Mayor of the East Midlands
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the new Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for the East Midlands.
Climate Action Plan for the next Mayor of Tees Valley
Mayoral elections are happening this May. Find out our top 10 priorities for the next Mayor and download our Climate Action Plan for Tees Valley.
Climate Action Plan for Wales
Read the Climate Action Plan for Wales from Friends of the Earth
8 lessons learned from councils leading the way on climate
Sandra Bell, Senior Sustainability Analyst, shares 8 keys to success for councils that want to act on climate. The keys were taken from 40+ case studies of councils acting on everything from transport to habitat protection.
Climate Action Plan for schools and colleges
Download our free Climate Action Plan for schools and colleges to access 50 ways students and teachers can make their community more climate friendly.
How to campaign on the council elections
In May 2024 we have an opportunity to ensure councils across England, no matter their political party, take climate breakdown seriously, play their part to address the cost of living crisis and commit to making our towns and cities greener and fairer for everyone.
Climate Action Plan for Northern Ireland councils
Our 40-point Climate Action Plan to help councils in Northern Ireland tackle the climate and nature emergency.
Climate Action Plan for Wales
Wales is at a critical crossroads. But if the Welsh Government adopts our Climate Action Plan, it has a real chance to combat climate and ecological breakdown, and build a fairer society for the Welsh population. Read the plan.
Understanding how your council works
Approaching your council for the first time can be confusing. But you don’t need to be an expert to work with your council – often it’s simply knowing the right person to contact. This guide will help you get your head around how your council works and who you need to speak to.
Climate Action Plans for mayors
Combined authority mayors and the Mayor of London are directly elected leaders and can have significant powers within an area. Find out how these mayors came about, why they're becoming even more important, and what they can do to act on climate and nature and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Affordability, co-benefits and carbon saving: the top Climate Actions for councils
There are many actions your council can take to tackle climate breakdown. But which actions pack the biggest punch in terms of impact?
Climate Action Plan for Parish and Town Councils
Parish and town councils may not be as powerful as local authorities but they can “do their bit” in addressing the climate and nature emergency and be a force for change.
Guide to meeting with your parliamentary candidates
Wondering how to secure a meeting with your parliamentary candidate? We've got a plan.
Climate Action Plan for councils
A step-by-step climate action plan you can develop with your local authority to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and coronavirus recovery.
Win an ambitious Climate Action Plan for councils
We urgently need councils to turn their climate emergency declarations into concrete action by adopting and implementing a Climate Action Plan. That's why we've created this guide to help you campaign for an ambitious Climate Action Plan in your area.
Guides to topics within the Climate Action Plan for councils
Climate Action Plan for councils explained.
Get your council to adopt a Climate Action Plan
Councils up and down the country have made commitments to take climate action. Local communities must play a part in making sure they deliver on these commitments. Find out what part your council can play and how you can work with them to help tackle the climate crisis.
Lobbying. What's it all about?
Find out how to encourage and work with your local leaders on issues that matter to you and your community.
Learn from others
Learn from tried and tested initiatives helping local authorities tackle the climate crisis.

Campaigning online

Guides to help communicate your campaign

How to use social media in your election campaigning
Local elections for councils and combined authority mayors are taking place in May 2024. Find out how to use social media to campaign on local elections.
Planet over Profit MP letter template
A template letter for groups in the Planet over Profit campaign to send to their MPs.
How to build and manage your website
Having a website is important in today's digital world. Find out everything you need to know if your local action group wants to create and manage its own website.
Keep your email list interested
Growing an active email list is a great way to build a relationship with people who've already shown an interest in your group.
Write an effective email
Email is a great way to reach a lot of people at the same time and promote your group’s work. But persuading people to take action after reading an email takes work.
Friends of the Earth brand guidelines
View our brand guidelines, including how to use brand colours, fonts and logos. Learn about best accessibility and photography practice.
Welcome webinar event
Come along to this introductory session to learn more about our local action group network, campaigns and how you can get involved.
Plan a campaign action
Learn how to get creative with your campaigning to boost your profile and influence local decision-makers.
Dirty pensions: is your council funding the climate crisis?
Despite over 75% of local councils declaring a climate emergency, billions of pounds are still invested in planet-wrecking projects through local government pension funds.
Action Network: campaign online
A digital campaign platform to support your local campaigning and promote your group.
Create a digital petition
Petitions can be a great way to spread ideas and build support for change. The best petitions follow a simple formula designed to help the reader quickly understand why taking action will make a difference. 
4 top tips to make a successful event booking page
Creating a successful booking page and promoting it is essential when organising an event. Whether it’s a social gathering, workshop or demonstration, a great events page can help ensure your event is a success, and even help boost your mailing list. Here’s how to make the best possible event booking page. 
Ask the expert Book a session with an expert
Working on an environment campaign and need some help? Book a session with one of our subject experts and experienced campaigners who can help answer your questions or give you advice on how to develop your campaigns.
How to take good photos and videos
Photos are a great way to encourage people to take notice of your campaign, and the work of your group. This guide gives you handy tips on how to take effective photos with your smartphone. 
Creating images with Canva
Guidance and templates for you to create images for your campaign.
How to get media coverage
Media outlets like local radio stations, television and newspapers can be an incredibly powerful tool to help spread the word about your campaign goals and successes, and even influence decision makers. Find out how to use the media to promote campaigns, handle requests from journalists and become an effective spokesperson.
How to facilitate an online meeting
Facilitating meetings online is a new experience for many people. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you run an effective and inclusive meeting online.
7 tips for online meetings 
A simple guide to get the most from your video conference calls.
How to campaign at home during the coronavirus pandemic
The most important thing you can do right now is to keep yourselves and your communities safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Getting the best from Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing tool that's great for taking your meetings and events online.
Tools to help you campaign online
We’ve gathered a list of the best free tools to help you shift your efforts online anytime.
Spark a conversation
Do you need to set up a social media account for your community group? Follow our guidelines on using these platforms and help boost your group’s profile and grow your follower base.

Community data

Bespoke tools, legal guides and data to support campaigning in your community

Constituency tool sources and methodology
Sources and methodology for Friends of the Earth's 2024 State of the Environment report.
Near you
Understanding how your area is performing on key climate issues is an important step to figuring out the changes needed in your community.  
How to campaign for more tree cover in your area
You can help protect the climate and restore nature by increasing tree cover in your area. This guide explains how to get your council to grow more trees in your neck of the woods.
Woodland opportunity mapping by local authority - full dataset
Woodland opportunity mapping by local authority - full dataset

Policies, guidelines, and downloads

Insurance guidance
Find about Friends of the Earth insurance guidance for Friends of the Earth registered local action groups (who have signed the local action group charter) and registered United for Warm Home hubs.
How to update your local action group page
We provide a page for every local action group on our website. Here’s how to update the content on your group’s page.
Friends of the Earth brand guidelines
View our brand guidelines, including how to use brand colours, fonts and logos. Learn about best accessibility and photography practice.
Policies, guidance and grants
Access all the important policies and guidance you need, including how to apply for a grant and how to order materials.
Fundraising guidance
Our top tips for raising money effectively while complying with fundraising regulations.
Safeguarding
This guide is to help groups to understand what safeguarding means and ensure that they take the necessary steps to keep everyone safe and meet any legal safeguarding requirements.
Political impartiality
All local action groups are required to follow the political impartiality guidance to ensure they are as effective as possible in tackling the climate and ecological emergency.
Anti-racism and the environment movement
Fighting injustice and oppression is key to solving shared global problems. Find out why we must embed anti-racist practices into our climate campaigns.
Green and fair recovery policies
We need government to lead a green and fair recovery plan following the coronavirus pandemic. Download the policies behind Friends of the Earth's proposed plan.
Our values
Together we will campaign for Climate Action according to these values. We are...
Downloadable materials for your campaign
Download materials to use for your climate campaigning.
Climate action messaging
Use our messaging guidelines to help you reach out to people to talk about climate change and your local action group.  

Featured resources

How to campaign
Are you planning a new campaign? STOP! Your campaigning will be far more impactful if you create a strong and clear campaign strategy. Follow this short video series, download the activity sheets and learn how to create a campaign plan with your group.
Policies, guidance and grants
Access all the important policies and guidance you need, including how to apply for a grant and how to order materials.
Ask the expert Book a session with an expert
Working on an environment campaign and need some help? Book a session with one of our subject experts and experienced campaigners who can help answer your questions or give you advice on how to develop your campaigns.
Learn from others
Learn from tried and tested initiatives helping local authorities tackle the climate crisis.