Movements (Dec '18): New Monthly Listings So You Can Change The World
You'll be glad to hear that I've limited the rallies, marches and toe-freezing activities on the path to social change this month.
Instead you'll notice I've included two things you can do online. I'll be giving it a rest for January as well, as I get a heavenly three weeks off over the winter break - as good a reason as any for why we should be growing more jobs in small, local, independent, community organisations.
Solidarity to the good eggs freezing their nogs off for a better world over Christmas - and to those who have no choice.
ACORN Petition For Citywide Landlord Licensing
'Selective licensing' is in place around Abbeydale Rd and Page Hall. Licensing raises the standard of properties and protects tenants' wellbeing, but there are issues with pockets of licensing, pushing renters who can't afford rent increases to other parts of the city. ACORN are raising support for citywide licensing with this petition, and with street stalls and events surrounding it.
The Green Transport Vision for the North - Q&A with Sian Berry
Mon 3 Dec | 6:45-9:30pm | CURC, S1 2JB
Sian Berry, co-leader of the Green Party, will be taking questions about transport issues, including HS2, for which the online consultation closes 21 December. A rare opportunity to hear what the leader of a political party thinks straight from their mouth, rather than having to peer through the murky cloud of media bias to figure it out.
Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind - Pub Quiz Fundraiser
Thu 6 Dec | 7:30-10pm | Old Queen's Head, S1 2BG
SRSB host a regular pub quiz at The Old Queen's Head to fundraise for their work supporting people with sight loss. They're a local independent charity who've been working in Sheffield since 1860, providing events, home visits, equipment, training and information to people of all ages. They're absolutely stellar at organising fundraising events too, so keep an eye on the site for more.
The Future of Progressive Politics - Taking Back Control?
Sat 8 Dec | 1-4pm | The Circle, S1 4FW
A talk from Sheffield's own Prof Andrew Gamble, author of Open Left: The Future of Progressive Politics, on how to create a social democracy fit for the 21st century, followed by what I'm sure will be a pretty heated discussion on whether those three spine-chilling words, 'Take Back Control', can be used for progressive purposes.
AFC Unity vs Millmoor Ladies Reserves
Sun 9 Dec | 2pm kick off | Sheffield Park Academy, S2 1SN
Forget the Boxing Day match crush this year. Get in early instead. Plus it's £31 at Bramall Lane, which is a lot to pay to stand in the cold for two hours. AFC Unity provides that thing that football claims it's all about - positive contributions to the local communities. Fixtures and the team's heartwarming story on their site.
Homeless and Rootless at Christmas: Clothing Donations
Until 14 Dec | 8am-4pm | Union St, S1 2JP
HARC runs a day shelter for vulnerable people over the Christmas period at the Cathedral Archer Project. They are collecting items of clothing (and also need cutlery) from the drop-off box in the Union St Cafe. See their Twitter for details of urgently needed items.
Sun 16 Dec | Berkeley Precinct, S11 8PN
You know how it seems as if the Council hasn't really been representing the people of Sheffield's views recently? That's because through the 'strong leader' system many decisions are made by ten cabinet councillors, leaving 88% of our elected councillors out of the equation. You can help collect signatures calling for a committee-based system on Ecclesall Road on 16 December. Email info@itsoursheffield.co.uk for timings.
Real Junk Food Project Christmas Lunches
19-21 Dec | 12-2pm | Steeple Corner Cafe, S2 2SE
The Real Junk Food Project takes bin food and makes it look well fancy. I've been along to their bistro night and can verify it tastes good too. No longer do limited budgets end up with the office Christmas Dinner at Spoons. Pop in to the cafe to reserve a table.
Mums United & Family Voice: Family Fun Day
Sun 30 Dec | 12-3pm | Common Ground Community Hall, S7 1GR
The well-known festival we use as an excuse to take time off in December is generally seen as a time of coming together, community and giving. I tend to find that bit between Christmas and New Year involves not leaving the house for six days, seeing as there's nothing to do but shop. If you have children screaming with cabin fever, head down for free lunch, henna, arts and crafts, hosted by Mums United, who raise awareness around child welfare and knife crime in Sharrow.
Consultation on Community Consultations by Shale Gas Developers
Deadline 7 Jan
Roll up, roll up! The Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government presents - you heard it right - a consultation on a consultation! It asks whether or not it should be a formal requirement for shale gas developers to consult local communities and publish relevant information before they can submit a planning application for new sites.
