Movements (Apr '19): Listings for a better future
The Festival of Debate starts at the end of this month, but I'm sure you've read all about it in the magazine so I've avoided mentioning any of the many (interesting, inspiring and important...) events here, and included some of the other happenings in April.
One key date for your diary is International Rebellion Week commencing on 15 April. All across the world, people are occupying public spaces to draw attention to the crisis of extinction we will face without immediate drastic action. It's mostly in London (as per), but do check it out.
Sheffield Against Fracking Monthly Meeting
Tue 2 Apr | Central United Reform Church, S1 2JB | 7:30-9pm
If you're super excited by all the action around climate chaos right now, then you can help the guys behind the anti-fracking movement do the leg work. There'll be discussion of ideas for actions and fundraisers, and how communities across South Yorkshire are coming together. Sign up for SAF newsletter to find out about further regular meetings and other events.
Wed 3 Apr | The Green Room, S3 7SG | 7:30-10:30pm
Raising money to lessen the burden of period poverty, Menstruation Matters and the SU Poetry Society have teamed up to host an open mic. Poets, writers, storytellers are invited to perform and all lovers of the spoken word are welcome. There'll also be a collection box for sanitary product donations, so take down a box of tampons along with your poems.
UBI Lab Sheffield: Do We Need Basic Income to Tackle Climate Change?
Wed 3 Apr | Quaker Meeting House, S1 2EW | 6:30-8:30pm
I love a cross-issue event. This one brings together the thing that will end the world and the thing that will save it. The ways in which Universal Basic Income would change our relationship to work, consumption and environment are almost unimaginable. Johann Beckford will be discussing it's effects, followed by planning for how UBI Lab can achieve a pilot in Sheffield.
Anonymous for the Voiceless: Vegan Outreach
Sat 6 Apr | Fargate | 1-4pm
Passionate Vegans Wanted: convince passersby about to bite in to their Greggs sausage roll that the vegan one really is just as good. You'll be helped by VR headsets for the public to experience how that pig felt before it was rolled up and baked. Head to the Anonymous for the Voiceless stall outside LUSH to give them a hand.
Heading for Extinction - and What to Do About It
Tue 9 Apr | Union St, S1 2JP | 7-9pm
If you need one last push to get the coach down to London for the International Rebellion Week (coaches on Sun 14 Apr, occupation and actions from 15 April), hear Extinction Rebellion Sheffield share the latest climate science, the current psychology around climate change, the consequences if we don't take action immediately and the solutions based on studies of various social movements.
Sat 13 Apr | Sheffield Railway Station | 11am-4pm
In a more traditional style, the Young Greens will be leafleting and talking to local residents about painting Sheffield Green to represent your thoughts on Brexit, insecure work, education, housing, fossil fuels, immigration, homelessness and the right to protest. Up for a chat about any of those topics? Join the Young Greens on their national campaign day.
Food Works: Beer-matched Dinner
Mon 15 Apr | Triple Point Brewery, S1 4SQ | 7-10pm
Check out the new Triple Point Brewery and support Food Works (formerly Real Junk Food Project) raise funds to continue getting bin food and making it amazing - and with matching beer! They run 'pay as you feel' cafes, the Sharehouse Market and a Food Works for School program, all powered by volunteers.
How to Have Engaging Political Conversations
Sat 20 Apr | Union St, S1 2JP | 11am-1pm
Free training for anyone and everyone to build skills and confidence in effectively talking to the public about political issues. What a great thing. Thank you ACORN Sheffield for running these. Learn the skills and then put the training to good use persuading people outside the Town Hall to sign the petition for landlord licensing.
Voices for Change Creative Writing Workshop
Sat 20 Apr | Union St, S1 2JP | 10am-3pm
The It's Our City Campaign are publishing an anthology of writing in 2020. If you need to brush up your words before submitting (deadline 1 August), the wonderful Suzannah Evans is running this workshop exploring how poetry can reflect, engage with and affect political change. Places limited, so book ahead.
