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How we work
We think that one of the most exciting things about the Camp for Climate Action is the way that it is organised. Rather than having a small group of people running things, we encourage everyone who comes to the camp (that means you!) to take part in deciding how it will be run.
Democracy is at the heart of our beliefs. We use a system called consensus decision-making, which we think is firstly, fairer than voting, and secondly, produces better decisions and outcomes. In a voting system the majority 'wins', leaving minorities feeling marginalised and excluded, and the different factions don't necessarily try to understand each other's views. Of course, the minority 'losers' probably don't feel very committed to the group's decision! By using consensus decision-making everyone's views are heard, and the group tries to find a solution that addresses everyone's concerns and desires. The result is greater understanding between different individuals and groups, and usually a better decision because everyone has thought carefully about it, and because hopefully everyone who takes part in making the decision feels that they had a stake in the decision and therefore a stake in making it happen.
If you are not used to this type of thing don't worry, it's straight-forward and it will be explained when you come along to national gatherings or local group meetings.
Click here to find out more about the philosophy behind consensus decision making, and click here to find out more about how it works in practice.
A Network of Local Groups
Organising the Camp for Climate Action Aotearoa will be carried out by regional working groups working in partcular geographic areas [like Whangarei, Wellington, Christchurch etc - see our Mailing Groups section on this website] which are communicating online and meeting up regularly in their towns and cities. These meetings are open for all to join both before and at the camp. These groups will carry out ongoing campaigning against the root causes of climate change throughout the year and will be composed of individuals who will be working not only regionally, but also will be working within Issue based working groups like communications, kitchen, finance, outreach etc. Feel free to join whatever groups you want.
Working Groups
While working regionally is important in terms of local decision making, local activities, outreach and planning, it is important that certain issues and components of the project be worked upon on beyond geographic locations. For example, a working group will take responsibility for communications so that our public website may be administered in a centralised fashion [as websites generally are] but with input from people all over the country.
National Gatherings
National gatherings will be ongoing, with representatives of local groups and issue based working groups coming together to make decisions collectively, with input from the groups that they represent. These representatives will rotate from meeting to meeting the spirit of the democratic nature of the camp itself.