In March the Young Greens held 30 Under 30 2023, their annual training programme where they trained 30 young people to help them progress to being the next leaders, councillors and activists of the Green Party. The weekend was hosted at Lower Shaw Farm in Swindon. The farm is a former dairy farm now turned into a co-operative for weekend retreats, and hosts a variety of accommodation, meeting rooms and a sauna.
Throughout the three day weekend participants were introduced to a wide range of topics. The first day focused on the Green Party itself, giving participants an introduction to the Young Greens as well as their parent party, alongside Green Politics and Green Party Policy. Bright Green editor, Chris Jarvis, introduced participants to the historical underpinning of Green Politics and how this has developed into the modern day Green Party of England and Wales.
The programme focuses on building the next group of leaders within the Party, a core function of which is winning elections across England and Wales. Participants were introduced to the Green Party’s election strategy “Target to Win” by Frank Adlington-Stringer, former Executive Committee member and current Campaign Organiser. While refining their skills and developing campaign plans, participants learnt how to use effective messaging and communication strategies to win campaigns and share the Green Party message.
Participant Josh Harris from Stoke-on-Trent said “30 under 30 was such a great experience, not only was there so much valuable training on campaigning, but I also met so many amazing people. It was such an enriching weekend, I would really recommend it!”
Lola Karpf commented on the weekend saying “I really enjoyed 30u30 – I felt lucky to have been part of such a special weekend, shaping the next generation of Greens. I learnt a lot of valuable skills to take forward through my involvement with the Green Party and got to be around some amazing, inspiring people!”
The Young Greens 30 Under 30 programme has trained leaders and activists across the Party including current Co-Leader Carla Denyer, and Benali Hamdache, the Green Party’s Migrant & refugee Support Spokesperson and Islington Councillor. This year 30 incredible Young Greens were trained in the programme and their next steps will be ones to watch. The next 30 Under 30 programme will run under the next Executive Committee. Members will receive an email when the programme goes live.
The Young Greens are the Youth and Student Wing of the Green Party of England and Wales. Any Green Party member who is under 30 or a full-time or part-time student is automatically a member of the Young Greens. Join the Green Party here.