A call for events from York groups for a predominantly online environmental festival opens today (Monday 7 September).
The first city-wide York Environment Week (YEW) will run from 28th November to 6th December 2020.
Co-ordinated by York Environment Forum, YEW2020 aims to celebrate and showcase the work of environmental groups active in York, and to amplify ‘The voice for the environment in York’.
The Forum, which was established over ten years ago, plays an active role in local consultation processes, as well as taking a proactive stance on engagement with topical issues.
YEW2020 offers groups the opportunity to work together to share and promote environmental messages, access shared publicity through its website, social media and printed publicity, get practical support for using online technology for YEW event(s) and benefit from YEW branding.
Submissions are welcomed for a range of events, and there are five themes: Energy; Food; Nature; Resources and waste; Transport and travel. Event are likely to be virtual unless actual events can be held in a Covid-safe manner.
Videos, films, slideshows, webinars, recorded presentations/talks/panel discussions for the environment week should be recorded and uploaded to the YEW YouTube channel so that they are available to watch again.
“Our vision is for the YouTube channel to create a legacy for York groups and for YEW,” said York Environment Forum Chair Penny Bainbridge.
“We are particularly keen on show and tell events that inspire participants to learn new skills and make use of good practice.”
The organisers want to encourage the active involvement of young people and marginalised people throughout the YEW programme, which will highlight local and global environmental issues. They hope the programme will offer events that benefit physical and mental health as well as having a positive impact on participants’ financial resources.
Events should be not for profit and open to all to attend.
York Environment Week takes place concurrently with National Tree Week (28 November-6 December 2020) and it is hoped that pledges to plant trees locally will be collected during the week, if not actual tree planting.
Groups wishing to submit an event should read the guidelines on the YEW website and fill out an online form. The closing date for submissions is 18 October.
To apply to be part of YEW 2020, go to: https://yorkenvironmentweek.org.uk/host-an-event/
Information for Editors
Contact for media: Kate Lock Klockworks@btinternet.com 07792 633984
Contact for inquiries: Kate Hignett, info@yorkenvironmentweek.org.uk
Website: https://yorkenvironmentweek.org.uk/
Facebook @YorkEnvironmentWeek
Twitter @YorkEnvWeek
Instagram @YorkEnvironmentWeek
YouTube York Environment Week 2020
York Environment Forum
York Environment Week 2020 is the first such event to be held by York Environment Forum (YEF). York Environment Forum is the voice for the environment in York, encompassing both the natural environment and the built environment.
The Environment Forum has been operating for many years and is one of the outside bodies that the City of York Council works in partnership with. It meets monthly and is open to groups and individuals interested in environmental issues and how they affect York. Annual membership is £5 for individuals and £10 for groups and businesses.
Traditionally, the Forum has functioned as a ‘critical friend’ to the Council, commenting and writing reports on policies and strategies as they relate to York’s environment and, from time to time, campaigning on specific issues.
YEF’s aims and objectives are:
- to advise and comment on policies and strategic issues in York that affect the built and natural environment,
- to encourage community initiatives that improve sustainability,
- to enable information exchange and networking among members and supporters in York,
- to scrutinise and monitor the progress of the Local Plan.
The Forum’s specialist work on the natural environment is carried out through Treemendous and the involvement of other specialist member organisations. It also has a Transport group that is active on strategic issues aimed at improving travel in and around the city.
https://yorkenvironmentforum.org.uk/